“Pumpkin October” 1976 by John Hitchens

John Hitchens (born 1940) is a British painter renowned for his abstract landscape works, deeply influenced by the natural surroundings of the South Downs, where he grew up. The son of celebrated British artist Ivon Hitchens, John was immersed in a rich artistic legacy that shaped his distinctive style. Drawing from both his father’s influence and modernist traditions, John Hitchens creates works that blend abstraction with a connection to the natural world, using bold colours and dynamic forms to evoke mood and atmosphere rather than precise representation.

Pumpkin October (1976) is a striking example of his approach to capturing the essence of nature. The painting features a still life composition centred around a pumpkin, surrounded by autumnal elements such as flowers and fruits. With deep, warm tones of orange, red, and brown, Hitchens evokes the richness of the autumn season, translating its energy into a fluid, emotional experience. His expressive brushstrokes and use of light emphasise texture and colour, creating an abstracted vision of the pumpkin and its surroundings. Rather than focusing on minute detail, Hitchens captures the mood and rhythm of the natural world, offering a timeless reflection on the fleeting beauty of the autumn landscape. Through Pumpkin October, Hitchens continues his exploration of nature as both a visual subject and an emotional expression, using colour and form to invite viewers into a deeper connection with the landscape.