“The kitchen is where we come to understand our past and ourselves.”
– Nigella Lawson
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is an original oil painting on panel, inspired by the Bodegón tradition of Spanish still life. Rooted in 17th-century Spanish painting, Bodegón compositions often depict simple kitchen or pantry objects with dramatic lighting and a sense of quiet dignity. This piece transforms everyday elements into a striking composition of form, texture, and contrast. A silver creamer, a luminous green pear, and a richly patterned ginger jar sit in quiet conversation alongside a jar of olives, all arranged on tiered slabs of marble.
Light and shadow play a pivotal role, accentuating the reflective surfaces of metal and glass while revealing intricate details in each object. The deep black background isolates the arrangement, heightening its drama and presence. The result is a study in balance—where everyday objects are elevated through their placement, lighting, and subtle interactions.
Measuring 18 x 30 inches (45 x 75 cm), the painting features a deep black edge, allowing it to be displayed unframed. Several custom framing options are also available without additional cost. For more information, feel free to contact me using the form at the bottom of this page.
Scroll down to watch a video and explore this captivating piece in more detail.
"Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar"
An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is a tribute to the Bodegón tradition—rooted in 17th-century Spanish still life painting—where simple kitchen and pantry objects are elevated to objects of quiet dignity and artistic contemplation. This tradition, made famous by painters like Zurbarán and Velázquez, was known for its dramatic lighting, rich textures, and the careful arrangement of everyday objects in ways that spoke to life’s fleeting beauty.
At the heart of this composition, a jar of olives takes center stage, its muted green tones glowing under the soft illumination. A gleaming silver creamer sits nearby, its polished surface capturing glimpses of the objects around it. A luminous green pear offers a striking contrast to the hard brilliance of metal, while a richly patterned ginger jar adds depth and warmth to the arrangement.
Set upon tiered marble slabs, the objects take on a sculptural quality, their placement carefully orchestrated to enhance the contrast between textures—the smooth, delicate sheen of porcelain, the rough matte of fruit, the crisp reflections of glass and metal. Light plays across each surface, revealing the intricate details of form and material. The deep black background, a signature of the Bodegón style, heightens the drama, isolating each element and allowing it to emerge with heightened clarity and significance.
This painting embodies the spirit of the Bodegón—not merely a depiction of objects, but a meditation on light, stillness, and the beauty of the everyday. It draws attention to the quiet elegance of simple things, honoring the act of looking deeply, of seeing beyond utility into something timeless and profound. The play of reflection and shadow, of balance and contrast, invites the viewer to linger, to appreciate the subtle transformation that occurs when ordinary objects are bathed in focused light.
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is a study in restraint and richness, simplicity and depth. It carries forward the tradition of Spanish still life, offering a contemporary interpretation of the Bodegón’s reverence for objects, for light, and for the quiet narratives that unfold in the presence of simple, carefully chosen forms.
The Finest Materials
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” has been meticulously crafted using the finest materials, employing traditional techniques that have been refined and passed down through generations of artists for over five centuries.
This painting is executed on a prepared panel, a surface chosen for its exceptional stability, smoothness, and ability to hold paint with remarkable clarity. The panel is carefully primed to create a stable, archival foundation—ensuring that the painting remains vibrant and enduring for years to come. This preparation process allows for precise detailing and enhances the luminous contrasts within the composition.
Only the finest oil paints have been selected, chosen for their richness, depth, and permanence. Many of the pigments used in this piece have been sourced from traditional locations around the world, known for their historical significance and lasting brilliance. The deep green hues of the olives are enhanced with Bohemian green earth, a pigment historically used for its rich yet natural tone. The intricate reflections on the silver creamer incorporate lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, a gemstone pigment treasured for its unparalleled depth and vibrancy. The warm undertones of the ginger jar’s pattern are enriched with Chinese vermillion, a pigment prized for its intense, lasting color. Each pigment is carefully chosen not only for its beauty but also for its enduring stability over time.
Every element of this painting, from the glassy sheen of the olives to the bold forms of the vessels, has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, “Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” transforms everyday objects into a striking composition that continues to captivate and inspire, celebrating the elegance of light, texture, and form.
