“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
— Albert Einstein
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an original still life painting, created with oil on prepared canvas.
This piece is a study in perception—where objects shift between solidity and reflection, challenging the viewer to question what is seen and what is imagined. A green pear, rich in texture and weight, sits beside a glass of water that distorts and redefines its form. The vibrant oriental rug beneath them adds another layer of complexity, its intricate patterns refracted and reshaped through the water’s surface.
The play of light and refraction in this painting suggests that reality is not always as fixed as it seems. The pear exists both in its natural form and as an altered image within the water, a quiet reminder that what we see is always shaped by the lens through which we view it.
Painted with oil on panel, and measuring 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 cm), it is set in a heavy floater frame with an angled silver edge, enhancing its luminous quality and sense of depth. The outer dimensions of the frame are 16 × 16 inches (41 × 41 cm), providing a refined, contemporary presence that complements the painting’s interplay of reality and illusion.
Scroll down to see a video and learn more about this painting.
"Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug"
An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an exploration of perception—where reality bends, reflections shift, and the familiar transforms before our eyes. Inspired by the fleeting nature of vision and the way light plays tricks on the mind, this painting invites the viewer to question what is truly being seen.
At first glance, the scene appears simple: a green pear, a glass of water, and a richly woven Oriental rug. But look closer, and the boundaries between object and reflection begin to blur. The pear exists both in its natural form and as a refracted, altered presence within the water. The glass, transparent yet substantial, bends the patterns of the rug beneath it, warping reality into something subtly surreal.
This painting is a meditation on the illusory nature of what we perceive. The water holds an echo of the world around it, distorting and reshaping what seems solid. What is more real—the pear itself or its reflection? The object or the way it is seen through another medium?
Bathed in quiet, directional light, the composition takes on an almost dreamlike quality—like a fleeting moment of clarity before reality shifts again. It is the kind of light that plays across an ancient tapestry, flickers in the ripples of a still pond, or gleams off a polished surface, changing what is seen from one moment to the next.
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an invitation to pause, to observe, and to question. It asks us to look beyond what we expect to see, to embrace the distortions and illusions, and to find beauty in the ever-changing nature of perception itself.
The Finest Materials
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” 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 prepared panel, a surface chosen for its exceptional stability, durability, and ability to hold fine details with remarkable clarity. The panel is carefully primed to create a smooth, archival foundation—ensuring that the paint adheres flawlessly and remains vibrant for generations to come. This meticulous preparation process, perfected over centuries, allows for both precision and richness in the final work, preserving its integrity over time.
Only the finest oil paints are selected, each chosen for its luminosity, depth, and permanence. Many of the pigments used in this piece have been sourced from around the world—colors with histories as rich as the traditions they come from. The interplay of light and shadow, the transparency of glass, and the intricate patterns of the rug are all rendered with layers of carefully applied paint, each stroke contributing to the illusion of depth and movement.
Every element in this painting—from the reflections within the water to the delicate shifts in color—has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, “Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is not only a visual experience but an enduring piece meant to captivate and inspire for generations.
Painstaking Process
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” was created using a traditional process very little changed for 500 years. The arrangements of objects are often set up in a large shadow box next to the easel. This allows careful control of the lighting and precise positioning of the composition.
Several small “thumbnail” sketches are made in pencil first, determining the overall design and placement of objects. A “color study” follows. This is a small version of the painting done without much detail. It enables a deeper understanding of the main colors, and also serves as a sort of dress rehearsal for the main work.
Once the preparatory studies are complete, the composition is drawn onto the linen panel using light charcoal. The main shapes and placements are set down with as much precision as possible, but very little fine detail is recorded at this point.
A simplified version of the painting in black and white is then done on top of the charcoal sketch. This is known as an “underpainting”. It establishes significant forms and shapes in the composition, and works out important gradations of light and dark – known to artists as “value” – independent of the complexities of working with full color.
After several days, the underpainting is sufficiently dry for the color layer – this is what you see when you look at a finished painting. Color is applied directly on top of the underpainting, often in very thin transparent washes. Known as “glazing”, these washes can create a jewel-like depth and sparkling transparency of color that cannot be achieved in any other way.
"Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug"
Ready for your collection today
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” measures 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 cm) and is painted with oil on prepared panel, following time-tested traditional methods.
It is set in a heavy floater frame with an angled silver edge, with outer dimensions of 16 × 16 inches (41 × 41 cm), and is ready to hang on your wall.
A floating frame enhances artwork by creating the illusion that the painting is suspended within the frame, with a small gap between the panel and the inner edges. This design allows the full surface of the painting to remain visible while adding depth and dimension.
One of the key advantages of a floating frame is its clean, contemporary aesthetic that complements both modern and traditional interiors. The subtle separation between the artwork and the frame emphasizes the composition without overpowering it, while natural shadows within the gap enhance the sense of depth.
