Folk Musicians

A lively 20th century figurative painting that depicts a spirited gathering of musicians arranged in a tiered composition, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1969.

Each figure absorbed in the act of playing:  violins are lifted mid-bow, a guitarist anchors the right side, and smaller figures stand poised with wind instruments, creating the sense of a communal folk performance. The central foreground figure, hands planted confidently on hips and dressed in a patterned skirt and vest, acts as both visual anchor and quiet conductor of the scene.

Simplified, elongated forms with minimal facial detail lend the work a universal, almost archetypal quality. The figures are stylised rather than portrait-like, with flattened planes and a compressed sense of space that brings the entire ensemble forward toward the viewer. There is a naïve-modernist charm in the proportions and arrangement, yet the composition is carefully balanced, with vertical instrument necks and angled bows creating rhythm across the canvas.

The colour palette is warm and earthy, grounded in greens and muted browns, punctuated by vibrant notes of mustard yellow, teal blue, red and burnt orange. These contrasting garments give each musician individuality while harmonising within the overall composition.

Brushstrokes are confident and expressive. Paint is applied in visible, textured strokes – particularly in the clothing and instruments  –  adding movement and energy to the scene. The background is softly blended but remains painterly, allowing the figures to stand forward in bold, gestural definition. The overall effect is celebratory and rhythmic, capturing not just a group of musicians, but the collective spirit of shared music-making.

This oil on canvas is housed in a complementary hessian lined wood frame. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffs. 

Size: 52 x 40 cm (including frame)