Still Life & TableTop

Now and again, I do try to take something different to my beloved landscapes. Just recently I had the pleasure to choose the subject of the Ipernity SPC monthly competition to be 'Still Life'. Here is one of my three contributions which came runner-up (2nd) along with Steve Paxtons 'Red Wine' to Mariagrazia Gaggero - 'Facciamo il pesto!' who won first place. A great competition and one that I would heartily recommend all Ipernity members to have a go at. The next comp will be announced on the 12th of the month. Nice full screen on black.

My old Kodak folding camera, gets a retrieve from the attic for its portrait. Yes, I have actually taken photo's with this that required my own processing and printing too. They were not bad but the effort in bringing those photos was not what it is today with the ability to take thousands, instantly with our pocket phones and then view or send them anywhere. Ah, the good old days. PIPS of the whole camera included here too. Notice the special Autographic pen and opening window at the back of the camera that allows a date or any other info to be scratched onto the photographic film back hence displaying that on the finished negative and photo. A unique futuristic form of Exif here, well in front of its time. The back inscriptions says "Use Autographic Film No.A-120" - It appears that these camera's where made between 1904-1926. Maybe this really is a hundred years old!

My second contribution to this months SPC, coming in fourth place. In the tradition of the Old Masters of Still Life. Enjoy large

The third of my recent SPC contributions. This came in 5th place. Another in the tradition of the old masters. Enjoy full screen on black.

After posting three of my latest still life shots that went into the latest SPC I have decided to reveal some more of my other still-life experiments now. I hope you like seeing them on here as much as I did creating them. This scene reminded me of some table mats that I once used on a sea-side holiday. Hence the raised edges giving the same effect here. Notice the fishing nets! As usual, all these are best viewed full screen. Herb

One of my very early attempts at still-life here. This is showing its age a bit now but it still demonstrates that art lives on forever. And yes, this ended up as a great lunch. Enjoy full size. ps this loaf was made at a local Ukrainian bakery, long since gone.

When a couple get together in a certain atmospheric situation it only takes an extra touch, like a rose, to set things afire. Enjoy this prelude to love! Enjoy full size.

A chance for me to take still life on holiday. Here we were staying in a charming rented house were all that was needed was for us to fill up these decanters. With six adults here, they would not have remained full for long :) I like the gentle harmonic greens with the warm golds of the whisky but the shape and lines of the glass also appealed to me. Enjoy full size.

Another in the grand tradition of still life. The subject of many an artist, be it in oils, watercolours or pencils. You can tell a nice still life fruit study by the increase in saliva it provokes or the urge to simply touch the fruit skins, and in this case stroke the soft wood of the bowl too. The secret to it all, of course, is lighting. I hope that you too recognise these things as I do. Nice full screen