Exploring Color in Warm Recollections

2 weeks ago 1 Comment by cmartzloff Flowers

Warm Recollections 14″ x 18″ Oil on canvas – $945

Warm Recollections grew from a pull toward familiar objects. The gentle color shifts have been catching my eye lately. I began with a simple arrangement—lemons, a soft-toned pitcher, a clay vase with an earthy, patterned surface. While I painted, the scene took on its own quiet glow. The hydrangea clippings were well past their summer fullness. They offered a mix of mahogany and muted green. This combination felt rich and grounded. Their winter state brought out something nostalgic in me. This feeling was enhanced by the soft pink and peach notes. The violet-blues and the patterned fabric swatch woven into the composition also contributed. Even the shadows became part of the story. They rose up as shapes in their own right. They did not sit quietly in the background.

The color choices were influenced by a brilliant red maple tree I passed on a walk. Those jewel-like tones stayed with me and found their way into the painting. They mingled with the neutrals in a way that felt warm and lived-in. The background, divided into spaces of soft violet and yellow, adds a gentle structure without interrupting the mood. And the lemons—always nearby in my kitchen—brought their familiar brightness, a small note of everyday comfort. Together, these elements create a moment that feels familiar. The moment is both remembered and newly discovered. It is an echo of simple pleasures and subtle beauty.

I’d love to hear what you notice in Warm Recollections. Your input always help me see my work in new ways. For more information or inquiries on this piece, please reach out to me at cmartzloffart@gmail.com. Thank you!