Painstaking Process
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” was created using a traditional process very little changed for 500 years, known as the Flemish Technique. The arrangement of objects was carefully composed in a controlled lighting environment, allowing for a precise balance of light and shadow to enhance the reflective surfaces of metal, the glow of fruit, and the intricate details of ceramic and glass.
Several small “thumbnail” sketches were made in pencil first, determining the overall design and placement of objects. A “color study” followed—this small version of the painting, completed without much detail, allowed for a deeper understanding of the primary colors and overall harmony of the composition. This study also served as a rehearsal, ensuring that the final painting would capture the intended depth, atmosphere, and interaction between textures.
Once the preparatory studies were complete, the composition was drawn onto the panel using light charcoal. The main shapes and placements were carefully mapped out, focusing on proportion and structure while leaving finer details to develop in later stages.
A simplified version of the painting in black and white was then applied on top of the charcoal sketch. This is known as an “underpainting,” a technique that establishes major forms and refines the gradations of light and dark—what artists refer to as “value.” By separating value from color, the painting developed a strong foundation, ensuring depth and luminosity in the final layers.
After several days, once the underpainting was sufficiently dry, the color layer was applied—this is what you see in the finished painting. The color was carefully built up in transparent layers, a process known as “glazing.” These thin washes create a jewel-like depth and glowing transparency of color, which enhances the smooth sheen of the olives, the luminous reflections in the silver creamer, and the deep, rich hues of the ginger jar’s patterned surface.
Through this time-honored process, “Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” achieves a striking yet harmonious presence, elevating everyday objects into a contemplative study of light, form, and timeless elegance.
"Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar"
Ready for your collection today
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” measures 18 × 30 inches (45 × 75 cm) and is painted with oil on panel, following time-tested traditional methods.
It features a deep black edge, allowing it to be displayed unframed. If preferred, a framer can provide additional options to complement your space.
The unframed presentation offers a clean, modern aesthetic that allows the artwork to stand on its own, emphasizing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The deep black edge provides a natural border, ensuring a refined and polished look without the need for additional framing.
For those who prefer a more traditional presentation, a custom frame can be selected to enhance the composition’s richness and depth. Whether displayed as is or framed to your preference, this painting’s striking presence makes it a compelling addition to any collection.
Scroll down to explore more details about this painting and see additional images.
Shipping
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” will ship via USPS Registered Mail with secure packaging and full insurance at no extra charge. Upon shipping, you will receive a tracking number and an estimated delivery date, allowing you to monitor the package’s location and progress. It will ship within two business days of purchase.
Every piece is carefully packed and fully insured for safe delivery. Should any issue arise in transit, I will work with you to resolve it promptly.
Alternatively, if you live within a 50-mile radius of Boston, Massachusetts, I will be happy to deliver the work in person to you.
Guarantee
Your satisfaction is my highest priority. If for any reason you are not completely delighted with your painting, you may return it within 14 days for a full refund or exchange. The artwork must be returned in its original condition and packaging.
Invest with confidence—this painting is designed to bring lasting beauty and enjoyment to your collection.
Your satisfaction is completely guaranteed.
Purchasing This Painting
This painting is framed as shown and is ready for immediate hanging.
Payment may be made with major credit cards and PayPal.
Shipping within the United States is free. An additional charge will be added for shipments outside of the United States.
It will ship from my studio within 3 business days of purchase.
It will be carefully packaged for maximum protection during transit, and insured for the full purchase price. A signature will be required on delivery, so the package will not be left unattended.
You will be provided with a tracking number and estimated delivery date (due to the unpredictability of the customs process, an estimated delivery date cannot be provided for shipments outside of the United States).
Your satisfaction is completely guaranteed. Paintings may be returned for the full purchase price within 14 days of receipt.
About These Paintings
These paintings grow out of two sources: On the one hand, a deep love for the great still life tradition of the Dutch Golden Age, and on the other, a life-long interest in meditation.