Beyond aesthetics, floating frames provide structural protection by securing the painting’s edges and reducing wear over time. They also allow for slight air circulation, helping to preserve the artwork’s longevity. Offering both elegance and functionality, floating frames are an excellent choice for displaying artwork with a refined, polished look.
Shipping
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” 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.
Alternatively, if you live within a 50-mile radius of Boston, Massachusetts, I will be happy to deliver the work in person to you.
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.
Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug
$3,250.00
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
— Albert Einstein
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an original still life painting, created with oil on prepared canvas.
This piece is a study in perception—where objects shift between solidity and reflection, challenging the viewer to question what is seen and what is imagined. A green pear, rich in texture and weight, sits beside a glass of water that distorts and redefines its form. The vibrant oriental rug beneath them adds another layer of complexity, its intricate patterns refracted and reshaped through the water’s surface.
The play of light and refraction in this painting suggests that reality is not always as fixed as it seems. The pear exists both in its natural form and as an altered image within the water, a quiet reminder that what we see is always shaped by the lens through which we view it.
Painted with oil on panel, and measuring 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 cm), it is set in a heavy floater frame with an angled silver edge, enhancing its luminous quality and sense of depth. The outer dimensions of the frame are 16 × 16 inches (41 × 41 cm), providing a refined, contemporary presence that complements the painting’s interplay of reality and illusion.
Scroll down to see a video and learn more about this painting.
Available
Description
"Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug" An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an exploration of perception—where reality bends, reflections shift, and the familiar transforms before our eyes. Inspired by the fleeting nature of vision and the way light plays tricks on the mind, this painting invites the viewer to question what is truly being seen.
This painting is a meditation on the illusory nature of what we perceive. The water holds an echo of the world around it, distorting and reshaping what seems solid. What is more real—the pear itself or its reflection? The object or the way it is seen through another medium?
Bathed in quiet, directional light, the composition takes on an almost dreamlike quality—like a fleeting moment of clarity before reality shifts again. It is the kind of light that plays across an ancient tapestry, flickers in the ripples of a still pond, or gleams off a polished surface, changing what is seen from one moment to the next.
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is an invitation to pause, to observe, and to question. It asks us to look beyond what we expect to see, to embrace the distortions and illusions, and to find beauty in the ever-changing nature of perception itself.
The Finest Materials
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” 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 are selected, each chosen for its luminosity, depth, and permanence. Many of the pigments used in this piece have been sourced from around the world—colors with histories as rich as the traditions they come from. The interplay of light and shadow, the transparency of glass, and the intricate patterns of the rug are all rendered with layers of carefully applied paint, each stroke contributing to the illusion of depth and movement.
Every element in this painting—from the reflections within the water to the delicate shifts in color—has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, “Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” is not only a visual experience but an enduring piece meant to captivate and inspire for generations.
Painstaking Process
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” was created using a traditional process very little changed for 500 years. The arrangements of objects are often set up in a large shadow box next to the easel. This allows careful control of the lighting and precise positioning of the composition.
Once the preparatory studies are complete, the composition is drawn onto the linen panel using light charcoal. The main shapes and placements are set down with as much precision as possible, but very little fine detail is recorded at this point.
A simplified version of the painting in black and white is then done on top of the charcoal sketch. This is known as an “underpainting”. It establishes significant forms and shapes in the composition, and works out important gradations of light and dark – known to artists as “value” – independent of the complexities of working with full color.
After several days, the underpainting is sufficiently dry for the color layer – this is what you see when you look at a finished painting. Color is applied directly on top of the underpainting, often in very thin transparent washes. Known as “glazing”, these washes can create a jewel-like depth and sparkling transparency of color that cannot be achieved in any other way.
"Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug" Ready for your collection today
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” measures 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 cm) and is painted with oil on prepared panel, following time-tested traditional methods.
It is set in a heavy floater frame with an angled silver edge, with outer dimensions of 16 × 16 inches (41 × 41 cm), and is ready to hang on your wall.
A floating frame enhances artwork by creating the illusion that the painting is suspended within the frame, with a small gap between the panel and the inner edges. This design allows the full surface of the painting to remain visible while adding depth and dimension.
One of the key advantages of a floating frame is its clean, contemporary aesthetic that complements both modern and traditional interiors. The subtle separation between the artwork and the frame emphasizes the composition without overpowering it, while natural shadows within the gap enhance the sense of depth.
Beyond aesthetics, floating frames provide structural protection by securing the painting’s edges and reducing wear over time. They also allow for slight air circulation, helping to preserve the artwork’s longevity. Offering both elegance and functionality, floating frames are an excellent choice for displaying artwork with a refined, polished look.
Shipping
“Pear, Waterglass, and Oriental Rug” 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.
Alternatively, if you live within a 50-mile radius of Boston, Massachusetts, I will be happy to deliver the work in person to you.
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.
Related products
Vase, Knife, Imari Bowl
$1,275.00 Purchase This PaintingGold Trimmed Creamer with Mandarin Orange
$750.00 Purchase This PaintingFive Drink Sketches
$1,500.00 Purchase This Painting