#29419 Jesús Helguera Ausencia (1910-1971)

The artwork presents a tranquil coastal scene dominated by a vast sky and a reflective body of water. Here we see a horizontal composition divided into three distinct zones: the sky occupies roughly half the canvas, followed by a band of water and shoreline, and finally a strip of land with vegetation in the lower left corner.
The sky is rendered with considerable attention to atmospheric perspective. Large, billowing cumulus clouds are depicted with soft edges and varying degrees of luminosity, suggesting depth and movement. The color palette here ranges from pale blues and grays to brilliant whites, creating a sense of expansive space and potential for dramatic weather.
Below the sky, the water surface mirrors the cloud formations above, albeit in a muted, softened manner. This mirroring effect reinforces the feeling of stillness and tranquility. A narrow strip of shoreline separates the water from a low-lying area covered with grasses and scattered trees. The vegetation is painted with a limited range of greens, contributing to the overall sense of calm and subdued color harmony.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes tonal values rather than sharp detail. This approach lends the scene an almost dreamlike quality, blurring the lines between reality and perception. The absence of human presence or any signs of activity further enhances this feeling of solitude and quiet contemplation.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of transition – the light seems to be shifting, hinting at either the approach of rain or the aftermath of a storm. This adds a layer of complexity beyond mere scenic representation; it implies a moment in time, captured with an awareness of nature’s ephemeral qualities. The composition invites reflection on the power and beauty of natural landscapes, and the quietude they offer to the observer.