By Tony Scherman
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Tony Scherman (1950-2023) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work in encaustic (a mix of wax and oil, one of the most difficult mediums to work in).
Scherman frequently alludes to the grandeur of past centuries, both in his subject matter and the technique of encaustic painting. The artist is continuing a tradition, of working with this material, that has been propelled through art history by a diverse number of canonical artists including Pieter Claesz, Caravaggio, and Cézanne.
Still lifes are one of Scherman's signature motifs. He has repeatedly depicted them on canvas, on paper, and through printmaking.
This luminous depiction of fruit serves as a fantastic example of Scherman's signature aesthetic and technique. Through rich, textured layers of brushwork and delicate licks of color, Scherman expertly depicts a cluster of peaches, capturing their texture, color and weight. The overall composition has an almost abstract effect.
While Scherman's palette is frequently moody, featuring dark backgrounds reminiscent of chiaroscuro, here his palette is flipped, utilizing a softer mix of earth tones. The result is an ethereal, light-bathed composition.
Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris).
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"Fruit Still Life Study...
Category
1990s Contemporary Tony Scherman Art