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A very engaging nautical whale scene, painted in a naïve style in oil onto canvas, by British artist Matt Rix.

This painting depicts a stylised sperm whale swimming through calm blue waters, with a black steamboat emitting dark smoke on the horizon. The whale is painted in a naïve folk art style, with exaggerated features like a massive rectangular head, curling tail, and a row of sharp, white teeth in a red mouth. The whale’s eye is small, white, and almond-shaped, giving it a slightly humorous, alert expression.

The composition is simple and clean, using flat areas of colour—blue for the sea, white for the sky, and black and red for the whale and ship. The whimsical quality and handmade texture give the artwork a storybook charm, evoking themes of nature versus machine, or perhaps a playful nod to classic maritime tales like Moby Dick.

Signed on the bottom right, the work balances folk simplicity with quiet wit and character.

This oil on canvas is housed in a wood frame which suits it well. Both painting and frame are in very good condition.

British artist Matt Rix spent his childhood in South Africa and now lives with his family on a small holding in rural North Wales. His paintings are uncomplicated, modernist representations influenced by primitive and naïve folk art from times past. Many of the subjects Rix paints are inspired by the animals he sees from day to day. Rix uses recycled materials including discarded paints, boards, frames and backing paper. Much of his work is therefore produced using waste materials resulting in sustainable paintings that evoke a time-worn, nostalgic essence.

To view the other paintings in this collection, click here.

Size: 42 x 52.5 cm (including frame)

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SOLD

A very engaging nautical whale scene, painted in a naïve style in oil onto canvas, by British artist Matt Rix.

This painting features two stylized sperm whales swimming side by side in calm blue waters, rendered in a folk art style. The upper whale is painted in a deep black with a prominent rectangular head, a curled tail, and a red mouth filled with sharp white teeth. Its expression is alert, with a white eye accentuating the quirky character.

Below it, a second sperm whale is depicted in grey tones, its body transitioning from dark grey on the head to pale silvery grey at the tail. It mirrors the shape of the upper whale, including the toothy grin and small, expressive eye, but has a more subtle, weathered texture that suggests depth or distance.

The overall effect is both whimsical and calm, evoking a playful marine scene with a touch of narrative — perhaps a parent and calf, or two companions in the deep. The use of flat colours, simplified forms, and deliberate textures gives the painting a naïve, handcrafted charm.

British artist Matt Rix spent his childhood in South Africa and now lives with his family on a small holding in rural North Wales. His paintings are uncomplicated, modernist representations influenced by primitive and naïve folk art from times past. Many of the subjects Rix paints are inspired by the animals he sees from day to day. Rix uses recycled materials including discarded paints, boards, frames and backing paper. Much of his work is therefore produced using waste materials resulting in sustainable paintings that evoke a time-worn, nostalgic essence.

To view the other paintings in this collection, click here.

Size: 33 x 43 cm (including frame)

We take great care in ensuring our listings are accurate and true to life. To read reviews by customers who have recently purchased artworks from us, click here.