Still life paintings in oils

It is difficult staring at a blank canvas, trying to generate ideas. Consequently, I need a trigger to get my mind working. Mostly, one object catches my attention, and then I start imagining what can be done with it. Sometimes, it requires a simple combination of imagery, and sometimes it spawns a creative idea.

 

Jar and apple. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £650

Originally, I painted the jug and apple, but they looked lonely and needed something to add light to the picture. Adding the apple blossom achieved this.

Scented candle. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £680

I’ve never seen the point of scented candles, because the smell doesn’t last long. So, I added a real lemon to add a touch of humour to a serious painting.

Pineapple on a plinth. Oil on canvas. 40x50cm. £720

Some fruits and vegetables are so sculptural in their own right that they could be exhibited. Pineapples are one of them, hence the marble plinth.

Man tools. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £680

It is amazing what clearing out a shed throws up. In this case, I was tidying up my grandfather’s old tools and decided some were worthy of a painting.

Layered fruit. Oil on canvas. 40x50cm. £750

Taking the photograph for this painting tested my patience when the fruit refused to stay put. I had to chop the strawberries, then make them up in the picture.

Precarious. Oil on canvas. 24x30cm. £520

This came from the Humpty Dumpty rhyme. To avoid painting something cartoon-like, I gave the picture a more serious look.

Marigold. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £520

Sometimes, I feel like painting something simple in terms of composition. I based the vase shape on one I made in my foundation art years, then added a marbling.

Grapes and pears on a grey cloth. Oil on canvas. 40x40cm. £650

This is a conventional still life painting without any clever concept behind it. I tend to do these when my ideas dry up.

 

Pomegranates. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £680

I decided to paint a picture that was just about the composition and classical style. The wood adds texture, and the background is a subtle green for atmosphere.

Moon. Oil on canvas. 40x50cm. £680

This was done in one of my eggy periods. I had already painted a picture called a ‘Fragile World,’ a nod to environmental sensitivity. This one carried on the theme.

Porcelain head and blue scarf. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £680

This head has been on my painting list for years. It was given as a wedding present and she has looked at me ever since, demanding painty attention.

Spoons in a jar. Oil on canvas. 30x40cm. £620

I enjoy painting objects not typically found in a still life. Whilst cooking, the utensils caught my eye and found a new home.

Homemade wine. Oil on canvas. 40x50cm. £720

The idea for this came when listening to a friend and wine bore. I decided to make my own humorous vintage in a painting.

Egg and chives. Oil on canvas. 24x30cm. £520

I’ve always liked minimalist Japanese art. The spikey chives and angular vase complemented the curviness of the egg.

Stoneware. Oil on canvas. 35x45cm. £680

A table in my house is covered in stones I’ve collected over the years. The pot is one of three I bought for paintings.

Sticks and stones. Oil on canvas. 40x40cm. £650

I had previously painted a picture with sticks in a river influenced by Winnie the Pooh. The range of coloured stones on a black background created a design feel.