Painting: ‘Garden By The Sea’ 1991 By Keith Purser Oil & Mixed Media On Card

Painting: ‘Garden by the Sea’ 1991 by Keith Purser - Oil & Mixed Media on card

English 1991
By Artist Keith Purser
Oil & Mixed Media on card and framed behind glass
Entitled ‘Garden by the Sea’

H: 49cm (19.3") W: 63cm (24.8")

‘Garden by the Sea’ by Keith Purser explores several themes and captures the essence of a serene coastal garden, blending natural elements with a touch of abstraction. The coastal landscape highlights the dynamic relationship between land and sea in reflecting the changing moods and weather of the coast. The tranquillity and beauty of the coastal garden emphasises the harmony between natural elements.

This artwork was created in 1991 and is an oil and mixed media piece on card measuring 49 x 63 cm. It is signed with the initials "K P" and dated '91' in the upper left corner. The painting was part of a private collection in the UK and reached a good sum in its most recent auction outing. Keith Purser was born in 1944 and is known for his vibrant and expressive works.

Keith Purser is well-regarded by both art critics and the public for his unique approach to landscape painting; the demand for his art and the prices achieved at auction indicate that his work is appreciated by collectors and critics alike and holds value in the market.

Critics appreciate his ability to balance Figurative and Abstract Styles, creating works that are both visually striking and deeply evocative. His use of Found Objects and his Modernist Sensibility have been particularly praised for adding depth and authenticity to his pieces. The public's reception of his art is positive, with many appreciating the nostalgic and evocative quality of his coastal landscapes. Purser's ability to capture the essence of the English coast and his innovative use of materials have earned him a respected place in the contemporary art scene.

His exhibitions often drawing significant attention; his art is very collectible and has certainly has value in the art market. His works have been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from £70.00 ($90) to £5,096.00 ($6,496), for "Windbreak I," sold at Bonhams Knightsbridge in 2023 which was a record price. Purser's paintings are primarily sold in the United Kingdom, and his works have been featured in key galleries and museums such as Jenna Burlingham and the Rye Art Gallery and of course with White’s Antiques!

Keith Purser is a British artist known for his captivating landscape paintings which is characterised and balanced by two very different approaches to landscape painting: one essentially abstract, the other figurative.

Purser's connection to his environment and his unique artistic vision are consistently present in his innovative approach to landscape painting work creating a cohesive and captivating body of art with a distinctive style that balances both figurative and abstract elements, making Purser's work both visually striking and deeply evocative. His works often explore similar themes across his portfolio but due to his innovative approach to his works each piece brings its own unique perspective and interpretation.

He primarily works with oil and mixed media and often incorporates found objects from the beach into his paintings blending them with a Modernist Sensibility. Some of his notable works include oil on board and linocuts hand-finished with oil and sand.

His reflection of, and homage to, his cultural heritage and personal experiences combine to create a unique and captivating portrayal of English Vernacular Art. Keith Purser's incorporation of Found Objects from the beach into his artwork is a distinctive element that adds depth and authenticity to his pieces. This practice blends the Vernacular with a Modernist Sensibility, creating a unique harmony of colour, texture, and form.

In his Abstract work, Purser deconstructs the sea and shore into harmonies of colour, texture, and form. These paintings are as much about the act of painting itself as they are about the shifting weather and changing moods of the coast.

As a figurative painter, Purser creates homages to English Vernacular Art creating a nostalgic and evocative atmosphere. Purser captures the charm of the English coastal towns, depicting down-at-heel resorts and gently rusting harbours.

These two strands in Purser's work are always meeting, albeit quietly and incidentally. The vernacular often steals into the most Abstract of works by way of found objects picked off the beach, whilst a Modernist Formal Sensibility orders the seafront houses into a harmonious arrangement of blocks of colour.

Purser's ability to balance these two styles allows him to create works that are both visually striking and deeply evocative. His paintings are widely represented in collections both in the UK and abroad.

Keith Purser was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1944, and attended the Sidcup School of Art in the 1960s. He now lives and works on the edge of the desert-like environment of Europe's largest shingle bank, in the shadow of Dungeness power station and within sight of the coast of France.

