Shadow boxes are used for controlling light and creating a dark space.   When this small box was sent with an order of paints I put it on my shelf of still life candidates, I liked it.  As you see the basket fits it exactly. Apples are a highly popular subject for still life painters and the linen cloth gives an abstract reminder of something square – the box opening – but collapsed, folded.  There is an initial drawing and this little painting.  Framed in deep red it can work as a colourful brick, slotting into the most surprising places.  Or because of the shape of the frame it can stand on a flat surface as many of the small paintings can.

Oil on panel  2020  23 x 30cm  9 x 12in

This is the first of many Cup Paintings.  I bought two of these attractive, contemporary cups in Florence – one grass green, and one traffic light red – during my time at the Angel Academy where I was a student on the Four Year Classical Realism Program (January 2010 – December 2013).  Then back in England some years later I bought more colours online from Germany where they are made.  And I shall paint each and every one!  Just search ‘cups’  on this website to find them as the collection grows.  The wonderful sprouting red onions are what we artists call ‘Perishables’ and they need a particular way to be painted.  And of course now these ones are only available to enjoy in the painting.

Oil on canvas 

2018  40 x 50cm   16 x 20in

A glossy brown coffee pot is half seen, a deep red cup is placed almost centre stage, both these glazed objects are smooth and shiny contrasting against a small bunch of white flowers and a rather dramatic frilled begonia.  

This was the second cup to be painted.  See where we go with this idea as there are a number of new cups, and will be more in the future. 

Oil on panel  2019  30 x 33cm   12 x 13in 

One of those subjects that will always be popular.  Using some lovely purple vine leaves curved around a simple green glass, a fine ‘bottle of red’ and some gorgeous black grapes all set on a set of some very fine hand-made bricks, it is hard to translate the smoke and mirrors of the studio arrangements.  A wooden stool stacked up with several paint cans held bucket with a large spray of vine leaves which were wired into a slightly unwilling, but generous sweeping arch.  At times the lighting, that is always needed for a Tenebrist style Still Life, had to be used to coax the leave arch into this even parade directed forwards but still needing the occasional use of extra florists tape.  And when it was finally finished it was transported very carefully to Florence where we chose this hand-carved frame which was, painted, gilded and aged by our very favourite artesian Corniciaio (framer).  Then equally carefully returned home to the UK. 

Oil on linen  2016   71 x 68cm   28 x 27in   Bespoke Florentine Frame

The lime cup appears as part of a green painting.  Begun in January when good limes are scarce but hellebores are plentiful.  The bottle is part of a small collection I have been given.  This one is particularly lovely with the colours of the fruit and flowers reflected within it and looking almost like a butterfly’s wings.

Oil on panel  2022  32 x 32cm   13 x 13in

The third time I was commissioned to paint David Airey – a friend and neighbour.

Oil on linen 2017

Set on some handmade terracotta bricks, in a small alabaster cup, these little flowers hold all the charm of Spring in their simple shapes and beautiful colours.  When in the shade of another flower the yellow takes on a greenish hue, the mauve becomes intense magenta in places.  Nature really is a wonder and for a painter, despite its difficulties, painting flowers is such a joy to share.

Oil on panel  2020  12 x 10in