Although they are both set beside the sea, Only Between the Flags and One More Game tell two very different stories about New Zealand’s coastline. One is dramatic and cautionary, the other warm and nostalgic. Together they remind us that every beach has its own personality, shaped not only by geography but also by the memories we attach to it. Both paintings celebrate the ocean’s attraction, yet they also quietly acknowledge an important truth: however inviting the water appears, it should always be treated with respect.
Only Between the Flags transports us to the rugged west coast. Here, black sand stretches beneath towering clouds that dominate the horizon. The beach feels vast and almost empty, interrupted only by the lifeguard tower standing watch and the familiar red and yellow flags planted at either end of the safe swimming area. The scene is filled with quiet tension. Sunlight catches the edge of the clouds, but beneath them darker masses gather, hinting at weather that could change without warning.
The west coast has always carried a sense of unpredictability. Powerful surf, hidden rips, and shifting tides make these beaches both magnificent and unforgiving. The lifeguard tower becomes more than a structure; it represents vigilance, experience, and the knowledge that nature deserves respect. The title itself echoes the advice heard by generations of New Zealanders: swim only between the flags. It is a simple message that has saved countless lives.
By contrast, One More Game feels relaxed and familiar. A vintage caravan is parked beneath trees that cast long afternoon shadows across golden grass. Folding chairs wait beneath the awning, while a swingball set and paddle suggest a family reluctant to pack away the day’s fun. Beyond the campsite lies a calm, sheltered beach, its turquoise water glowing beneath a brilliant blue sky. Even the distant cloud seems less threatening, softened by the warmth of the scene.
This painting could easily be set somewhere along the sheltered beaches of the Hauraki Gulf. Unlike the pounding surf of the west coast, these eastern beaches invite families to linger. The gentle water encourages swimming, kayaking, fishing, and long afternoons spent doing very little at all. The title, One More Game, captures a feeling familiar to anyone who has enjoyed a summer holiday. One more rally before dinner. One more swim. One more hour before the drive home. Childhood has a wonderful way of stretching time.
Although their moods are very different, the paintings are connected through their understanding of the sea. In both works, the ocean is beautiful, but it is never presented as something to be taken for granted. Whether facing the Tasman Sea or the sheltered waters of the gulf, the coastline demands awareness and humility. Calm conditions can change, weather can arrive unexpectedly, and even seemingly gentle water deserves caution.
Visually, the contrast is equally striking. Only Between the Flags relies on deep blues, greys, and dramatic cloud formations to create an atmosphere of power and scale. One More Game celebrates saturated summer colours, bright sunlight, and the cheerful geometry of the caravan and campsite. One painting looks outward toward nature’s strength, while the other focuses on the simple pleasures shared with family and friends.
Together these works offer two perspectives on the New Zealand beach experience. One reminds us to be careful, the other encourages us to stay a little longer. Between them lies a shared appreciation for the coast that has shaped so many of our memories, teaching us that the sea can be both our greatest playground and our greatest teacher.
27.One more game.2
