Pears with White Flowers, 6"x 6", oil

"May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
J.R.R. Tolkien, Fellowship of the Ring

This painting was inspired by the rich color of the bosc pears and the cashmere shawl upon which I laid them. The warm colors of the shawl brought out the pears' tones and also were reflected in the metal bowl. 

 I realized though that the painting needed some light-colored object. Looking out the window I noticed these miniature white daffodils in my garden, and knew instantly that they would work just perfect. The pears look like they come out of the darkness and the flowers are little lights dancing in attendance.

Mandarin with Pewter Cup, 6"x 6", oil

"Mandarin with Pewter Cup" was painted after my first attempt didn't satisfy me completely (with respect to the composition). This second time I painted the same arrangement in what I saw as a more free and modern way of expressing the subject. 

Silver Goblet with Apples, 8"x 6", oil

In this painting I wanted to show the contrast between the smooth, shiny bowl of the goblet and its more patterned stem. The apples and the leaves introduce even more variety to the textures rendered. The reflections seem to enhance the whole picture even more.

Red Rose with White Cup,  6"x 6", oil

"Red Rose with White Cup" has been done as a follow-up after "Red Rose with Pewter Cup". I loved the composition and I wanted to try a variation. I am pleased with the more modern outcome of the background. The rose was very fresh when it was given to me so it was still looking great. 

Red Rose with Pewter Cup, 6"x 6", oil
SOLD

The beautiful red rose that I received from my husband on Valentine's Day inspired me to do this piece. I wanted the rose to stand out and to render some of the softness and rich color of red velvet. The rest of the composition I made it so that it appeared to retreat, with the colors being more muted yet reflecting the rich red of the rose.

Blue Cup with Clementines, Oil, 6" x 8"
SOLD

"Blue Cup with Clementines" was intended to be a simple study. In the beginning I just wanted to focus on the clementines, but I ended putting as much work into the cup and the blueberries. After I decided how the light was going to strike every object, the execution was straightforward. I am happy with the result, but wish I could have kept closer to my original intent.

Copper and Apples, Oil, 6" x 6"
SOLD

This piece was composed having in mind the tall copper cup and the two apples that almost looked like they were competing with one another. The copper sits like a judge between them, but already is taking a side. 

In the end the composition worked out because of the strong, warm light that fell upon all three objects helped to unify them. The glow of the subjects gave the picture a life of its own.