Tabletop Composition

An intimate still life that presents a quietly contemplative arrangement of everyday objects: a tall green glass bottle, a white jug, and three ripe apples resting upon a simple tabletop, executed in oil onto board and dated 1977.

The composition is carefully balanced, with the bottle acting as a vertical anchor, its slender silhouette contrasted by the rounded softness of the apples and the sturdy, tactile presence of the jug. The objects are arranged close together, while the subtle cast shadow behind the bottle introduces depth and a quiet sense of afternoon light.

Executed in a restrained modernist style, the painting reflects a focus on form, tone, and spatial harmony. The artist distils each object to its essential shape and presence, and the composition feels deliberate yet unpretentious: a study in stillness, balance, and the beauty of ordinary objects.

The colour palette is soft, muted, and harmonious. The brushwork is expressive yet controlled. Soft, blended passages create smooth tonal transitions, while visible brushstrokes in the apples and bottle lend texture and vitality. The paint handling feels confident, capturing the essence of each object without unnecessary detail. Subtle variations in tone and edge create volume and form, while the background remains softly modulated, enhancing the painting’s serene and contemplative mood.

This oil on board is housed in a complementary linen lined wood frame with an inner dark wood border. The painting is in excellent vintage condition, and the frame has some scuffs. 

Size: 39 x 47 cm (including frame)