Harbour Reflections

A mid-century modernist harbour scene that presents a distilled, geometric interpretation of a working waterfront, painted in oil onto board by the established Swedish artist Richard Björklund (1897–1974), whose works have been exhibited in public collections including the National Museum in Stockholm, Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Malmo Museum, Ystads Art Museum, and others.

The composition captures moored boats gently bobbing on still waters, their hulls reflected in soft, rippling forms. In the background, blocky silhouettes of sheds and warehouses line the quay, their shapes simplified into bold, flat planes of colour. 

Executed in a modernist style, the painting embraces abstraction through its reduction of forms to essential shapes and tonal blocks. The scene is built from interlocking planes, lending a structural, almost architectural rhythm to the composition. The perspective is subtly flattened, creating a harmonious balance between representation and abstraction.

The palette is harmonious and understated – muted blues, greys, and creams for the water and vessels, offset by ochres, olive greens, and warm brick reds in the buildings. Touches of mustard yellow and pale lilac add depth, evoking the diffused coastal light of a calm day.

Confident and expressive brushstrokes define each block of colour, leaving a lightly textured surface and subtle interplay between adjoining tones.

Size: 36 x 44 cm (including frame)