Gosh, this is a traditional still life. I couldn’t help but pile up these autumn gourds from the garden with one of my cactuses and a Polish pottery mug. I wanted to make this painting, first of all, to crank things back to a more painterly style, as opposed to the hyperrealism of my brötchen paintings. I also wanted to play with a more complex composition.

Most importantly, though, I wanted to explore contrasts and juxtaposition of adverse colors and different feelings. There’s the cool smoothness of the mug, which also has cool colors. Then there’s the softness of the white tablecloth, also a cool addition to the palette. Then, the bumpy jostling of the gourds, in striking hues of orange, rust, and yellow ochre. Finally, the smoothness of the pot and the small cactus peeking out at the top of the image.

This was a fun one to paint! Check it out here in my Etsy shop.