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