Santa Monica Canyon — Gregory Hinton

The first day of summer foretells new beginnings for John Moore, a renowned, yet emotionally stalled artist, when he notices Mark Ormond, a guarded young poet, on Southern California's Will Rogers State Beach. After John cajoles him, Mark agrees to sit for a portrait he intends to present as an anniversary gift to his long-time lover, Edward Bloom. A famous actor away shooting a film, Edward's relationship with Mark is strained, but Mark hopes to force the issue with the painting. Over the course of the summer in Santa Monica Canyon, a deep friendship develops between Mark and John, challenged by the surprise revelation that they share an unhappy history. As events unfold, both men come to insights and resolutions about life, the value they place on their work in the arts, and lastly, their desire to reconnect and commit to life and to love.