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A very charming pair of paintings depicting the iconic Staffordshire spaniel dogs, long celebrated in British folk art and ceramics, painted in a naïve style in oil onto panel by British artist Matt Rix.

The two dogs are painted in a deliberately naïve, decorative style that recalls the 19th-century porcelain mantelpiece figures they are inspired by.

Each dog sits upright against a muted pinkish-red background, with a simple brown ground anchoring them in place. Their white coats are adorned with large chestnut-brown patches—rendered in stylised, almost floral shapes—that add rhythm and balance to the composition. Both dogs wear gilt collars with chain details, a hallmark of traditional Staffordshire imagery. Their soulful yellow eyes, drooping ears, and small red mouths give them an expressive, slightly whimsical quality, striking a balance between charm and solemnity.

Presented as a pair, the paintings echo one another but are not identical—one dog faces left, the other right—making them natural companions, just as Staffordshire figurines were traditionally displayed in pairs.

The appeal lies in their folk-art simplicity and decorative strength: bold flat shapes, warm earthy tones, and a sense of nostalgia that makes them feel timeless yet playful. They would add both character and heritage charm to any wall, bridging the line between painting and folk tradition.

Each of these oils on board are housed in chestnut brown painted wood frames with subtle gilt detailing. Both paintings are in excellent condition. The frames have some very minor scuffs but this is in keeping with their vintage style.

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: 47.5 x 37cm each (including frame)

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An engaging contemporary animal composition that captures the stoic presence of a black and white Hereford bull, painted in a naïve style in oil onto panel by British artist Matt Rix.

The bull is set against a minimalistic backdrop of golden hills and a pale lavender-grey sky. The animal stands in full profile, its rounded form and serene expression exuding calm strength and quiet vigilance.

The painting’s style is firmly rooted in folk art traditions, with simplified forms, flat areas of colour, and a lack of perspectival depth that give it a timeless, almost storybook quality. The palette is subdued yet effective with colours that create a harmonious contrast, with touches of pink on the hooves and snout lending a touch of warmth.

Brushwork is smooth and deliberate, with clean, confident lines and solid fills, creating an overall sense of clarity and calm.

This oil on board is housed in unique green frame. Both painting and frame are in excellent 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: 33 x 43.5 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.

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A very engaging animal composition, painted in a naïve style in oil onto panel, by British artist Matt Rix.

This painting depicts a grey ewe standing in a tranquil, minimalist countryside scene. The ewe is plump and woolly, with a smooth, rounded body rendered in soft grey tones. Its head and legs are black, creating a gentle contrast with the light body. The ewe is in profile view, facing left, with a calm and wide-eyed expression.

The painting is highly stylized, with minimal detail and flat areas of colour, emphasizing shape and form over realism. Subtle shading and texture suggest woolliness without overwhelming visual complexity.

This is a charming and gentle portrait of a ewe, created with affection and simplicity. The folk-art style lends it a timeless quality, evoking pastoral life and domestic calm. Its clean design, muted palette, and balanced composition make it both decorative and endearing.

This oil on board is housed in a very complementary wood frame with gilt frame. 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: 41 x 41 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.