The Artistry of Things – 8″ x 10″ Oil on canvas – Holiday Archive Pricing: $250
Artistry has a way of revealing itself in everyday objects. This painting celebrates form, design, and color through a grouping of familiar items—some vintage, some contemporary—inviting a closer look at what might otherwise be overlooked.
As the arrangement developed, I felt drawn to emphasize bold, simplified shapes. A close-up perspective allowed parts of the objects to be cropped by the frame, shifting attention toward line and silhouette. The vintage kettle, originally the most detailed piece, was pared back, and the onion keeper’s circular openings were intentionally omitted. These choices helped keep the focus on the outer contours and the relationships between shapes.
Viewing the objects from this vantage point created a subtle distance from their everyday identities. I was curious to introduce a hint of tension in the composition and see what might emerge. The yellow pepper is the only element shown in full, yet it plays a quiet role rather than a dominant one. The background required thoughtful consideration; a nuanced white offered a gentle but striking contrast. It adds a touch of drama while allowing the colors and forms to stand forward.
Though simple in concept, this piece is lively in its surface—painterly, textured, and full of movement in the brushwork.
Categories: Original oil paintings, Still Life
