Some paintings begin with a clear vision, but this one unfolded in a more intuitive way. I first reached for the red pears, drawn to their rich, warm tones. Then came the tray—its golden edges and patterned surface adding a lively contrast. Wanting more movement, I clipped a few stems from a neighbor’s shrub, their deep green leaves tipped with hints of red. Finally, the teapot, a cherished piece I bought decades ago at an art show, found its way into the scene, just barely visible but still holding presence.

This painting carries more than just the story of its still life objects—it also holds traces of the past beneath the surface. I painted over an earlier work, allowing the brushstrokes and textures from that previous piece to subtly peek through. I love these layers of history in a painting, though they may feel “imperfect” to some. To me, they add a sense of depth and evolution, a reminder that art—like life—is always shifting and transforming. There’s something intriguing about that—a kind of visual history embedded in the canvas.

In a way, this painting is a palimpsest, a surface where layers of time coexist. The underlying marks add a quiet energy, an imperfection that makes the piece feel alive. I find myself drawn to these traces.

What do you think? Do you notice details like this in art? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

To learn more about Red Pears and Green Leaves, including details on the piece, please reach out to me here Contact Me.

Categories: Abstract, Nature, New Paintings, Original oil paintings, Still LifeTags: art, artist, brushstrokes, colorful paintings, contemporary art, contemporary expressionism, fauvism, history, Layered paintings, life, oil paintings, painting, palimpsest, Poetry, red pears, story of objects, tea time, vibrant composition, women artists