Life by the Water

A mid-century painting that depicts a quiet coastal village scene, capturing the everyday rhythms of life by the sea, and executed in oil onto canvas.

In the foreground, two adult figures and two children are shown walking towards the water’s edge, their simplified forms reduced to geometric blocks of colour. Between them, a broad expanse of fabric or net stretches out, leading the eye towards the distant horizon. A fishing boat sails calmly in the background, suggesting the livelihood and maritime traditions of the community.

Executed in a restrained mid-century modernist style, the work favours flat planes, abstraction, and strong compositional geometry over fine detail. The figures and houses are stylised, with angular silhouettes and minimal facial or bodily definition.

The palette is soft yet striking, dominated by cool shades of sky-blue, grey, and sea-green, contrasted with earthy tones of terracotta and beige on the rooftops and figures. The balance of muted colours evokes a sense of clarity and calm, reflective of coastal light.

The artist has used broad, textured brushstrokes, layering opaque planes of colour in a way that emphasises surface and form rather than naturalistic depth. Edges are clean yet slightly rough, reinforcing the handmade quality of the work.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary wood frame with an inner silver border. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size:  59 x 70.5 cm (including frame)