Hills in Reverie

A mid-century modernist abstracted landscape that presents a serene pastoral vista distilled into rhythmic sweeps of colour and gesture, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1965.

The composition evokes rolling countryside rendered not through precise detail, but through impressionistic suggestion – where a gently sloping hill rises confidently across the centre, its curved mass anchoring the scene. In the foreground, luminous yellow fields stretch outward in broad passages, while clusters of softly suggested shrubs and earth tones create quiet interruptions across the terrain. To the right, two tall, slender vertical forms- reminiscent of cypress trees – stand like sentinels, introducing a quiet architectural presence against the openness of the land. The sky recedes in soft atmospheric layers, suggesting a fleeting moment of warm light as day gives way to evening.

The style embodies the essence of mid-century modernist landscape abstraction, where form is simplified into essential shapes and expressive mark-making. Rather than striving for realism, the artist captures the emotional resonance of place. The sweeping, curved hill is rendered almost sculpturally, its mass built through confident, continuous strokes that emphasise movement and volume. There is a harmonious balance between abstraction and recognition – the landscape feels both real and remembered, filtered through sensation rather than observation.

The palette is fresh and uplifting, dominated by layered greens ranging from mint and sage to deeper emerald tones. These are complemented by glowing passages of buttery yellow and warm ochre in the foreground, suggesting sunlit grasses. The sky transitions through soft pale blues, creamy whites, and hints of peach and apricot near the horizon, introducing warmth and atmosphere.

The brushwork is expressive and tactile, with visible, painterly strokes applied with confidence and immediacy. Thick, sweeping gestures define the hills, while shorter, curved dabs suggest foliage and texture. The surface carries a lively energy, revealing the artist’s hand and the spontaneity of execution.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary gilt frame. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 47 x 57 cm (including frame)