A couple are glimpsed through a wet translucent fabric which blurs their outlines and makes them seem to dissolve before our eyes. The mask-like umbrella points at the viewer in a provocative way, catching our attention, yet frustrating any attempt to identity the figures. Robert has created quite an abstract picture using realistic elements.

The star shaped ribs of the octagonal shield presents a striking graphic element, pictured in slippery grays and whites. The artist looks for a visual means to suggest the idea of “shifting,” not permanent, one thing and then another. His solution is to depict an umbrella, neither down nor up, but halfway between, giving the idea that rain has just started or is just ending. At the same time, the umbrella is a positive symbol, often seen in romantic images, as two figures are united against the elements.