study of apples and plums

8” x 8” Oil on canvas

Study of Apples and Plums is part of an ongoing series where I paint everyday things — this time, fruit. I made these two pieces live at an art market, juggling wet paintings, sticky fingers, and conversations about everything from oil paint to favorite apple varieties.

The first study captures the fruit untouched, while the second shows a bite taken out of the apple — because I got hungry in the middle of painting. It’s a small moment, but one that feels honest. These kinds of interruptions and in-between gestures are what keep me coming back to painting.

Working at markets is one of my favorite ways to make art — it turns the process into a conversation. People stop by to watch, ask questions, share stories about fruit trees or family recipes. It becomes less about the final image and more about connection, curiosity, and the shared weird intimacy of standing around watching someone paint a plum.

These aren’t perfect still lifes — they’re quick, imperfect studies made in the middle of real life. A little smudged, a little rushed, and hopefully, a little relatable.