Shoreham-On-Sea, Sussex Charles Gogin (1844-1931)

The canvas presents a coastal scene, dominated by a vast expanse of wet sand stretching towards a distant horizon. The palette is restrained, primarily composed of muted ochres, yellows, and pale blues, creating a sense of atmospheric haze and subdued light. A low-lying sky, rendered in shades of greyish blue, occupies the upper portion of the composition, contributing to the overall feeling of quietude.
Here we see several dark shapes positioned along the horizon line; these appear to be small boats or structures anchored just offshore. They are indistinct, their forms softened by distance and atmospheric perspective. Closer to the viewer, scattered across the foreground, are patches of what appears to be standing water reflecting the sky above – these pools disrupt the uniformity of the sand and introduce a textural complexity.
The artist’s application of paint is notable; broad strokes and visible brushwork contribute to an impressionistic rendering of the scene. The surface isnt smooth but rather textured, suggesting a deliberate effort to capture the transient qualities of light and moisture on the beach. There is a lack of sharp detail; forms are suggested rather than precisely defined, which enhances the sense of distance and ambiguity.
Subtexts within this painting revolve around themes of solitude and contemplation. The absence of human figures emphasizes the vastness of the landscape and invites introspection. The muted color scheme and diffused light evoke a melancholic mood, while the repetitive patterns of sand and water create a meditative rhythm. One might interpret the scene as an exploration of nature’s power to inspire both awe and tranquility, or perhaps a reflection on the passage of time and the impermanence of things. The indistinctness of the boats hints at human presence without asserting it; they are part of the landscape but remain distant and somewhat enigmatic.