This expressive landscape by John Kinnear, Cottage in Totnes, captures the charm of an old English dwelling rendered with his signature, vigorously applied impasto. Broad palette-knife strokes define the cottage’s weathered walls and steeply pitched roof, giving the structure a rugged, tactile presence that feels lived-in and enduring. The muted greys and umbers of the building contrast beautifully with soft blush tones illuminating the sky, suggesting early morning light or the calm before evening.

The composition is anchored by the tall, pale chimney rising through the centre, its verticality set against the cottage’s sloping rooflines. Kinnear’s thick, directional marks animate the surface: wood grain, stone texture, roof shingles, and shadow all emerge through the gestural handling of paint. Patches of greenery flank the cottage, their dense, dark greens balancing the lighter architecture and adding depth to the scene.

In the foreground, loose strokes of rust, ochre, and slate grey evoke a garden path or boundary fence, subtly guiding the viewer toward the front door. Despite the bold abstraction of detail, the painting conveys a strong sense of place—Totnes’ medieval character softened through Kinnear’s modern, expressive lens.

The result is a spirited, atmospheric portrait of rural England, painted with immediacy, confidence, and a profound appreciation for the textures of everyday structures.