Restless Before The Storm Detail Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a vast expanse of grassland under a dramatically overcast sky. A band of low-lying mountains stretches across the midground, their forms softened by atmospheric perspective and rendered in muted blues and grays. The foreground is dominated by tall, dry grasses, punctuated by scattered acacia trees whose thorny branches reach towards the turbulent heavens. Two cheetahs are positioned near the center of the frame, standing close together as if seeking reassurance or observing an impending event.
The color palette is striking; a warm ochre dominates the grassland, contrasting sharply with the cool, brooding tones of the sky. The artist employed a layered application of paint to create texture and depth in both the landscape and the clouds. The light appears diffused and heavy, suggesting imminent rainfall and a palpable sense of tension.
The arrangement of elements contributes to a feeling of foreboding. The low horizon line emphasizes the immensity of the sky, dwarfing the cheetahs and reinforcing their vulnerability within this expansive environment. Their posture – heads turned towards the approaching storm – implies an awareness of danger or change. The sparse vegetation suggests a harsh and unforgiving habitat where survival is precarious.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of resilience and adaptation. While the impending storm represents potential threat, the cheetahs’ presence signifies persistence in the face of adversity. Their close proximity may be interpreted as a demonstration of familial bond or cooperative strategy for navigating challenging circumstances. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, capturing a moment of anticipation within a landscape defined by both beauty and peril.