The Sands at Dymchurch c. 1920 - 1922

Editor: This is "The Sands at Dymchurch" by Charles Sims. The scene is dominated by these pastel shades, the sky blending almost seamlessly with the beach. What strikes you most about the formal composition? Curator: The painting's structure is compelling. Note the emphatic horizontality; the division of the picture plane by distinct bands of color and texture, the sand, sea, and sky, creates a sense of tranquil spaciousness. The low horizon line emphasizes the expanse of the sky, its subtle gradations. What do you make of the broken, almost staccato brushwork in the sky? Editor: I see what you mean. It disrupts the smoothness, adding a sense of movement and light. I hadn't considered how much that contributes to the overall effect. Curator: Exactly. And the positioning of the breakwaters, drawing the eye across the canvas... These formal devices create depth, and contribute to the atmospheric perspective. Editor: I see it now. It’s all carefully considered to achieve this effect. Curator: Indeed. A study of the formal elements unveils the artist's mastery.