Oil on panel 59 x 67cm 23 x 26in

POA

This painting harks back to Peaches and Small Jug.  We have two of these jugs, one small and this one that stands 15 cm (6”) high.  My preference is to paint still lives larger than life,  I don’t know if I am reminded of seeing the world as a young child when most things seem large.  I like the apparent magnification and here, on the terracotta bricks, with an orderly arrangement of shallots, the jug is carved out of the background on one side and melts into the darkness where it is in shadow. 

This is a simple composition with few things and it is here that I often find a magic which gives arrangements a particular vibrancy and balance.  There is no formula and it takes a bit of patience arranging and rearranging, changing lighting, going away and returning with a fresh eye, until I get almost too exasperated and just have to begin.  Or at least make the initial graphite drawing and check the underlying dynamic has unity and impact. 

Then begin the exciting journey - and here it has ‘arrived’.