Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Green and Black


10" x 10", oil on canvas
Tempting fate by putting another apple in this set-up. Quite enjoying playing with green here - never thought I would hear myself say that! More fun with the reflections.

I forgot to say yesterday about how I came by the apples. The wonderful secretary in my office, Maria, bought them for me. Because of security we really are not encouraged to go out shopping and so we rarely get fresh fruit of vegetables. I asked Maria if she could possibly get me some green apples when she went to do her weekly grocery shopping. She told me that her children were fascinated by my wanting them for painting and insisted on helping pick out the best apples. Anything that was not a perfect apple shape was rejected.

On the way to work today we passed a scene that reminded me of how grateful we all should be that have homes and running water in our houses. Men washing in a puddle by the side of the road. I've grown used to the men in the river. This reopened my eyes to the poverty. Its funny how we begin to become blind to things we see on a regular basis. It reminded me of a lecture by a fascinating artist (Sorry I can't remember his name) who had done an installation piece using famous newspaper photos and how at first it seems so horrific and then after you have seen those images over and over again that you become immune to their image.

11 comments:

Jeanette Jobson said...

The shine on the cup and reflections of the apples is fabulous in this Anita.

Cute story about the apples, yet frustrating not being able to go get your own fruit and veg!

And yes, its scary how things that we should rail against become common when we see them constantly and we cease to be upset about them to the same degree.

Angie said...

I love the composition with the two apples, and the colours are great in this painting and the one before.

Robyn Sinclair said...

The introduction of that second apple makes the composition so much more dynamic, doesn't it. I love this one, Anita. the greens are luscious and the reflections are a picture in themselves (Cezanne!).

Such lovely lively brushwork too. I'd like to have some of that. Also very taken with your square format.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Loved the idea of the children shopping for 'models' for you.

And yes, one can become desensitised to poverty and pain. I think it is a defence mechanism.

Anita said...

Jeanette - I DREAM about buying fruit and vegetables!!!

Annie - its quite a push for me to put objects half in and half out of the picture - my control freak self wants everything neatly contained inside the canvas!

Robyn - I love squares - square dishes, square glasses, square photo frames, square canvases - does that make me a square?

Anonymous said...

Love the form you have captured on the cup Anita. Apples look delish too.

Anita said...

Robin - the reflections are a real treat to do. Beginning to get those elipses under control!

tlwest said...

You lead an amazing gifted life- what we take for granted... God allows you to see. And it is shared in your life there and your art. Thank you!

Anita said...

Teri, Bless you! I needed that - was feeling very down about it today and you gave me an incredible life.

tlwest said...

take lots of pictures, make art, write about your experience and put it out in a book someday- the very least that will benefit will be your children, relatives and friends. But experiences such as yours can change others lives even if a little at a time. I am so glad to have a friend like you!

Anita said...

Teri - I keep meaning to journal - I guess now that i am getting into using my sketchbook is as good a time as any - Thank you for the nudge and the encouragement!

all artwork is copyright of Anita Murphy 2006/2007/2008/2009