Symbolism in the Still Life

[SanDL]

Well, still lives are my thing. My life is pretty hectic as a mother and a teacher and as a generally busy type of person. When I paint still lives I am looking to invite quiet contemplation of my subject matter. My work with fruit is often metaphorical of human relationships. The attached painting is oil on canvas 24x30".

[fink]

:clap:
I love it. It feels very calm and well put together.

I also seem to have a busy schedule, working 9 hour days and coming home to work more. Someone once said that my paintings have a "Disney" look to them. What they meant is that they looked like an ideal world - that is what we are looking for in our still life paintings.

Keep up the good work.

[SanDL]

Thank you for the praise. I love this site and the engagement of all its members. So, Fink where's your stuff?
SanDL

[fink]

OK here is one of mine. It is not so dramatic as yours though. This was a gift for my Mother. I had given her the crystal angel and the painting as well.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jun-2001/Angel.jpg

[SanDL]

You know, yours, too, has the sense of quiet contemplation. Is it watercolor? It is a bit too pixelated to see all the detail clearly but I love the color and composition.

I think that good still life painting can feel like a two dimensional, portable altar. Thanks for posting your pic.
SanDL

[fink]

Thanks for your nice comments. It is watercolor and sorry for the poor quality image.

Need to go to work. Later.

[TeAnne]

Very sensual :) I can see this is your 'thing' Well done. :cat:

[SanDL]

:D
TeAnne: I think you see the link to the figure stuff.
Hey, I do flowers,too. This one is 30x30" oil on canvas. Perhaps not really a still life, though.

[ZOTMA]

Beautiful, really really.
Your subjects here remind me of the life drawing/painting.
I used to get bell peppers and do still life studies with them between life drawing classes just to get that sensual form practice.
You've got such a fabulous touch.
Wonderful

[SanDL]

:) :) :)

[fink]

I love the flowers. Flowers are (for me) still life. I seem to do alot of them.

Recently I have a web site up and going although it is not complete yet, you can get an idea of my watercolor flowers.

I started painting in oils but because of the mess and odor, switched to watrcolor:cat:

[SanDL]

:) I like using the oils because I can really almost sculpt my forms. It is as though I am stroking the petals over and over again. I am fortunate to have a space where I can make and leave a mess.
Here is another one, flower that is. 20x24 oil on canvas

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by SanDL
:) I like using the oils because I can really almost sculpt my forms. It is as though I am stroking the petals over and over again. I am fortunate to have a space where I can make and leave a mess.
Here is another one, flower that is. 20x24 oil on canvas
Out of the flowers, I like this one the best. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2001/flash.gif

[belladonna]

Still life is my first love :D
I looked at the first painting you posted and immediately an *awwwwww* and a smile came out. What came to mind was one pear needing, and getting, the protection of another. In the second painting, you have used such an unusual color combination for me, but the green and purples works so well together! I must try using greens and purples sometime. hmmm pondering ........

I like the first flower the best. Puts me in mind of one of Beardsley’s lady's in a flowing soft pink dress. Stylized, but not. Lovely to be sure ;) A very elegant lady.

Fink. Everything I have seen you do has wonderful composition and your style is so light and airy and, ahhh 'crystalline'. Hehehehe lack of a better word) To bad this one is so pixilated :(

SanDL. No web site? I would love to see more mmmmmmmm

[SanDL]

Yes , I need a web site and I'll have one up before summer break is over...

[Mario]

Hi SanDL, Good idea with the website...I would like to have one up within a couple of months, also.
please let us know if you find some helpful ways of getting it together... thanks

[Leaflin]

SanDL
What wonderful pieces. :)
The fruit in the first painting seem to be in an embrace.

[Victor]

Hi Sandl,

I like your work too, the fruit looks very juicy. Will be watching you from now on. I'll be watching belladonna to......I have some fantastic competition.

Vic

[Masterartworks]

This is good example on how to paint two objects and make it work. The abstract design or it is great.
Lei

[Lulu]

Sandl, your work is beautiful, and truly inspirational:)
I don't often get to this forum but I'm glad I have - it will be another to visit regularly.

[SanDL]

Wow! Thank you for your kind remarks. Back to school yesterday...I hope I can get back to the easel, too.