Impressionist Still-Life Oil Paintings by David Segel

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Beyond artistic and aesthetic expression, every still life offers the opportunity to activate a deeply intimate experience. David Segel invites … Read more Beyond artistic and aesthetic expression, every still life offers the opportunity to activate a deeply intimate experience. David Segel invites us into a profound encounter with this remarkable oil painting.

Two vegetables from the sprawling squash family rest on a console. Their presence exudes a natural strength and groundedness yet simultaneously evokes a delicate sense of weightlessness, as if delicately placed on a leaf. The shape given to what supports them resembles an outstretched hand, like an offering. The deliberately monochromatic background, awash of brown, focuses our attention where the light is directed. At first glance, two squashes may seem like an ordinary representation. Yet the image tells the story of time, a serene world unfolding, void of chaos: the moment the squashes were removed from their vine, their journey to maturity, and their tranquil presentation on the table.

Despite their immobility, the two vegetables radiate a sense of vitality. Their hard shells bear the marks of growth, etched with time and exposure to nature's elements. We could almost see clenched fists or a closed jaw, as their expression is intense. They tell the story of time and existence.

Still-lifes allow us to transcend our realm of reality. They are meditative tools. This perspective seems to imply that we share our world with ecosystems and remain silent observers of their existence within ours. Nature has an intrinsic elegance. The artist gifts us this intimate interaction with Mother Earth—its subtle gradations, silent growth, and vibrant life cycles.

BIO -

David Segel (1921-2005) was a globally acclaimed and esteemed artist whose legacy continues to inspire. After completing his studies at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh and the Art Institute of Chicago, Segel ventured to Paris, where he worked and taught, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. His artistic journey took him from the galleries of Paris, France, to the art scene of Los Angeles, California, with notable exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Whitney Museum in New York City.
Segel's artistic prowess spanned various mediums, including oils, bronze, and wood sculptures. His mastery over these varied forms of expression captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a devoted following among art enthusiasts. Throughout his career, Segel's works found their way into the collections of numerous art lovers, including iconic figures such as Stevie Nicks and Barbra Streisand. See less