John Miller painted this scene, with the straightforward title "Beach," using oil on canvas. The visible brushwork reminds us that it's built up layer by layer, by the artist's hand. The materiality influences the painting's appearance through color and form. The tones evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. Miller engaged with techniques, tools, and skilled traditions that belong to histories of creative practices. The amount of work involved in the production process is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption, with the art materials sourced from a global marketplace. Understanding the context of "Beach" reinforces the importance of materials and making to challenge distinctions between fine art and craft.