For both viewer and artist, still life is the perfect opportunity to have that experience which all meditation seems to aim at: complete and total absorption in the present moment. Not the past. Not the future. Just what is in front of you. Right here. Right now.
That moment of quiet, intense connection – that sense of one-ness – is all the inspiration I need… and these paintings emerge from that source.
As such, this isn’t really a personal art. It’s not about me or my views or my ideas.
My role is to step aside, and let these silent moments speak through me.
And there isn’t anything more personal.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this painting, whether it’s about its details, the inspiration behind it, or how it would fit into your space, I’d be happy to answer them.
If you’d like more information about the purchasing process, framing options, or secure shipping arrangements, feel free to reach out.
I take great care in ensuring that each painting is safely packaged and delivered, and I’m happy to discuss any special requests you may have.
Simply use the form below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar
$7,500.00
“The kitchen is where we come to understand our past and ourselves.”
– Nigella Lawson
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is an original oil painting on panel, inspired by the Bodegón tradition of Spanish still life. Rooted in 17th-century Spanish painting, Bodegón compositions often depict simple kitchen or pantry objects with dramatic lighting and a sense of quiet dignity. This piece transforms everyday elements into a striking composition of form, texture, and contrast. A silver creamer, a luminous green pear, and a richly patterned ginger jar sit in quiet conversation alongside a jar of olives, all arranged on tiered slabs of marble.
Light and shadow play a pivotal role, accentuating the reflective surfaces of metal and glass while revealing intricate details in each object. The deep black background isolates the arrangement, heightening its drama and presence. The result is a study in balance—where everyday objects are elevated through their placement, lighting, and subtle interactions.
Measuring 18 x 30 inches (45 x 75 cm), the painting features a deep black edge, allowing it to be displayed unframed. Several custom framing options are also available without additional cost. For more information, feel free to contact me using the form at the bottom of this page.
Scroll down to watch a video and explore this captivating piece in more detail.
Available
Description
"Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar" An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is a tribute to the Bodegón tradition—rooted in 17th-century Spanish still life painting—where simple kitchen and pantry objects are elevated to objects of quiet dignity and artistic contemplation. This tradition, made famous by painters like Zurbarán and Velázquez, was known for its dramatic lighting, rich textures, and the careful arrangement of everyday objects in ways that spoke to life’s fleeting beauty.
Set upon tiered marble slabs, the objects take on a sculptural quality, their placement carefully orchestrated to enhance the contrast between textures—the smooth, delicate sheen of porcelain, the rough matte of fruit, the crisp reflections of glass and metal. Light plays across each surface, revealing the intricate details of form and material. The deep black background, a signature of the Bodegón style, heightens the drama, isolating each element and allowing it to emerge with heightened clarity and significance.
This painting embodies the spirit of the Bodegón—not merely a depiction of objects, but a meditation on light, stillness, and the beauty of the everyday. It draws attention to the quiet elegance of simple things, honoring the act of looking deeply, of seeing beyond utility into something timeless and profound. The play of reflection and shadow, of balance and contrast, invites the viewer to linger, to appreciate the subtle transformation that occurs when ordinary objects are bathed in focused light.
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” is a study in restraint and richness, simplicity and depth. It carries forward the tradition of Spanish still life, offering a contemporary interpretation of the Bodegón’s reverence for objects, for light, and for the quiet narratives that unfold in the presence of simple, carefully chosen forms.
The Finest Materials
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” has been meticulously crafted using the finest materials, employing traditional techniques that have been refined and passed down through generations of artists for over five centuries.
Only the finest oil paints have been selected, chosen for their richness, depth, and permanence. Many of the pigments used in this piece have been sourced from traditional locations around the world, known for their historical significance and lasting brilliance. The deep green hues of the olives are enhanced with Bohemian green earth, a pigment historically used for its rich yet natural tone. The intricate reflections on the silver creamer incorporate lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, a gemstone pigment treasured for its unparalleled depth and vibrancy. The warm undertones of the ginger jar’s pattern are enriched with Chinese vermillion, a pigment prized for its intense, lasting color. Each pigment is carefully chosen not only for its beauty but also for its enduring stability over time.
