“Canvas Duck," 1971, by Travis Whitfield (b.1945)

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37”W x 27”H x 2”D

Travis Whitfield’s work is rooted in a thoughtful reimagining of the still-life tradition, where everyday … Read more 37”W x 27”H x 2”D

Travis Whitfield’s work is rooted in a thoughtful reimagining of the still-life tradition, where everyday objects are arranged to evoke psychological presence rather than narrative clarity. Working primarily in the late 20th century, Whitfield developed a visual language marked by restraint, balance, and a subtle sense of dislocation. His paintings often occupy interior spaces that feel both familiar and removed, encouraging prolonged contemplation.

In Canvas Duck, Whitfield constructs a quiet, surreal interior where objects appear deliberately chosen yet emotionally untethered. A duck rests in a woven basket atop a rough wooden table, while a horn floats nearby, detached from any visible source of sound. A window at left admits light without offering a view, reinforcing a sense of pause and unresolved expectation.

Executed in acrylic on Masonite, the work’s muted palette and textured surface amplify its atmospheric stillness. Whitfield’s careful orchestration of form and space suggests themes of silence, potential, and the tension between the natural and the constructed. Rather than prescribing meaning, Canvas Duck invites slow looking—allowing the viewer’s own associations to quietly complete the image.

Texas Artist

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