Shelf in Greece

As I traveled with students wit People to People Organization, walking swiftly into a restaurant, I noticed this shelf with an interesting collection of object. Immediately, I thought: “I need a photo for a painting”. I later used the photograph as a resource from which to paint this acrylic painting. The 4th image shows the frame it is in. Others show possibilities.

Still life has been the focus of numerous artists throughout history. The focus can be on realism, subtle use of color and simple shapes, analyzing line, form, color, or distorting, simplifying and fragmenting objects. Still life can emphasize expressive color or be symbolic, or have a special meaning. The magic of still life painting is that they can show us a new way of looking at the world. The artwork can evoke various emotions, as decisions are made with arrangement, color, lighting , and the choice of objects. Yes, many choices, as with all of art, it can be difficult to choose what to paint…or what to buy.

Go with what you like!