After completing his studies he travelled extensively in Europe and the Middle East between 1963 and 1977. In 1978 he settled in Sussex and after several years in 1983 he moved to North Cornwall where his work was directly influenced by the landscape. Four years later, in 1987, he relocated to Lincolnshire where the subject of his work remained the coastline and sea but his compositions became more simplified, echoing wide horizons and the emptiness of the fens. He held his first one man exhibition at Jonathan Clark & Co in 1989.

In 1994 he returned to East Sussex and renewed his interest in the coastline and the making of relief constructions, utilising objects found along the tide line. Purser has remained in East Sussex/Kent where his painting has continued exploring the relationship between the land and sea.

Following his first one man exhibition in 1989 Keith Purser has had a further eight successful one man exhibitions with Jonathan Clark and is widely represented in collections both at home and abroad. His artistic style has been influenced by a variety of factors throughout his life and career and his artworks.

Cultural Heritage: Growing up in Bromley, Kent, and studying at Sidcup School of Art in the 1960s, Purser was immersed in the rich cultural heritage of England. This background has deeply influenced his artistic style and subject matter.

Travel: Purser travelled extensively in Europe and the Middle East between 1963 and 1977. These travels exposed him to different landscapes and artistic traditions, which have influenced his approach to painting.

Nostalgia and Vernacular Charm: In his figurative works, Purser pays homage to English Vernacular Art and captures the charm of English coastal towns, focusing on down-at-heel resorts and gently rusting harbours. These paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and celebrate the peculiar beauty of these places.

Found Objects: Purser incorporates found objects from the beach into his works, blending them with a Modernist formal sensibility. This approach adds a distinctive touch to his portrayal of vernacular art, creating harmonious arrangements of colour and form.

Narrative and History: Each found object has its own story and history. Incorporating these objects into his art allows Purser to weave these narratives into his work, adding a sense of time and place.

Creative Expression: Found objects provide Purser with a unique way to express his creativity. They challenge him to think outside the box and explore new ways of incorporating everyday items into his artistic vision. Overall, the use of found objects in Purser's art enhances the visual and conceptual richness of his work, making it both visually striking and deeply evocative.

Abstract and Figurative Elements: His Abstract pieces deconstruct the sea and shore into harmonies of colour, texture, and form, while his Figurative works pay homage to English Vernacular Art. Purser skillfully blends and balances Abstract and Figurative Styles, creating unique visual experiences that invite personal interpretation.

Modernist Sensibility: The use of found objects reflects Purser's modernist approach to art. By blending the Vernacular with a Modernist Sensibility, he creates a harmonious balance between the natural and the abstract. This approach reflects Modernist principles and emphasizes that it is as much about the act of painting itself as it is about the subject matter. His Modernist approach to art influences how he orders seafront houses and other elements into harmonious arrangements, reflecting the peculiar charm of these places.

Connection to Coastal Landscapes & the Environment: Living and working near the coast, particularly in areas like Dungeness and East Sussex, North Cornwall and Lincolnshire has provided Purser with a unique perspective on the charm and character of coastal towns.

A significant portion of Purser's work is inspired by the coastal environment. His paintings depict the ever-changing moods and beauty of coastal landscapes from calm and serene to turbulent and dramatic highlighting the dynamic relationship between land and sea.

By using objects he finds on the beach, Purser establishes a direct link between his art and the natural environment. These objects serve as tangible connections to the coastal landscapes that inspire his work.

He is now living and working on the edge of Europe's largest shingle bank, near Dungeness power station, and within sight of the coast of France, Purser's surroundings have had a significant impact on his work.

Colour and Texture: The use of colour and texture is a hallmark of Purser's style, adding depth and richness to his paintings, making them visually engaging and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Texture and Form: Found objects introduce unique textures and forms into his paintings and add authenticity to his work by blending the natural environment with artistic expression. These elements can create intriguing contrasts and harmonies within the composition, adding a layer of complexity and interest.

Light and Atmosphere: Purser often explores the interplay of light and atmosphere in his paintings. He captures the way light interacts with the landscape, creating evocative and atmospheric scenes that draw the viewer in.

Condition report:

Good Condition - although frame shows slight wear
For a complete assessment of the item's condition, we encourage you to carefully examine all the provided photos. These pictures are integral to the description and condition report of the item, providing crucial visual details about its appearance and quality.

Additional dimensions information:

H: 49cm (19.3") W: 63cm (24.8")