My first encounter with a horn shark was during my very first night dive at La Jolla Shores. Out of the inky blackness, a three-foot-long shark suddenly appeared and cruised quietly just beneath me. It was an unforgettable introduction to one of my favorite Southern California sharks.

Since that first encounter, I’m always excited to spot a horn shark. During the day, they can often be found resting between rocks, tucked away and seemingly unbothered by the world around them.

This piece was inspired by an encounter at the Marine Room, where I watched a horn shark glide above the surf grass in the natural sunlight. The light revealed something I hadn’t fully appreciated before—the almost metallic quality of its skin. I incorporated metallic paint into this piece to capture that subtle shimmer and recreate the way the shark seemed to glow as it moved through the water.

Original acrylic pointillism on 15 × 20-inch canvas.

The original is still available for purchase.