When We Were Young Thomas Liddall Armitage

The composition presents a coastal scene, dominated by a sandy expanse meeting a muted sea under a hazy sky. Here we see three children engaged in activities on the beach; two are prominently positioned in the foreground while a third figure is situated further back, near the waters edge.
In the immediate foreground, one child bends over, absorbed in digging with a small shovel. The posture suggests focused concentration and perhaps a sense of discovery. A straw hat obscures much of their face, adding an element of anonymity or childhood innocence. Beside them stands another child, holding a long stick or rod, seemingly observing the digger’s actions. This figures gaze is directed downwards, mirroring the other child’s engagement with the sand and water. The reflections in the wet sand amplify the presence of both children, creating an almost doubled image that emphasizes their connection to the environment.
The third child, positioned further away, appears to be collecting something in a basket. Their placement suggests a sense of distance or perhaps a different kind of interaction with the beach – one less focused on immediate exploration and more oriented towards gathering.
The palette is restrained, employing soft earth tones and muted blues and grays that evoke a feeling of tranquility and nostalgia. The light appears diffused, contributing to an overall atmosphere of gentle melancholy. The artist’s brushwork is loose and impressionistic, particularly evident in the rendering of the water and sky, which lack sharp definition. This technique lends a sense of fleetingness and impermanence to the scene.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of childhood, memory, and the passage of time. The children’s activities – digging, collecting, observing – are emblematic of youthful curiosity and engagement with the world. The muted colors and hazy atmosphere suggest a recollection of past experiences, hinting at a sense of loss or longing for a bygone era. The reflections in the water act as visual metaphors for memory itself – distorted, shimmering, yet undeniably present. The composition’s quietude invites contemplation on the ephemeral nature of childhood and the enduring power of memories associated with it.