I LIKE this painter.

Here's why:

I know what you are thinking. It's a still life. BORING!

NO! hear me out...

I am an amateur artist at best, and the work of this painter speaks to me. Her name is Julia Albright, and she lives in Vermont. (note: her web site needs some panache, so don't judge by that.) 

I really enjoy the works where she focuses on very basic forms— fruit and vegetables. In person, her work is deep and rich, with so much detail. By detail, I mean it in a way that when you get in real close, you can see and feel the steps of her painting process...you almost forget you are looking at, say, a strawberry...but instead you are looking at her moments, her breath, her energy. 

Her work is also very difficult to do. Look, I tried it—(I have no shame)

My first attempt...yikes.

My second—yes, better...

I find it imperative in our world right now that realism keeps its sense of importance and appreciation. This could most likely be applied to a lot of things in our culture today. 

To put it simply, I like how her paintings help me to find gratitude for real stuff, and that in the real stuff you will find lots of depth.

Thanks Julia!