I know that not everyone gets what still life paintings are about. I realise that the name, for some, can carry a slightly old fashioned vibe due the justly famous renditions from the golden years of Dutch and Spanish still life paintings. Beautifully and meticulously painted, often crowded depictions of memento mori, full of symbolism and rather sombre in tone.
However, compare that with the much more upbeat kettle of fish that is contemporary still life! A Picasso, Todd M Casey, or Clare Woods still life painting is full of luscious colours, still carefully composed but designed to celebrate the beauty of the subjects depicted, elevating simple everyday objects into items worthy of contemplation. often simply presented.
That is what I aim for in my work. Although I admit that the old school is still a great teacher for me!
Fish in a Dish. oil on canvas 40 x 30cms £120 unframed.
Pauline Allbeury 