The work reflects the Impressionists' research into color. Boudin uses different shades of color juxtaposed to create particular, dynamic visual effects. In the waves, for example, he uses blue, gray, green and mauve to represent the reflections on the water. Similarly, to create the sand, Boudin uses quick touches of red, yellow, green, ochre, white and black to create rich visual effects. These effects are echoed in the clouds, painted in shades of gray and enhanced by sparing touches of white.
In this way, the work ties in with the Impressionists' desire to render natural visual effects by exploring the pictorial possibilities, particularly of the brushstroke.