Pastel Skies

Location: Gulf Shores, AL

I didn’t know what I had at the time.

Standing on the soft sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama, I was just another person with a camera, chasing something I didn’t yet understand. The ocean stretched out before me, vast and rhythmic, its waves rolling in with a calming predictability. The sky burned with the last whispers of daylight, cotton candy hues melting into the horizon. It was beautiful, sure—but back then, I didn't think much of it.

At that stage in my journey, nature photography was more of an experiment than a pursuit. I clicked the shutter, adjusting settings on instinct rather than experience. I wasn’t thinking about composition, or motion, or how the sand might reflect the warm glow of the sky. I was just… taking pictures.

But looking back, this image feels like a quiet whisper from the universe telling me I was on the right path. The long exposure smoothed the waves just enough to capture the motion of the ocean without losing its energy. The soft colors in the sky painted a perfect backdrop, as if nature had set the stage just for this moment. And the wet sand—streaked with reflected light—brought it all together in a way I hadn't intended, but now can’t imagine any other way.

I didn’t know what I had at the time. But I do now.

It was the first step in a journey I didn’t even realize I had started.

Every piece from Riley Clark Fine Art ships free and fully insured within the United States. Each order is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged with care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

• Fine Art Paper prints are carefully rolled with acid-free protective sheets, then secured inside heavy-duty, crush-resistant tubes to prevent creasing or bending during transit.

• Framed and Canvas prints are wrapped in multiple layers of protective foam and corner guards before being boxed in double-walled cartons for maximum safety.

• Metal prints are packaged using padded spacers and custom-fit materials to keep them secure. For larger metal pieces, custom-built wood crates are used to provide additional protection and ensure stability throughout shipment.
  

Every shipment is fully insured from the moment it leaves the studio until it arrives safely at your door. In the rare event that your artwork is damaged during shipping, I will replace it at no cost to you. No returns required, no hassle — just a genuine guarantee that your art will arrive exactly as intended.

Your artwork should reach you the same way it left the studio: protected, beautiful, and ready to display for years to come.

Each piece is made to order, handcrafted with care, and created using archival materials. Estimated arrival dates shown at checkout already include these production timelines.

• Production Time: 2–3 business days
• Printed on museum-grade materials and inspected for color and quality before shipping.

Every piece is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged for safe delivery.

If your artwork arrives damaged or with a production flaw, I’ll replace or remake it at no cost.

Because each print is custom-made, returns aren’t accepted — however, exchanges for preference or sizing can often be arranged within 14 days.

Please reach out and I’ll do my best to accommodate.