The main subject is a brown pelican perched prominently on a weathered wooden fence post in the foreground. Its head is golden-yellow with a long, orange-red bill, and its body is rendered in shades of brown and grey. Behind the bird, a white lighthouse stands tall against a dramatic coastal sky, with a bright, glowing lantern room at its peak. A small coastal building with a red roof sits at the base of the lighthouse, enclosed by a simple white fence.
The composition is set during a twilight transition. The sky features soft blues and purples, shifting into the golden-orange hues of a setting sun near the horizon. Wispy clouds drift behind the lighthouse, and a faint bolt of lightning is visible in the distance, suggesting an approaching or passing storm. Several white seagulls are captured in flight, adding a sense of motion and scale to the scene. The foreground consists of wild coastal grasses and foliage, rendered in earthy greens and tans.
The artwork is a realistic painting with smooth brushwork and a focus on atmospheric light. The mood is tranquil yet slightly moody due to the impending storm clouds and the soft, directional light of dusk. The contrast between the illuminated beacon of the lighthouse and the gathering darkness in the distance creates a sense of depth and coastal mystery.