Shifts in Green

A wonderfully graphic mid-century abstract composition built around a rhythmic arrangement of geometric forms in varying shades of green, executed in oil onto canvas.

The work is divided into four loosely mirrored sections, each constructed from overlapping rectangles, angular planes and elongated shapes. There is a distinctly architectural quality to the composition, with forms that suggest stacked structures, windows and shifting façades without resolving into anything explicitly representational.

The painting has a strong geometric abstractionist character, with echoes of Constructivism and the clean, design-led aesthetic of post-war modernism. Repetition provides a sense of order, while subtle variations between each quadrant prevent the composition from becoming overly rigid. The overlapping translucent-looking planes are particularly effective, creating an engaging illusion of depth and movement across an otherwise flat surface.

The palette is beautifully restrained, moving through forest green, emerald, olive and fresh leaf green, punctuated by areas of deep blue-green and pale chartreuse. These saturated tones sit crisply against a cool silver-grey ground, giving the painting a distinctly modern feel.

Rather than expressive, visible brushwork, the artist has applied the paint in smooth, controlled passages with sharply defined edges. This precision allows colour, shape and tonal contrast to take centre stage, while the subtle layering of greens gives the composition surprising depth.

This oil on canvas is presented in slim white-painted frame, whose clean, understated profile complements the work particularly well. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has a chipped corner to the top right which does not detract from the overall presentation of the piece.

Size: 74.5 x 74.5 cm (including frame)