Blue and Lemon - Terry Frost

A geometric screenprint by British modernist Terry Frost, featuring a circular composition divided by rhythmic, multi-coloured vertical bands.

Blue and Lemon is a characteristic example of the late-career output of Sir Terry Frost, a central figure in the St Ives School of British Modernism. Frost, who spent much of his life in Cornwall, developed a visual language rooted in the observation of light, movement, and the coastal environment. This work demonstrates his interest in geometric reduction and the interplay of colour.

The composition is defined by a large circular form, which is bisected and interrupted by a series of vertical bands. The left side of the circle is a solid, deep blue, while the right side is a bright, saturated lemon yellow. Between these two primary masses, a sequence of vertical stripes in varying widths and tones—including magenta, teal, and orange—creates a rhythmic, syncopated effect. This arrangement suggests a sense of structural order, yet the choice of hues maintains a playful, energetic quality.

Frost often utilised the circle as a motif to represent the sun or the moon, elements that appear frequently in his work. By stripping away representational detail, he focuses the viewer on the physical properties of the ink and the relationship between the shapes. The flat application of colour and the clean edges are hallmarks of his screenprinting practice, a medium he favoured for its ability to produce precise, uniform surfaces. This print reflects his ability to balance formal rigour with a light-hearted approach to colour theory. It is a study in how simple geometric elements can generate a sense of space and motion without relying on traditional perspective or narrative content.