By the chiaroscuro effect, there is something tragic in this one. Lights and shadows play a metaphysical story. The red apple seems attacked by the rotting, of which the shape looks like a calcinated fir tree. The thin bumps,like wrinkles,of the surface add to that feeling of decay. The apples behind by their green color, recall that before the last period of life, there are two wonderful states, youth and maturity, so precious, so transient too. These two green apples respectfully let the patriarch be the star once last time, as on a stage. One of your more moving still life, Julian.
I love the way the tactile sense of the skin is communicated and how strongly 3 dimensional your apples are. Both with a relaxed treatment and masterly balance.
First, I liked Alain's philosophical comment - which is a reality of life ...
Second, here Julian, you have put the depth and the third dimension on a canvass that no one can easily handle ! you have mastered the light and shade and taking benefit of this to create 3D on a 2D piece of paper !!!
Best wishes and congratulations
- Mahendra
Dear Julian, the three ravishing apples emerging into the spotlight from the penumbra of the background could have been painted by Caravaggio. Deep down in his basement studio.
The shadowed green apple in the background is very important(just as important as the more detailed red apple in the foreground) as it greatly supports the illusion of depth.
Anna.
12 Comments