Still life paintings often start with a quiet spark of inspiration—sometimes it’s a treasured object, sometimes the fresh clippings from my garden. Bowl, Bottle, and Blooms came together in just that way, blending a sense of nostalgia with the beauty of the everyday.
The boxwood sprigs were the first piece of the puzzle. I clipped them from shrubs I planted years ago, a reminder of how time shapes both gardens and creativity. Their vibrant green leaves add a lively texture to the composition, connecting the scene to the outdoors.
Next came the violet glass bottle, a thrift store find with vintage charm. Its intricate motifs and rich color caught my eye, reminding me of old-world craftsmanship. While not truly vintage, it brings that timeless quality to the scene—proof that beauty often comes from where we least expect it.
Finally, the bowl—a radiant piece from Haeger Potteries, whose legacy of artistry is woven into this composition. Its golden hue and ribbed texture provide a grounding warmth that contrasts beautifully with the cooler tones of the bottle and background. For me, this bowl isn’t just a container for apples; it’s a piece of history, a connection to the hands that shaped it.
This painting feels like a celebration of balance—of form, color, and the stories these objects carry. It invites viewers to linger, to notice the interplay of light and shadow, and to feel the joy I find in combining familiar pieces into something entirely new.
For a closer look at the objects that inspired this piece, here’s a little collage of the bottle, bowl, and those freshly clipped boxwood sprigs.
Enjoy the simple slideshow below for more views of this oil painting.
For more information contact me at – cmartzloffart@gmail.com. Thank you for following along on this creative journey!
Categories: Nature, New Paintings, Original oil paintings, Still Life
CATHERINE J MARTZLOFF / Bright and Expressive Original Oil Paintings 
Wonderfully vibrant, and I really like the choice to crop into the image, like it’s spilling out, or we the viewers, are getting a sneak-peek at the details ❤️!!