Earth and Air

A beautifully restrained mid-century abstract landscape that distils the essence of open countryside into a series of quiet, expressive gestures, executed in oil onto board.

The composition unfolds horizontally, suggesting rolling fields and distant hills softened by atmosphere and distance. Rather than describing a specific place, the artist captures the feeling of land, its stillness, breadth, and gentle undulation.

The palette is subtle and earthy, dominated by layered greens ranging from moss and olive to brighter, more luminous passages that suggest fresh grass or sunlight breaking through cloud. These tones are grounded by muted browns, evoking soil and natural terrain, while soft washes of pale grey and off-white above create a vast, overcast sky. A darker, almost charcoal passage to the right anchors the composition, providing contrast and visual weight.

The brushwork is loose, gestural, and confident. Broad horizontal strokes define the landscape planes, while thinner, vertical marks in the foreground suggest grasses or reeds, lending a sense of immediacy and texture. Areas of exposed ground and visible canvas contribute to the painting’s modernist sensibility, allowing the viewer to witness the artist’s process and movement. The application alternates between opaque and translucent layers, creating depth while maintaining an airy openness.

This oil on canvas is is housed in a well-suited champagne frame with an inner linen border. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has minor scuffs.

Size: 42.5 x 80.5 cm (including frame)