Gretan Harbour Scene with Fishing Boats Reflections and Stone Quay 1974

Title: Gretan Harbour Scene with Fishing Boats Reflections and Stone Quay 1974
by John Steane (b.1931)
Signed: Bottom right
Size: 15.75 inches (height) x 19.75 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 finely observed 1974 watercolour by British artist John Steane (b.1931) depicts a tranquil harbour scene in Gretan, with moored fishing boats, still reflections in the water, and a sturdy stone quay rendered in warm ochres and greys. The palette is subdued yet rich in tonal variety, with the late afternoon sky sweeping across the horizon in soft bands of light and cloud. The detailing of boat rigging, weathered buildings, and numbered bollards suggests the artist’s careful study of real-life harbours along the British coastline.

While the precise location of “Gretan” is unclear—possibly a misspelling or local variation—this painting resonates strongly with the visual characteristics of harbours in Cornwall, Devon, or the west coast of Scotland, where many artists of the period found inspiration in working waterfronts and fishing communities.

Steane’s style is marked by his confident yet sensitive control of watercolour, his eye for light and shadow, and his ability to evoke both place and atmosphere with minimal fuss. The composition’s perspective leads the viewer gently into the scene, inviting a sense of quiet exploration.

Works of this nature appeal to collectors interested in maritime subjects, British coastal life, and traditional harbour architecture. Its storytelling qualities and balanced composition make it well-suited for framing and display in both classic and contemporary interiors.