Sperm Whale and Smoking Chimneys

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A charming contemporary naïve maritime scene, executed in oil onto panel by British artist Matt Rix.

The composition presents a vast sperm whale moving steadily through calm blue waters, its immense dark form dominating the lower half of the painting. Above the surface, a shoreline unfolds: a row of red-brick factory buildings with tall smoking chimneys stretches along a green embankment, while a schooner glides quietly across the horizon beneath a warm yellow sky.

Rendered in a contemporary naïve style, the work embraces flattened perspective and bold simplification. Forms are clearly defined and confidently outlined, with exaggerated scale lending the whale a monumental presence. Spatial depth is conveyed through horizontal bands of water, land and sky rather than traditional modelling, enhancing the painting’s graphic clarity and storytelling charm.

The colour palette is harmonious yet distinctive. Soft, powdery blues shape the water, set against a buttery yellow sky that lends warmth to the scene. The red-orange industrial buildings provide a vibrant architectural counterpoint, while the muted purple sails introduce a gentle tonal variation. The whale’s deep charcoal body anchors the composition, punctuated by a pale eye and a sharp row of small red teeth that add a subtle edge of character.

Brushwork is smooth and controlled, with flat, even application that prioritises shape and composition over painterly texture. Gentle tonal shifts within the water suggest quiet movement, while the sky is softly blended, reinforcing the calm surface atmosphere that contrasts with the powerful presence beneath.

This oil on board is presented in a wood frame painted black. Both painting and frame are in excellent condition.

British artist Matt Rix spent his childhood in South Africa and now lives with his family on a small holding in rural North Wales. His paintings are uncomplicated, modernist representations influenced by primitive and naïve folk art from times past. Many of the subjects Rix paints are inspired by the animals he sees from day to day. Rix uses recycled materials including discarded paints, boards, frames and backing paper. Much of his work is therefore produced using waste materials resulting in sustainable paintings that evoke a time-worn, nostalgic essence.

To view the other paintings in this collection, click here.

Size: 55 x 74.5 cm (including frame)

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