Experience the Serenity of “The Dunes of Naples” Artwork
Let me take you on a journey to a place that’s near and dear to my heart: Naples, Florida. For the past 25 years, I’ve had the pleasure of vacationing at a charming boutique resort called Gulf Pointe, right on the stunning Vanderbilt Beach. This hidden gem is a mere 150 feet from the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters, where I’ve spent countless hours basking in the sun and letting my trusty 35mm camera capture the beauty around me—especially the flowing grasses and sand dunes at sunset. The top-left condo in this painting? That’s been mine for years, and it’s where the inspiration for this piece, The Dunes of Naples, came from. Every time I look at the Dunes of Naples, I’m reminded of the peaceful, wind-kissed sands and the vibrant sunsets that have shaped this piece of my life.
Gulf Pointe in Naples, Florida – a custom beach art commission celebrating the resort’s unique coastal charm.
But The Dunes of Naples isn’t just a painting. It marks a new chapter in my artistic journey—one I never could’ve predicted.
In 2017, while I was still in Naples on vacation, I had the good fortune of walking into a local gallery—Gallery Vibe. The owner, Shelby Ward, was kind enough to listen to my pitch, and after I showed her some photos of my work, she had some advice. Shelby told me, “No, but let me give you a tip. Google the top 10 art galleries in different cities across America, check out their websites, and if you think your style would fit, send them a blind email asking for representation.”Well, I took her advice. I sent out over 50 emails and waited. Some came back asking for money (no thanks), and others didn’t reply at all. But then, five months later, I received an email that would change everything.
The subject line read: “Introduced by Dennis from Centaur Galleries.” My heart skipped a beat when I saw it. The email said:
“Hello, Clark Sheppard,
It is nice that Dennis from Centaur Galleries in Las Vegas recommended you to us.
We are an international company that deals with art and technology; we are Muzillion Art. We have a gallery in San Diego now and open later these months. You can check our Facebook below for more information. Our new website will be published in September, and you will see a modern look. And the name will be changed from Oil Painting Town to Muzillion Art then.
It is enjoyable to view your art. We appreciate that. Would you be interested in being our artist and participating in the American Contemporary Art Show for private collectors in China in November and Hong Kong, Korea next year? We need good new artists to expand.
Let me know your thoughts, and I will be looking forward to your reply.
Thank you,
Best Regards!
Nimin Chen
Vice President”
A few months later, I was on my way to China. I booked my flight, secured my visa, and landed in Guangzhou, China, on December 27th, 2018, to participate in the American Contemporary Art Show. This private art show was a first-class operation, and let me tell you, the Red Carpet was rolled out. I was greeted by TV cameras and news outlets, and the show itself was a professional spectacle. I brought 12 original paintings to the event, and guess what? They all sold—every single one.
The cherry on top came when we were invited by Arthur Wang, the benefactor of the American Contemporary Art Show, to a closing night dinner. We learned about exciting upcoming art shows there, and the best part? I was invited back to China for 2-3 months, with all expenses paid—airfare, lodging, meals, the whole package—to create even more artwork. Incredible, right?
So, while I look at The Dunes of Naples hanging in my home every morning over breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I feel immense gratitude for all the experiences this painting has brought me. And, here’s the good news: The Dunes of Naples is still available for you to enjoy as much as I do!
This original piece Dunes of Naples, is a reminder of a place that’s meant so much to me, and I’m thrilled to offer the Dunes of Naples in various formats, so you can bring a little slice of Naples into your own home. From hand-signed wonderful photo plaques to giclée art prints on canvas, there’s a perfect option to suit your style. Whether you’re looking for a large statement piece or something smaller to add a pop of color, these formats bring out the vibrancy and glow of the artwork.
If you’re a fan of coastal scenes like I am, you might also appreciate some of my other beach-inspired works. Check out my Always on Vacay, a tranquil piece that captures the peaceful essence of sand dunes. Or perhaps my LaJolla, which beautifully portrays the calming coastal cliffs and crashing waves. And if serene sunset views are your thing, you won’t want to miss Serenity at Sunset, a piece that perfectly captures the calm of the water at the day’s end.
Whether you’re drawn to the beach or the desert, my art has a little something for everyone. Take a stroll through my Southwest landscape originals like the Dunes of Naples or more works that inspire peace, energy, and color.
So, what do you say? Would you like to bring a piece of this serene paradise into your space? You can find this original painting The Dunes of Naples, along with my other works, right here on my website.
Each piece tells a story, and I’m truly humbled to share mine with you. And yes, if you’ve read this far, I promise no more shameless self-promotion—well, maybe just a little! Why not purchase “The Dunes of Naples” for your home and experience the calming feel it will give you?
For those who appreciate fine art that resonates deeply, Sedona’s Mystical Moonrise and Sky of Grace are additional pieces that explore the mystical qualities of the desert and the transformative power of nature.