Dune Estuary is a reduction woodcut whose design is derived from an earlier reduction woodcut (1986) River Dune. Don transferred the remaining design from the original block to a new woodblock and reinterpreted the design using eleven colors.

The atmospheric tone of the image results from the intricate sky. Beneath the distinctive cloud dome, the empty river basin cradles an abandoned sailing vessel. In the distance, a horizontal village appears, as well as memories of jetties and dune fences surrounding the riverbed. In the foreground, there's a carefully crafted Banks dory rigged for sailing.