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By Kelly Compton
In the context of these rush-rush, always-on-the-move times, it’s gratifying to find that the genre of still life is very much alive and well. Today the longstanding tradition of depicting flowers, objects, and various kinds of food (especially fruits and vegetables) is being sustained by an unexpectedly robust community of watercolor artists who take the time necessary to slow down and study their favorite inanimate things.
Matthew Bird, “Chesapeake Pride,” 2019, watercolor on paper, 22 x 30 in., available through the artistKatie Musolff, “Dirty Little Entanglement,” 2021, watercolor on paper, 8 x 15 in., private collectionDiane Kominick-Ouzoonian, “Pink,” 2020, watercolor on paper, 20 x 16 in., private collectionCarla Gauthier, “Reflections on Happy Hour,” 2019, watercolor on paper, 22 x 30 in., available through the artistKirk Larsen, “Sushi off the Cuffs,” 2009, watercolor on paper, 9 x 11 in., available through the artistArline Mann, “The Reunion,” 2020, transparent watercolor over graphite on paper, 13 x 23 in., collection of Goldman Sachs
Laurin McCracken, one of today’s finest watercolor still life painters, shares his secrets to painting silver and crystal. Learn to paint realistic details without the risk of your painting looking like a photo!