The magic of first light is captured in The Morning Breathes - Breaksea Islands, 2026. The string of islands forms a natural barrier to Bathurst Harbour, which has resulted in a unique aquatic ecosystem in the dark tannin waters. The islands also represent the many contrasts inherent in the southwest environment - of light and shadow, raw energy and calm - with the western side of the islands lashed by wind and heaving waves, while adapted plant life flourishes in the eastern weather shadow. Determined to capture the diversity of tones he witnessed, How created a colour swatch in-situ, capturing the bright green Senecio, the grassy poa, and the grey highlights in the cliffs. In isolation, the colours on the swatch seem almost unbelievable, and yet the final composition - painted in How’s northern Tasmanian studio - is beautifully resolved, the combination of colours deeply evocative of the region.