Riverside Cottages

A lively mid-century painting that captures a tranquil riverside scene, and executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1951.

The composition featuring cottages nestled among tall, leafy trees. A pathway curves along the water’s edge, leading the viewer’s eye toward the cluster of houses – one painted in a soft blue and others in bold reds. Their reflections shimmer on the rippling surface of the river, broken into painterly fragments of green, blue, and brown.

Executed in an expressive, modernist manner, the painting emphasises bold form and movement over fine detail. The composition conveys a sense of immediacy, as though painted en plein air, with a strong focus on colour harmonies and gestural energy.

The palette is vibrant yet balanced. The brushwork is broad, dynamic, and confident, laid down in thick, angular strokes that create rhythm and texture. Each mark remains visible, contributing to the painting’s sense of freshness and spontaneity. The layering of strokes adds both depth and vibrancy, animating the landscape with movement and life.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary wood frame with a layered profile. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has very minor marks.