Leslie Lewis Sigler, The Fringe, oil on panel, 16 x 12" 

The objects Sigler depicts seem to transcend temporal boundaries. “They have their own histories, lifespans and significance, and I am intrigued by their ability to reflect that of our own,” she adds.

Todd M. Casey, Lemons in a Glass Bowl with Petals, oil, 8 x 13"; Leslie Lewis Sigler, The Sage, oil on panel, 40 x 40"

Within this special section, collectors can explore more depictions of inanimate objects brought to life through art, delving into the myriad ways these items captivate us.

Debbie Mueller, Drug Store Vibes, oil on linen, 24 x 24"; Blue Rain Gallery, Sabio Pendejo (Wise Fool), oil on canvas, 30 x 24", by Eric Romero;  Nancy Balmert, Vintage, oil on canvas, 14 x 14"

A sense of nostalgia and the strong use of light and shadow also drive the art of Denice Peters. “I’m inspired by the effect that light has on objects,” she says. “It’s the spark of brightness shining against the  darkness that appeals to me. A pastelist, Peters paints only with her fingers and her pastel sticks, a style she calls “blended reality.”

Top: Debbie Mueller, Chop Suey, oil on linen, 24 x 24"; Denice Peters, Memories For Sale, soft pastel, 16 x 20"; Blue Rain Gallery, Perpetual Light, oil on canvas, 20 x 16", by Eric Romero.  Bottom: Denice Peters, No One Wants To Play, soft pastel, 18 x 24"; Nancy Balmert, Crystal with Pink Oriental Orchids, oil on canvas, 14 x 14"

Represented by Blue Rain Gallery in New Mexico and Colorado, Eric Romero’s still life paintings carry layers of symbolism, blending personal faith with cultural reflections. In his oil Perpetual Light, he explores themes of loss, devotion and remembrance, using elements like rosaries and candles as symbols of prayer and the enduring connections shared with loved ones, the gallery notes. His Sabio Pendejo (Wise Fool), displayed at the Chicano Park Museum, reflects on the wisdom passed down through ancestors and the artist’s creative process. Symbols like the orange, a nod to Jan van Eyck, and the rosary represent the sanctity of tradition, while the egg and bee hint at new ideas emerging within an established lineage.

Nancy Balmert, Vintage Red, oil on canvas, 10 x 10"; Devin Lawrence Reynolds, Reminder, oil on linen, 18 x 24"; Peter Swift, Tulip-Poplar Leaves, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48"  

When collecting works like Romero’s, Blue Rain Gallery offers the following advice: seek symbolic depth, understand cultural context, evaluate the artist’s technique and materials, engage with their story, and consider the longevity of their style and themes. 

Devin Lawrence Reynolds, Time Machine, oil on linen, 24 x 18"

A recent painting by artist Hall Groat II titled Eight Ball depicts a group of billiard balls. “It was inspiring to observe the interplay of dramatic light and shadow on the composition of colorful pool balls resting on my pool table,” he says. “I enjoy painting what I have experienced and love. Equally captivating was studying the warm light bathing the iconic leather baseball glove and ball,” the artist adds in reference to his piece Tribute to Babe Ruth. “Since I work in series, my still life work often explores diverse themes, including beauty, decadence, tradition and popular culture. However, it is all unified by my passion for the meditative activity and pleasure of perception. My advice to collectors who are considering adding still life paintings to their homes or offices is to collect pieces that contain subjects that you have personal connections with, ones that evoke fond memories or enable you to share stories about.”

Peter Swift, Forest Shrine, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48"; Hall Groat II, Tribute to Babe Ruth, oil on panel, 12 x 12"; Aleksandr Fayvisovich, Rodin’s Bronze, oil on canvas, 36 x 36"

Painter Peter Swift uses objects from the natural world to create resonant, symmetrical still life paintings. Symmetry is a fundamental, underlying principle in art. However, during the past century, symmetry has been a factor for the most part only in abstract art, such as the work of Josef Albers and Frank Stella. Swift tries to re-capture the rich, resonant relationship that prehistoric people had with the natural world. Including his own ancestors, before the last Ice Age. Swift’s work combines both symmetrical design and classical realistic still life painting.  He has coined the phrase “symmetrical realism” to describe this type of work.

Aleksandr Fayvisovich, A Key, oil on canvas, 36 x 36"; Hall Groat II, Eight Ball, oil on stretched canvas, 18 x 24"  

“The phenomenon of an artistic idea is the manifestation of a discovery, a new truth,” says artist Aleksandr Fayvisovich. “The genre of still life is quite peculiar. Some believe it is devoid of the most significant element of art: human emotion. The objects surrounding us are indeed emotionally neutral, and each of them separately is not particularly interesting. An emotional note arises if the rhythmic structure of a composition creates its own musical chord—a certain mood that reveals to the viewer the artist’s feelings. The energy of the artistic idea, its aesthetic and intellectual depth captivates the viewer, creating the aura of presence here and now. The unique quality that makes the viewer stop in front of the painting and peer into it.”

Aleksandr Fayvisovich, Cherry, oil on canvas, 30 x 40" 

Brian McClear is captivated by the potential of everyday objects and the stories they hold. His work is driven by a desire to explore the relationships between seemingly unrelated items and uncover new meanings in their connections. A wilted rose, a tattered piece of twine, a smooth river stone. At first glance, these disparate objects appear to have nothing in common, yet when paired together, their differences emphasize shared qualities or create new meanings that invite interpretation. Through his art, McClear seeks to reveal the hidden beauty and significance of overlooked objects, encouraging viewers to see the world with fresh perspectives. —

Brian McClear, Pressed Rose, oil on canvas, 30 x 30"

Featured Artists & Galleries