Fading Lines – Chesapeake Workboat in Grass
Tucked deep in the salt marshes of Smith Island, Virginia, the bow of this weathered skiff rises from the grass like a monument to a vanishing way of life. Its paint peels in soft curls, its wood split and rust-stained by time and tide — yet it still stands proud, echoing stories of long days on the water and a culture shaped by Chesapeake winds and water.

Photographed low to the ground with a wide-angle lens, this image centers the boat like a sculpture — a perfect blend of decay and dignity, surrounded by marsh grass swaying beneath heavy skies. It’s a portrait of coastal resilience, of workboats that once hauled crab pots and memories across the Bay.

This skiff no longer floats, but in its stillness, it carries weight — a reminder of watermen’s history, generational knowledge, and the enduring spirit of the Chesapeake’s working waterfront.

Available in a variety of fine art sizes and finishes — perfect for collectors of nautical art, maritime history lovers, or anyone drawn to the quiet strength of forgotten vessels and salt-weathered wood.