The British Power Boat Company 1941

Richard Eurich made this painting, 'The British Power Boat Company', with oil on canvas, though its date isn't known. What strikes me first is the color: it’s very muted, almost gray, with small touches of brighter colours dotted around. It reminds me of a cloudy day by the sea, all soft light and gentle movement. Looking closer, I can see the paint is applied thinly, in layers, giving the scene a sense of depth and space. Look how he’s rendered the boats, each with its own character, the brushwork is loose and gestural, almost impressionistic. If you look closely at the surface of the water, you can almost feel its subtle undulations. Eurich’s work makes me think of Edward Hopper, who used similarly muted tones. Both artists capture the quietness of everyday life. 'The British Power Boat Company' is a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be loud and brash; sometimes, the most powerful works are those that whisper.