The Three Stages of Silence- abstract paintings by Claire Hankey

The Three Stages of Silence: Dawn · Dusk · Breaking-

A quiet abstract painting series inspired by the changing stillness of the estuary

The Three Stages of Silence is a trio of abstract paintings inspired by the subtle shifts in colour, mood, and atmosphere along the estuary. Each piece reflects a different moment of quiet: the soft clarity of early morning, the warm stillness of evening and the first hints of motion returning to the water.

The series is built around minimal palettes, gentle textures and calm, atmospheric marks that echo the natural and man made elements found in the marina.

Dusk

Deep, warm rust tones and grounded texture

“Dusk” (above) is a dark and intense painting. Warm rust colours and darker tones mirror the earthy warmth of the estuary as daylight fades.

Breaking

Mid-tones, subtle movement, the moment silence begins to lift

'Breaking' introduces the first suggestion of motion. Mid-tones add energy without overwhelming the calm, and soft directional marks hint at the estuary beginning to respond to light.

Dawn

Dawn captures the soft, open stillness of early morning.

'The off white palette and restrained marks create a sense of space and clarity, while subtle pale rust tones hint as the first warmth arriving over the estuary. This is the quietest painting in the collection- designed to feel clear and calm.

The series as a whole

Together, Dawn, Dusk, and Breaking explore how the estuary holds quiet across different times of day. Instead of depicting a literal landscape, the series uses tone, colour, and texture to express mood and a sense of place.

These paintings are ideal for collectors looking for calm, nature-inspired abstract art that brings quiet atmosphere into interior spaces.

About the artist

Claire Hankey creates atmospheric abstract paintings inspired by coastal landscapes, marshland, and the sensory stillness of natural places. Her work focuses on gentle palettes, layered textures, and marks that evoke feeling rather than describe a scene.

Read more about Claire below

More about Claire