Still Life Painting: Chardin, Vermeer and Friends

Chardin, Vermeer and Friends

Vermeer, Chardin and Friends  |  9×12 inches  |  Oil on Linen Panel

Sometimes I feel compelled to paint a subject for no reason other than to satisfy an obsession. This is one of those times. The books belonged to my grandfather. Given to him in 1910 and subsequently came into my possession. As realist still life painter I feel a connection to Chardin, one of the greatest still life painters ever. Vermeer is an artist whose little paintings tower over nearly every artist before and after him. I am always inspired by the intimacy of his work. And of course there is Degas, Millet and so many wonderful artist who have added so much beauty to my life and who have led me to see the world anew time and time again.

So here’s the deal. I could use your insight. You would think I would have an answer to this question but sometimes inspiration and reason do not connect.

• What connections to you see between these objects – old biographies and a peeled clementine?

• What does this painting “mean” – what is it about?

There are no right answers and – sorry – no prizes except the rewards of exercising your imagination.

4 thoughts on “Still Life Painting: Chardin, Vermeer and Friends

  1. Liz says:

    Does anyone else see a similarity between Chardin and Vermeer, specifically in respect to Chardin’s Woman Sealing a Letter, The Washerwoman, A Lady Taking Tea, and several others? I’m thinking that Chardin must have studied Vermeer, but don’t know if this is documented.

  2. Margé Drew says:

    old tyme loves..coupled with old tyme tangerine..for a SLICES OF LIFE and juicy memories.
    Peeled back the time to honor the life of grandmother and the artists..in this magnificant painting!

  3. Judy Montgomery says:

    I love old books, I love clementines and I love this painting! To me I think the painting affects my senses: the taste and smell of the fruit as well as the smell of old books. Also the beauty of the old books and the feeling of nostalgia that they portray. The quietness while reading. The texture of the fruit and the books. And the beauty of what the painters in the books have left behind. It stirs my imagination and asks me to think deeper than just looking at the painting. Fabulous painting! Yep, definitely the senses all come into play.

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