A really still still life

Oil on canvas, 16" x 20".

Whenever possible I prefer to paint from life.. Part of the pleasure is translating 3 dimensions to 2, and dealing with all the inevitable changes in light, perspective and so forth. But this fall I've found myself rushing through still lifes because I'm dealing with fruits, veggies and flowers that are never really still-- they are ripening, stretching to the light, getting bruised, dropping seeds. So I dug through the seldom-used kitchen stuff and came up with this arrangement of old aluminum gizmos. Unlike with most organic shapes, it is painfully obvious when the drawing is cockeyed, but I'm wiling to live with that.  I had time to do a couple of pencil studies and play with the composition. So many ovals and curves, great fun.
For the most part I've been posting new work on Instagram-- some of you have found me there, but if not, come see me -- @madilounelson.

One of the pencil studies on beige paper, with a little chalk for highlights.