“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Water and Sky No. 1” is an original still life painting, executed with oil on prepared copper.
This artwork presents a serene exploration of light, reflection, and the beauty of simple elements. A clear glass of water and a vibrant orange rest on a backdrop of broad sky blue, evoking the tranquility and expansiveness of a sunny day. Two blueberries add depth and contrast, pulling the viewer into the contemplative space between the earth and the sky.
The reflection in the water glass distorts and transforms the orange, challenging our perception of space and form. This interplay between the real and the reflected asks us to consider how our perceptions shape our understanding of the world around us.
Measuring 5 × 5 inches (13 × 13 cm), and painted on prepared copper, this piece is framed in a uniquely elegant, angled black polished frame. The outer dimensions of the frame are 11 × 11 inches (28 × 28 cm), enhancing the painting’s presence with a contemporary and sophisticated touch.
"Water and Sky No. 1"
An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Water and Sky No. 1” is an exploration of perception—where reality bends, reflections shift, and the familiar transforms before our eyes. Inspired by the serene interplay of light and the tranquil surfaces of nature, this painting invites the viewer to question the line between sky and water.
At first glance, the scene appears simple: an orange, a glass of water, and a sky-blue backdrop. But look closer, and the boundaries between object and reflection begin to blur. The orange exists both in its vibrant natural form and as a distorted, altered presence within the water. The glass, transparent yet substantial, captures and refracts the blue of the sky, melding air and water into a single canvas of serene blues.
This painting is a meditation on the illusory nature of what we perceive. The water holds a mirror to the sky above, distorting and reshaping what seems infinite. What is more real—the color of the sky itself or its reflection in the water? The object or the way it is seen through another medium?
Bathed in quiet, expansive light, the composition takes on an almost dreamlike quality—like a fleeting moment of clarity where the boundaries of earth and heaven blend. It is the kind of light that gleams off a calm sea, mirrors a clear sky, and shifts the scenery from one moment to the next.
“Water and Sky No. 1” 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 reflections, and to find beauty in the ever-changing nature of perception itself.
The Finest Materials
“Water and Sky No. 1” has been meticulously crafted using the finest materials, employing traditional techniques that have been refined and passed down through generations of artists.
This painting is executed on a prepared copper panel, a surface chosen for its exceptional ability to enhance the luminosity and vibrancy of oil paints. Preparing the copper involves a careful application of an oil or acrylic primer, creating a smooth, archival-quality foundation that ensures the oil paint adheres flawlessly and retains its color saturation and brilliance over time. The use of copper as a painting substrate dates back to the Renaissance, favored for its longevity and smooth surface that allows for fine detailing and a unique radiance in the artwork.
Only the finest oil paints are selected, each pigment chosen for its luminosity, depth, and permanence. The colors used in this piece are sourced from around the world, embodying histories as rich as the traditions from which they come. The ethereal interplay of water and sky, the subtle reflections, and the vividness of the orange and blueberries are all rendered with layers of meticulously applied paint, each stroke enhancing the painting’s depth and emotional resonance.
Every element in “Water and Sky No. 1″—from the reflective clarity of the glass to the serene expanse of the blue background—has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, this painting is not only a visual feast but an enduring piece meant to captivate and inspire for generations.
Painstaking Process
“Water and Sky No. 1” was created using a meticulous, hands-on process tailored to the unique qualities of the copper panel. This method, while rooted in tradition, includes some modern adaptations to enhance the painting’s durability and visual impact.
The copper panel was first sanded to create a slightly textured surface, ensuring better paint adhesion. It was then meticulously cleaned to remove any oils and residues, a crucial step for preventing any future oxidation that could affect the paint layers. After cleaning, the copper was gently rubbed with fresh garlic. This traditional technique mildly etches the surface, providing even better adhesion for the oil paints, a method that echoes the old masters’ attention to the longevity and vibrancy of their artworks.
For this particular piece, there was no underpainting used, allowing the natural luminosity of the polished copper to enhance the reflective qualities of the water and the vibrancy of the sky and orange hues. The painting began directly with the application of oil colors, carefully mixed to achieve the desired hues and transparency.
Color application on copper is a deliberate process, with each layer needing to be perfectly dry before proceeding to the next to maintain the clarity and depth of the final image. This technique, while less common today, harkens back to historical practices yet is adapted here to exploit the copper’s unique properties.
Every brushstroke in “Water and Sky No. 1” was applied with precision, aimed at capturing the ephemeral play of light and reflection that only a smooth, reflective surface like copper can provide. This process ensures that the artwork not only captures the viewer’s imagination but also stands the test of time as a piece of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
"Water and Sky No. 1"
Ready for your collection today
“Water and Sky No. 1” measures 5 × 5 inches (13 × 13 cm) and is painted with oil on a prepared copper panel, utilizing techniques that highlight the unique reflective properties of the substrate.
It is set in a uniquely elegant, angled black polished frame with outer dimensions of 11 × 11 inches (28 × 28 cm), and is ready to hang on your wall.
The frame’s polished black finish enhances the artwork by creating a sophisticated contrast that allows the colors within the painting to stand out vividly. This design choice ensures that the full surface of the painting remains visible, adding depth and dimension while maintaining a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
One of the key advantages of this particular frame is its ability to complement both modern and traditional interiors. Its clean lines and the subtle separation between the artwork and the frame emphasize the composition without overpowering it, while the shadows within the gap enhance the sense of depth.
