Dramatic Dorset Coast Cliff Landscape Watercolour by John Steane 1971

Title: Dramatic Dorset Coast Cliff Landscape Watercolour by John Steane 1971
by John Steane (b.1931)
Signed: Bottom right
Size: 15.75 inches (height) x 20 inches (width)
watercolor painting on paper, unframed
condition: Good, with minor edge wear
Provenance: from a large private collection of this artists work, Oxford, England

Description:
This striking 1971 watercolour by British artist John Steane (b.1931) captures the raw geological beauty of the Dorset Coast, an area known for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich strata, and sweeping views along the Jurassic Coast. Towering rock faces rise on either side of a steep ravine, their weathered formations rendered in expressive swathes of grey, ochre, and deep green. Steane’s confident brushwork and rhythmic layering convey both the monumental scale and the tactile surface of the stone.

Likely painted in or near locations such as Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door—landmarks that define this World Heritage Site—the work reflects Steane’s mastery of plein air observation and his deep appreciation for Britain’s natural landscape. Rich in texture and tonal contrast, the painting balances abstract mark-making with topographical accuracy, drawing the viewer into the complex folds and shadows of the scene.

The Dorset coastline is one of the UK’s most celebrated natural wonders and holds lasting appeal for collectors, geologists, walkers, and landscape lovers alike. This piece would sit beautifully in both traditional and contemporary interiors, especially for those drawn to rugged British coastal scenes.