Prisms of Light – 8″ x10″ Oil on canvas $375
Have you ever felt the magic in rainbows, that feeling of awe at nature’s own masterpiece? This painting is inspired by that sense of wonder—what happens when color and light converge.
I don’t remember the first rainbow I saw, but I vividly recall learning how white light refracts through a prism, creating its own miniature spectrum. Yet, nothing matched the feeling of seeing a rainbow in the sky—a sense of awe that felt like magic. That experience connected me to the artist within, and it continues to inspire me today.
Painting often restores my memory around feelings of wonder, joy and the magic of life. Looking at artwork can illicit the same type of experience in me. When it came to creating this painting, those experiences and sensations came to life. The deep red vase, the emerald green bowl, and the cobalt blue pinch bowl became my tools for recreating this magic, each hue contributing to a vibrant, layered composition. The vintage apothecary bottle adds a sense of time and nostalgia, while a simple round glass bowl brings back memories of my daughter’s first pet, Goldie the goldfish—symbols of both history and personal moments.
Perhaps this painting stirs up feelings of joy, wonder, or surprise for you, much like a rainbow might. The vibrant palette and simple shapes converge unexpectedly, inviting us into the present moment.
I’d love to hear what memories or feelings this painting brings up for you—please feel free to share them with me.
Enjoy the slideshow below. To learn more about Prisms of Light, including details on the piece and its availability reach out to me here Contact Me.
Categories: New Paintings, Original oil paintings, Still Life
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Beautiful! 🫶🫶🫶
Thank you Louise! I appreciate the compliment.
I find art brings me alive, and is a source of joy, too. I love the blast of colour in this picture, combined with the neutrals in the collection on the table below it. Beautiful.
Thank you! Yes, I like that too. Bright, vibrant colors can work in many spaces.