Norman Wilkinson (1878-1971) - Cloud study over the South Coast

Norman Wilkinson was the President of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and is best known for his marine works and his poster designs for shipping and railway companies.
 
'A keen yachtsman, Wilkinson was made Honorary Marine Painter to the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1919. He was also interested in aeroplanes and was a painter of the air. Thus, when the Second World War broke out in 1839, he became inspector of camouflage with the rank of Air Commodore. He was present at the Normandy invasion in 1944, sketching from the destroyer Jervis. From these sketches he executed from of his War at Sea series. This was a set of fifty-three carefully researched oil paintings of naval and a few Coastal Command Royal Air Force incidents of the war.' [1]
 
This interesting study of clouds off the South Coast of England fits into Wilkinson's interest in the sea and also the air. It is reminiscent of the studies Constable is famous for.
 
Medium: oil on canvas laid on board, 18 x 29cm (framed and glazed 38.8 x 49cm).
 
Provenance: Probably Abbott & Holder; Estate of Mrs Godsal, Pond Street, London.
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] E.H.H. Archibald (2000) The Dictionary of Sea Painters of Europe and America, Antique Collectors' Club: Woodbridge, 3rd Edition, p.234 (see entry on artist).
 
Condition report: generally very good for its age. There are a few slightly raised areas of the canvas which are only obvious when viewed up close. Frame shows a bit of wear. Please see photos.