From My Sketchbook:
I had thought the previous day and week had been remarkably hot and humid, but this day outdid all the rest. There was an “Excessive Heat” warning, it was already 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit air temperature by 11:00 AM and the heat index value was in excess of 114 degrees at mid-day (and came down to a balmy 75 that night). The sand was too uncomfortable to walk on barefooted for any length of time, fast dashes between the cool wet sand at the water’s edge and the protection of a beach blanket were about all anyone attempted to manage. The heat was formidable and the sun was unobstructed by any cloud cover, and still there were sun bathers lying out on towels and reclining chairs, soaking up the sun’s rays.
Regardless of this heat wave I was surprised at how comfortable I was while sitting in the shade of a beach umbrella. There was protection from the sun, and a constant, comforting breeze coming over the beach from the ocean. Even though it was cooler by comparison, I hadn’t been able to sketch in town on the previous day due to the humidity and heat radiating from the asphalt, concrete, and brick of the road, sidewalks, and brick buildings, but here at the beach on a significantly hotter day I was enjoying my time relaxing, and making this sketch.