John Beaven (act. 1940-1970) - Contemporary Gouache, The Day Off

Description

A colorful illustration in gouache showing the interior of a tent with men of all nationalities seemingly taking the day off. There is a middle eastern man whittling something, a Scotsman reading a book lying on the floor, an English man smoking a pipe and reading a newspaper in his slippers and a Mexican man opening a letter and smoking a pipe. This unusual scene is full of narrative and the matte opacity of the gouache lends itself to the vibrancy of the scene. The artist uses confident, dry brush strokes creating a coherent and individual style.

The painting is signed on the reverse and presented in a brushed gilt effect frame.

On watercolour board.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and slight dirtying to the edges. The frame has minor scratches to the surface.

Size

42.5 x 53cm (16.7" x 20.9")
Framed Size: 57 x 67cm (22.4" x 26.4")

Artist Biography

John Beaven was a commercial artist working during the mid 20th century, producing works as a poster designer, animator, book illustrator and graphic designer.

During the course of his career Beaven worked as an animator and background illustrator during the 1940s, for Halas & Batchelor, producing post war public information cartoons on behalf of the British Central Office of Information. Additionally he worked on the Look & Learn series and designed educational posters for children.