Richard Cartwright - Sailing past the Abbey

Tintern Abbey ruins with sailing boats on the River Wye, signed lower left, titled to verso.

This exquisite pastel by contemporary British artist Richard Cartwright is a masterclass in atmosphere and restraint. Sailing Past the Abbey captures a fleeting moment of stillness—a lone sailboat drifting across tranquil waters, with the ghostly silhouette of Tintern Abbey rising through the mist. The composition is both serene and haunting, evoking a sense of timelessness that is central to modern British art.

Cartwright’s use of pastel is particularly striking here. With delicate layering and subtle tonal shifts, he creates a soft, dreamlike surface that invites quiet contemplation. The painting’s minimalism is deceptive; beneath its simplicity lies a profound emotional depth that speaks to solitude, memory, and the passage of time.

For collectors, this work represents the very best of Cartwright’s poetic vision. It is a contemplative piece that rewards repeated viewing—an artwork that doesn’t shout, but resonates. A timeless addition to any serious collection of modern British art.

Reference: 102RC