A charming and atmospheric original oil depicting a seated cellist resting in an artist's studio, surrounded by a grand piano, flowers, music stand and period furniture, with large studio windows providing a beautifully diffused natural light.

Executed with confident, impressionistic brushwork, the artist has concentrated on capturing mood and atmosphere rather than fine detail. Rich warm earth tones contrast with cool blues and greys, giving the composition depth and a distinctly painterly quality.

The reverse bears the handwritten title:

The Cellist in the Studio (Sketch) with the medium noted as Oil on Canvas and the artist identified as Sue Hill with the painting signed with the initials SH to the lower left.

Presented in its original painted wooden gallery frame.

Dimensions: Canvas size: 50 × 40 cm Framed size: 58.5 × 48.5 cm

Date: Probably painted circa 1988–1995.

Provenance

Acquired from a private collection together with another contemporary British oil by Maila Parker. The companion painting retains an original Innisfree Gallery, Church Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire label dating from the late 1980s/early 1990s.

Although this painting has lost its dealer's label, the handwritten catalogue card on the reverse appears to have been written by the same hand as the Maila Parker label, strongly suggesting it also passed through the same gallery. This provides a useful provenance link.

Condition: Very good original condition. Canvas clean and stable with no obvious repairs or restoration visible. Minor age-related wear to the original frame consistent with display.

Dealer's opinion

Although Sue Hill has not yet been firmly identified with a recorded auction history, the painting displays the work of a competent and experienced painter. The handling of light, composition and colour suggest someone with formal training rather than an amateur hobbyist.

The musical subject matter also gives it broad decorative appeal.

Price breakdown: Sue Hill oil on canvas - £225, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £20