Thomas Whittredge likely painted this work while visiting Newport, Rhode Island, a popular spot for well-heeled tourists. Beach and Rocks is a contemplative piece that alludes in format to the quiet landscapes of Whittredge’s friends, such as John Kensett and Sanford Gifford. Whittredge selected an overcast day for this startlingly spare composition. Fine grains of sand embedded in the paint suggest that Whittredge likely painted at least part of the scene on site, unlike his more measured studio compositions.