The Labrador retriever is a very powerful swimmer, known for recovery work in all kinds of water conditions including extreme cold. They were originally bred to work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish. Eventually they were cross-bred with other breeds such as setters and spaniels and what we know as a Lab today became a prized game retriever for hunters, and has a famously even temperament.

The setting for this painting is Marblehead on Lake Erie. There’s a beautiful lighthouse and rocks that overlook the lake, but every time there’s a nor’easter, you get tremendous waves coming in. Mom was going to take the pup in for a lesson, but the waves are too big, so there are no swimming lessons today. - JW