Painted in February, 2025. 16”x16”. Acrylic on stretched canvas. Price $325.00 Cdn. – framed.
Coffee brewed in a traditional Dallah and shared with family or friends has represented hospitality, generosity and social connection for thousands of years. During this time of incivility, I wanted to paint a still-life that expressed a sense of warmth and welcome.
I put a lot of time working on this painting’s composition, before I picked up a brush and started painting. I specifically chose a high point of view, which forces the viewer to look down on the objects in the still life. The shape of the Dallah with its swoops and curves and over-sized spout was particularly enticing. I want the viewer to stop and consider what story might be behind this tableau. Who has been invited to share a cup of coffee? What is behind the invitation? What stories were told?
The shadows in this painting also form an important part of the composition, as they lead the eye into the center of the painting and then eventually off the canvas.
I primarily used three colours on this painting, Burnt Sienna, Cerulean Blue and Naples Yellow. I used a lot of scumbling to create a very textured background. This painting took me approximately 18 hours to complete.
This painting is a study in tension and tranquility and I hope I was able to reflect some of the wonder that we found in this desert oasis.
