Daphne

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

Set within a tranquil landscape, the painting depicts a sheep named Daphne by the artist, standing peacefully in an open meadow. In the distance, a small white cottage nestles atop a rolling hill, with a ribbon of smoke rising from its chimney beneath a brilliant blue sky dotted with stylised clouds.

Painted in a contemporary naïve style, the composition embraces simplicity, clarity and a sense of childlike wonder. The artist distils the landscape into softly undulating hills, clean silhouettes and carefully balanced forms, creating a scene that feels both timeless and quietly whimsical.

The colour palette is fresh and harmonious, combining lush greens with a vivid blue sky and warm cream tones that give the sheep a soft, luminous presence. Gentle beige accents define the animal’s face, legs and ears, while the white cottage introduces a subtle focal point that balances the composition. The restrained palette creates an atmosphere of warmth, optimism and pastoral serenity.

Brushwork is smooth and controlled, with thin, even applications of paint producing broad, uninterrupted fields of colour. Subtle tonal modulation across the sheep’s fleece suggests softness, while delicate linear brushstrokes within the foreground grass add gentle movement and texture.

This oil on board is housed in a black painted wooden frame with a gilded inner trim. 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: 37 x 47.5 cm (including frame)

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