Fruit & Brushes

A painterly and expressive mid-century still life composition, executed in oil onto board.

This expressive composition offers a window into the artist’s studio through a rhythmic arrangement of objects  – a terracotta vase, a lilac-toned pitcher, a cobalt dish of orange fruit, and a pair of blue tumblers holding delicate paintbrushes.

What sets this piece apart is the dynamic interplay of brushstroke and line. Thick, impasto layers are energetically applied, while the artist employs sgraffito – scratching into the wet paint with the back of a brush to reveal underlying tones and carve gestural lines into the surface. This technique adds both texture and movement, amplifying the painting’s sense of immediacy and spontaneity.

The palette is a sophisticated interplay of soft mauves, deep greens, and muted blues, set against a textured backdrop that shifts from diagonal to vertical strokes  – echoing the tension between structure and freedom.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary hessian lined frame.  Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition. .

Size: 51.5 x 59.5 cm (including frame)