Plum Duet

 In this alla prima painting, I aimed to capture the simple elegance of two ripe plums. The serene, contemplative mood reflects how I felt while painting those little beauties. 

Apple Duet

This is an alla prima oil painting (study), which I found to be quite challenging. This painting was done in one setting. I'm deeply grateful for Paul Foxton's guidance through his online art school. With his help, I plan to explore and learn his process, hoping to achieve my goal to paint alla prima.

I'm excited to practice alla prima painting more frequently, aiming to capture light and shadow convincingly in a single painting session.

Whispers of Thought

 

Pansies have a rich history in art, symbolising various emotions and themes over time. Here is my rendition of a yellow pansy, known in French as "une pensée," meaning "thought." While painting, I was immersed in happy thoughts, even as I navigated the challenge of capturing its vibrant yellow hues.

Ceci n'est pas une tasse

 

"Ceci n'est pas une tasse," which translates from French to "This is not a cup."

This is my version of the famous work "The Treachery of Images" by Rene Magritte, which depicts a pipe with the caption " Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe"). Playing with the concept of reality and representation. This painting is not merely an image of a cup, it is an idea, a statement about the nature of art and reality. It is saying that what we see is not always what it is, it's an interpretation, a representation. It reminds us that sometimes, what we see is merely a suggestion, not the truth. And so, this painting of a cup that is not a cup will carry on the paradox. This painting is perhaps a silent teacher to all who look beyond the surface.

Painting this cup was challenging, especially the cursive handwriting but overall, a fun painting to do on a linen panel.