Quince Persimmone Fruit Bowls No.1 Contemporary Still Life

Details

Description

Fruit Bowls No. 1 is my contemporary take on the classic still life, featuring quince and persimmons rendered in layered … Read more Fruit Bowls No. 1 is my contemporary take on the classic still life, featuring quince and persimmons rendered in layered spray paint and white ink. Traditionally, this subject matter would be approached in oil paint with soft glazing and controlled brushwork, but I wanted to reinterpret it through a more modern, graphic lens.
The Fruit: The quince and persimmons are built up with heavily layered spray paint that has been manipulated with a palette knife while still semi-drying, creating a thick, tactile surface more commonly associated with oil painting. The result is an almost sculptural texture that contrasts against the smooth atmospheric background.

The Vessels: The bowls are drawn in glowing white ink over the saturated color field, creating a loose, contemporary outline of classical pottery forms. The bright linear treatment gives the piece a slightly neon, almost electric quality while still referencing traditional still-life composition.

The Color: I intentionally amplified the palette beyond naturalism — acid greens, hot oranges, turquoise blues, and deep magentas push the work into a more contemporary space. The contrast between the vivid fruit and glowing white forms creates a balance between classic subject matter and modern pop sensibility.

The Atmosphere: Soft overspray, tonal fades, and subtle surface imperfections give the piece an airy, almost dreamlike quality while retaining the raw energy of spray paint and street-art techniques.

This work bridges traditional still life painting with contemporary urban materials and color theory, making it equally at home in modern interiors, eclectic collections, or spaces that mix classic and contemporary design.

Specifications
• Type: Original painting, one of one
• Medium: Spray paint and white ink on paper, unframed
• Year: 2026
• Artist: Susan Havens
• Size: Paper 18" x 24", Art 15" x 21"
• Color Palette: Yellow Green, Orange, Turquoise, Magenta, and White

––– Artist Bio ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Susan Havens is a New Orleans–based artist who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. With over 27 years of experience as a graphic designer, art director, and creative director, her work reflects a refined understanding of composition, color, and visual storytelling.

Her artwork is held in private collections and has been placed in residences, private clubs, and hospitality environments by interior designers, as well as featured at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. See less