The artwork boldly portrays the mating between a male and a female turtle. Most sea turtles are solitary creatures and only come together during mating season. Mating can be a dangerous activity for them. The male holds onto the female and she has to support the weight of both of them whilst at the same time regularly surface for air. Mating can take several hours. Afterward, the male will try to hang on to his partner’s shell to prevent other males from mating with her. Several males may compete for one female at the same time, aggressively biting his tail and flippers to get him to let go of her. This is even more difficult when several males compete for her and she may be at risk of being drowned. The turtles mating in the painting, with their necks protruding and heads looking above, are enjoying the blissful moments and contemplating the jubilant life ahead. The shades of blue and green add fertility, vitality, and life to the painting.