Dorothy Rivo
Gloucester Harbor, c. 1950s
Watercolor and ink on paper
Framed dimensions: 34 in. H × 30 in. W
Contemporary black frame with white archival mat
In Gloucester Harbor, Dorothy Rivo captures the gritty beauty of a working port with expressive brushwork and tonal depth. The scene unfolds in loose washes of ochre, rust, and charcoal, where weathered boats float before a jagged row of fishing sheds and coastal structures rendered in gestural lines.
Rather than striving for topographic precision, Rivo offers a painterly impression of the harbor—moody, atmospheric, and undeniably alive. The smudged foreground, dripping masts, and clouded sky convey both movement and memory, as if the harbor were emerging from a dream or dissolving into one.
Executed in watercolor and ink, this piece shows Rivo's command of mixed media and her deft ability to balance structure with spontaneity. It is a standout example of mid-century American waterfront painting...
Category
1940s American Modern Albert Richardson Art
MaterialsArchival Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper