Storm Painting Appraisal

Ronald Charles Bell 'After the Storm' Oil on Board

This item is an oil painting on board by artist Ronald Charles Bell, titled 'After the Storm'. The dimensions are provided as 42 x 56 cm. The artwork depicts a natural landscape, likely Australian, given the style and common subjects of Australian landscape painters. A prominent, gnarled tree with sparse foliage stands on what appears to be a slightly elevated or rocky outcrop in the midground, suggesting resilience against the elements. The sky is dramatic, filled with dark, stormy clouds actively receding or clearing, allowing patches of lighter sky to break through, consistent with the 'After the Storm' title. The foreground consists of earthy tones, possibly dry grass or scrub, indicating a rugged terrain. In the background, muted mountains or hills are visible under the still-brooding sky. The painting is framed in what appears to be a simple, light-colored wooden or gilt frame, which complements the artwork without detracting from it. The brushstrokes appear to be visible and textural, indicative of traditional oil painting techniques, capturing the movement and atmosphere of the weather event. The overall condition cannot be fully assessed from the image, but no obvious large-scale damage, such as tears, significant paint loss, or major scratches, are discernible. The colors used are predominantly natural—greens, browns, grays, and blues, with a strong contrast between the dark storm clouds and the emerging light. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, aligning with an artist specializing in landscape art. The image shows a 'the auction rooms' watermark, suggesting it is being offered for sale.