Peploe made this study of waves, possibly whilst on Barra, in the Outer Hebrides. It appears to have been completed very quickly with abrupt brushstrokes and thickly applied paint, creating an almost abstract interpretation of the stormy sea. There is a force and directness of the way in which Peploe has painted this scene which compliments the subject.
Samuel John Peploe (Scottish, 1871 - 1935)
Peploe is one of the group of four artists known as the 'Scottish Colourists.' Born in Edinburgh, he studied art in Paris and lived there from 1910 to 1912. It was through painting holidays in Northern France that he was introduced to the use of bold colour, inspired by the bright sunlight. He later experienced the same intensity of light while painting on the island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. French painting proved to be a powerful influence for Peploe throughout his life. Although his work never became abstract, it was characterised by tight composition, strong colour and assured handling.
