Spicy

12 in x 12 in,

2/2024

My wife Sarah decided to replace the Tupperware spice containers with clear glass ones, and she organized them so they could be seen on a shelf in the kitchen. I was surprised at the depth of colors that some of the spices had, now that they were refreshed and in clear glass jars. So I got the idea to try do do a painting with spices, and blended each of the following in matte acrylic liquid medium - turmeric, mustard, paprika, poppy seed, garam masala, cardamom, allspice, ancho chili, harissa and italian seasoning. Each went on a little differently, so I had to adapt how they were applied. Some went on conventionally with a brush, some were "bounced on" while others were loaded on and not brushed at all. I chose 10 spices whose colors seemed to go together in a sort of Fall theme. What is fascinating about this piece is that although there are three layers of varnish on it (to keep all those spices in place), it still smells marvelously fragrant, so it actually has a component of scent (at least for a while) to it.