Every element of this painting, from the glassy sheen of the olives to the bold forms of the vessels, has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, “Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” transforms everyday objects into a striking composition that continues to captivate and inspire, celebrating the elegance of light, texture, and form.
Painstaking Process
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” was created using a traditional process very little changed for 500 years, known as the Flemish Technique. The arrangement of objects was carefully composed in a controlled lighting environment, allowing for a precise balance of light and shadow to enhance the reflective surfaces of metal, the glow of fruit, and the intricate details of ceramic and glass.
Once the preparatory studies were complete, the composition was drawn onto the panel using light charcoal. The main shapes and placements were carefully mapped out, focusing on proportion and structure while leaving finer details to develop in later stages.
A simplified version of the painting in black and white was then applied on top of the charcoal sketch. This is known as an “underpainting,” a technique that establishes major forms and refines the gradations of light and dark—what artists refer to as “value.” By separating value from color, the painting developed a strong foundation, ensuring depth and luminosity in the final layers.
After several days, once the underpainting was sufficiently dry, the color layer was applied—this is what you see in the finished painting. The color was carefully built up in transparent layers, a process known as “glazing.” These thin washes create a jewel-like depth and glowing transparency of color, which enhances the smooth sheen of the olives, the luminous reflections in the silver creamer, and the deep, rich hues of the ginger jar’s patterned surface.
Through this time-honored process, “Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” achieves a striking yet harmonious presence, elevating everyday objects into a contemplative study of light, form, and timeless elegance.
"Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar" Ready for your collection today
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” measures 18 × 30 inches (45 × 75 cm) and is painted with oil on panel, following time-tested traditional methods.
It features a deep black edge, allowing it to be displayed unframed. If preferred, a framer can provide additional options to complement your space.
The unframed presentation offers a clean, modern aesthetic that allows the artwork to stand on its own, emphasizing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The deep black edge provides a natural border, ensuring a refined and polished look without the need for additional framing.
For those who prefer a more traditional presentation, a custom frame can be selected to enhance the composition’s richness and depth. Whether displayed as is or framed to your preference, this painting’s striking presence makes it a compelling addition to any collection.
Scroll down to explore more details about this painting and see additional images.
Shipping
“Olives, Creamer, Pear, Ginger Jar” will ship via USPS Registered Mail with secure packaging and full insurance at no extra charge. Upon shipping, you will receive a tracking number and an estimated delivery date, allowing you to monitor the package’s location and progress. It will ship within two business days of purchase.
Every piece is carefully packed and fully insured for safe delivery. Should any issue arise in transit, I will work with you to resolve it promptly.
Alternatively, if you live within a 50-mile radius of Boston, Massachusetts, I will be happy to deliver the work in person to you.
Guarantee
Your satisfaction is my highest priority. If for any reason you are not completely delighted with your painting, you may return it within 14 days for a full refund or exchange. The artwork must be returned in its original condition and packaging.
Invest with confidence—this painting is designed to bring lasting beauty and enjoyment to your collection.
Your satisfaction is completely guaranteed.
Purchasing This Painting
About These Paintings
These paintings grow out of two sources: On the one hand, a deep love for the great still life tradition of the Dutch Golden Age, and on the other, a life-long interest in meditation.
For both viewer and artist, still life is the perfect opportunity to have that experience which all meditation seems to aim at: complete and total absorption in the present moment. Not the past. Not the future. Just what is in front of you. Right here. Right now.
That moment of quiet, intense connection – that sense of one-ness – is all the inspiration I need… and these paintings emerge from that source.
As such, this isn’t really a personal art. It’s not about me or my views or my ideas.
My role is to step aside, and let these silent moments speak through me.
And there isn’t anything more personal.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this painting, whether it’s about its details, the inspiration behind it, or how it would fit into your space, I’d be happy to answer them.
If you’d like more information about the purchasing process, framing options, or secure shipping arrangements, feel free to reach out.
I take great care in ensuring that each painting is safely packaged and delivered, and I’m happy to discuss any special requests you may have.
Simply use the form below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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