The Net Menders

An evocative mid-century modernist landscape composition with figures, executed in oil onto canvas.

The painting captures a quiet scene where two figures are engaged in the timeless ritual of mending nets. Rendered in broad, confident brushstrokes, the composition emphasises form and rhythm over detail, evoking a sense of labor and community grounded in place.

The artist employs a muted yet expressive palette: yellows and orange dominate the foreground, while greys, greens and blues define the sky and background. A bold block of red – a hut—anchors the composition to the right, adding architectural structure to the looser figurative forms. The figures themselves are stylised, almost abstract, with simplified forms, allowing posture and gesture to tell the story.

Expressive and directional brushwork lend energy to the piece, particularly in the sweeping green lines of the fishing net, which leads the viewer’s eye diagonally across the scene. The cool and vast expanse of sky, provides balance and contrast to the dense activity in the lower half of the painting.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary wood frame. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size:  38 x 48 cm (including frame)