As a self-taught watercolour artist, Ong Kim Seng does not subscribe to a particular style of painting but rather, established his own artistic style that many termed as ‘part-Realism and part-Impressionism’. His passion for watercolour as a medium led him to be the Honorary President of the Singapore Watercolour Society from 1991 to 2001. In 2000, he obtained the prestigious Dolphin Fellowship by the American Watercolour Society, an award given to artists for their achievements in watercolour painting.
In this painting, Ong tinges the work in warm yellows and oranges, creating a scene of the sun setting on the horizon. In the foreground, men, most likely labourers, are hard at work by the shore. One of these men looks into the distance, viewing the illuminated waters.
This work testifies to Ong’s mastery of capturing beauty in a fleeting moment. His penchant for capturing the lives of local labourers is also reflected in many of his other works.
