In my still life work, I explore the quiet beauty of everyday objects and especially the juxtaposition of the natural and the inanimate. In 'Aphrodite's Harvest', I have emphasized the rich yellows of the quinces by presenting them in a rustic wooden trug resting on an old timber box, humble but authentic objects painted with a muted palette of umber tones. According to Greek Legend, quinces were one of the symbols or emblems of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, lust, beauty and passion: thus the chosen title for the painting.
I am a realist painter with a particular passion for still life painting and portraiture. I have been a finalist in a number of prizes including in the Mosman, the A.M.E Bale, the Rick Amor and Percival Portrait Prizes. I have painted throughout my life but have focused more fully on my art practice after leaving my academic position at UNSW in 2011. I have a degree in the History of Fine Art and more recently have studied traditional painting techniques at the Florence Academy of Art as well as the Charles H Cecil Studios in Florence. I have also taken many intensive workshops with artists like Michael Klein, Joshua La Rock and Andrew Bonneau. In my still life work, I explore the quiet beauty of everyday objects and especially the juxtaposition of the natural and the inanimate. I focus on creating a space where meditative thoughts can flourish through contemplation of an image rich with colour and light. My work can be seen in the 2021 Thames and Hudson publication, Still Life by Amber Creswell Bell.