Beyond aesthetics, the frame provides structural protection by securing the painting’s edges and reducing wear over time. It also allows for slight air circulation, helping to preserve the artwork’s longevity. Offering both elegance and functionality, this framing choice is an excellent option for displaying artwork with a refined, polished look.
Shipping
“Water and Sky No. 1” 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.
Water and Sky No. 1
$750.00
“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Water and Sky No. 1” is an original still life painting, executed with oil on prepared copper.
This artwork presents a serene exploration of light, reflection, and the beauty of simple elements. A clear glass of water and a vibrant orange rest on a backdrop of broad sky blue, evoking the tranquility and expansiveness of a sunny day. Two blueberries add depth and contrast, pulling the viewer into the contemplative space between the earth and the sky.
The reflection in the water glass distorts and transforms the orange, challenging our perception of space and form. This interplay between the real and the reflected asks us to consider how our perceptions shape our understanding of the world around us.
Measuring 5 × 5 inches (13 × 13 cm), and painted on prepared copper, this piece is framed in a uniquely elegant, angled black polished frame. The outer dimensions of the frame are 11 × 11 inches (28 × 28 cm), enhancing the painting’s presence with a contemporary and sophisticated touch.
Scroll down to learn more about this painting.
Available
Description
"Water and Sky No. 1" An Original Still Life Painting
The Inspiration
“Water and Sky No. 1” is an exploration of perception—where reality bends, reflections shift, and the familiar transforms before our eyes. Inspired by the serene interplay of light and the tranquil surfaces of nature, this painting invites the viewer to question the line between sky and water.
This painting is a meditation on the illusory nature of what we perceive. The water holds a mirror to the sky above, distorting and reshaping what seems infinite. What is more real—the color of the sky itself or its reflection in the water? The object or the way it is seen through another medium?
Bathed in quiet, expansive light, the composition takes on an almost dreamlike quality—like a fleeting moment of clarity where the boundaries of earth and heaven blend. It is the kind of light that gleams off a calm sea, mirrors a clear sky, and shifts the scenery from one moment to the next.
“Water and Sky No. 1” 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 reflections, and to find beauty in the ever-changing nature of perception itself.
The Finest Materials
“Water and Sky No. 1” has been meticulously crafted using the finest materials, employing traditional techniques that have been refined and passed down through generations of artists.
Only the finest oil paints are selected, each pigment chosen for its luminosity, depth, and permanence. The colors used in this piece are sourced from around the world, embodying histories as rich as the traditions from which they come. The ethereal interplay of water and sky, the subtle reflections, and the vividness of the orange and blueberries are all rendered with layers of meticulously applied paint, each stroke enhancing the painting’s depth and emotional resonance.
Every element in “Water and Sky No. 1″—from the reflective clarity of the glass to the serene expanse of the blue background—has been created with a commitment to lasting beauty. Designed to stand the test of time, this painting is not only a visual feast but an enduring piece meant to captivate and inspire for generations.
Painstaking Process
“Water and Sky No. 1” was created using a meticulous, hands-on process tailored to the unique qualities of the copper panel. This method, while rooted in tradition, includes some modern adaptations to enhance the painting’s durability and visual impact.
For this particular piece, there was no underpainting used, allowing the natural luminosity of the polished copper to enhance the reflective qualities of the water and the vibrancy of the sky and orange hues. The painting began directly with the application of oil colors, carefully mixed to achieve the desired hues and transparency.
Color application on copper is a deliberate process, with each layer needing to be perfectly dry before proceeding to the next to maintain the clarity and depth of the final image. This technique, while less common today, harkens back to historical practices yet is adapted here to exploit the copper’s unique properties.
Every brushstroke in “Water and Sky No. 1” was applied with precision, aimed at capturing the ephemeral play of light and reflection that only a smooth, reflective surface like copper can provide. This process ensures that the artwork not only captures the viewer’s imagination but also stands the test of time as a piece of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
"Water and Sky No. 1" Ready for your collection today
“Water and Sky No. 1” measures 5 × 5 inches (13 × 13 cm) and is painted with oil on a prepared copper panel, utilizing techniques that highlight the unique reflective properties of the substrate.
It is set in a uniquely elegant, angled black polished frame with outer dimensions of 11 × 11 inches (28 × 28 cm), and is ready to hang on your wall.
The frame’s polished black finish enhances the artwork by creating a sophisticated contrast that allows the colors within the painting to stand out vividly. This design choice ensures that the full surface of the painting remains visible, adding depth and dimension while maintaining a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
One of the key advantages of this particular frame is its ability to complement both modern and traditional interiors. Its clean lines and the subtle separation between the artwork and the frame emphasize the composition without overpowering it, while the shadows within the gap enhance the sense of depth.
Beyond aesthetics, the frame provides structural protection by securing the painting’s edges and reducing wear over time. It also allows for slight air circulation, helping to preserve the artwork’s longevity. Offering both elegance and functionality, this framing choice is an excellent option for displaying artwork with a refined, polished look.
Shipping
“Water and Sky No. 1” 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.
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