Boats on the Shore

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A rich and bold mid century modernist composition, painted in oil on board and dated 1952.

This painting depicts two stylised boats resting on a sandy shore, viewed from a slightly elevated angle. The hulls of the boats are painted in shades of green with dark horizontal bands, giving them a sculptural, almost abstract quality. They are surrounded by rounded, rock-like shapes in warm earth tones—rust, ochre, brown, and deep red—suggesting pebbles or boulders on a beach.

The background is composed of geometric patches of colour: the sandy shore in pale yellow, a soft blue-grey sky, and darker land masses or shadows in the distance. The boats’ exaggerated shapes and placement suggest a symbolic or decorative interpretation, rather than strict realism.

The painting carries a calm, grounded energy, blending modernist abstraction with the nostalgic imagery of coastal life. It emphasizes shape and colour harmony over fine detail, creating a dreamlike and contemplative atmosphere. The work feels both playful and meditative, inviting the viewer to interpret the scene in multiple ways.

This oil on board is housed in a very well made and complementary frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition. There is some scuffing to the edges of the frame, but it is in good condition overall.

Size: 43 x 51 cm (including frame)