“Feast of a Star” is one of the first paintings that April Randall created in her new studio, Windy Gallery and Studios, in 2024. Before opening her own studio and offering space to other local artists, her sailboat was both home and studio for 10 years. She lived and moved around the islands, scenery changing every other day as she anchored in new places. Her work is ever-inspired by the creatures she has shared space with.

After witnessing the sea star population decimated by wasting disease, Randall was heartened last year to witness their resurgence and was inspired to create this piece. In it, a purple ochre sea star rests on a barnacled rock, its intricate textures three-dimensional, its colors so fluid one can almost see movement.

“I hope viewers of this piece will walk away thinking about how intricate our world is, with complex creatures that are both fragile and resistant,” she explained.

This piece also highlights the depth that Randall has been able to achieve with watercolors. Watercolors, her main media, aren’t usually known for their dimension or depth, but in “Feast of a Star” she coaxed the paints to offer those elements anyway. Randall loves how watercolor flows — how it can act as a partner that moves itself around the composition.

“Feast of a Star” can be purchased at Windy Gallery and Studios on Spring Street.