Painting Pandemic Still Lifes | Kathy McNenly | Artist | The Ten Collective

For the past two years, because of the pandemic, I have been concentrating on still life. With portrait commissions on hold, still life seemed like the natural thing for me to paint.

I was quite excited to spend my time exploring the things that are all around me. I have shelves of pots, bowls, skulls, etc. all waiting for their turn to be part of a composition. Normally I will try to have some sort of theme that will dominate my subject matter for a planned exhibition.

Being at home or in the studio alone working is not new to any artist. But the pandemic felt much more confining. The usual social escapes were no longer there and I felt quite isolated.

Something about the act of preparing food is incredibly satisfying. Baking for me was a connection with my childhood. My mom was always baking pies. As well, with the continual barrage of bad news, it was quite cathartic.

So I decided to paint still lifes themed on baking and food. Like all still lifes the objects are instruments with which to find beauty, light and textures.