Muddy Bank – Early Work No 4 (46.5 x 34 cm)

In this early painting the artist’s used his skill as a ‘plein air’ artist, and displayed his love of colour.

The composition is in thirds horizontally and vertically, with the mooring posts being the central focus. There is lots of texture and layering of paint.

Using both flat and round brushes the artist painted multi-directional strokes of varying colour ‘values’. He blended paint smoothly, and this emphasizes light. There is shadow on the inside of the boat, and the mooring posts throw shadow. The sun shining on the muddy foreshore suggests it is early morning or late afternoon. The artist loved to use yellow, green and gold colours and has done so in this painting. Rustic colours on the shed add richness.

The mangrove overgrowth suggests the old building may be deserted, and that makes the painting more interesting. The mood is one of mystery. The artist has captured the ‘way it was’ in this painting and had a strong sense of the subject.

Acrylic on Masonite circa late 1960s, early 1970s. (Cleaned and framed. Major restoration.)