"The Surface" by Victoria Gordon is an evocative oil painting that captures a mermaid's curious gaze upward towards the shimmering water's surface. The mermaid, painted in a cascade of vibrant blues and greens, contrasts strikingly against the dark, deep sea background, emphasizing her yearning for the unknown world above. Gordon's use of dynamic brush strokes and scattered light effects mimics the movement of water, creating a lifelike representation of underwater currents and the play of light through water. The mermaid's pose, with her tail gently curving and her body arching towards the light, suggests both longing and hesitation. This painting beautifully encapsulates the allure of the unexplored and the enchantment of the ocean's depths, inviting viewers to ponder the boundaries between two distinct realms.