Coral Sunset

A vibrant and highly expressive mid century modern coastal scene, painted in oil by the established Swedish artist Uno Vallman (1913-2004) whose works are included in the Swedish National Museum and The Swedish Modern Museum, to name a few. His works are also included in the collections of Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and the Tessin Institute in Paris.

The painting captures a lively beach bathed in the glow of a dramatic setting sun. Stylised bathers and scattered logs animate the shoreline, while rocky outcrops frame a shimmering sea beneath a radiant coral-pink sky.

Rendered in a distinctly modernist manner, the artist has reduced forms to bold silhouettes and expressive outlines, favouring emotional impact over realism as colour, atmosphere, and gesture take precedence over fine detail. The result is energetic and playful.

The palette is dominated by luminous coral pinks, salmon reds, and warm orange-red tones, contrasted by cool blue-grey rocks and touches of black linework. The vibrant red sun acts as the visual anchor of the composition, while the pale beach and sparkling sea create a dynamic interplay between warmth and coolness.

Bold, confident brushwork animates every surface of the painting. The sky is constructed with vigorous directional strokes radiating outward from the setting sun, creating a sense of light and movement. Across the water, thick dabs and broken passages of paint suggest sparkling reflections, while the figures and rocks are rendered with brisk, gestural marks and expressive outlines. The visible impasto and energetic handling of paint contribute to the work’s immediacy and charm.

This oil on canvas is presented in a beautiful gilt frame with a layered profile that adds character to the painting. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition. 

Size: 55 x 63 cm (including frame)