Often using simple dark backgrounds, I see the compositions of many of my works like small theatrical stages, the spotlight enhancing the beauty of the object.

Paul Stone – Still life
My still life paintings hold a mirror to the objects that live with us, largely un-noticed, that wait quietly until needed, a staple of our interior lives. Alone in my studio, I rarely think about the why of my paintings – I’m too immersed in the physical process of creating the works. Recently I’ve realised it’s in large part a celebration of natural design, the way each object (an apple, a lemon, etc..) just simply works, and my role is to represent the object in a way that hopefully allows the viewer to contemplate it afresh.

My interest in a realist approach was there from the start, but over the last few years, it has developed into an examination of formal properties, such as balance, light, form. It is never my intention to paint every pore or grain, but more to create the illusion of life by a flick of paint to suggest surface light, or a subtle translucent layer to enhance shadow and depth.

I start with making my own canvas board – then after the gesso base, I paint in layers, usually around 4 or 5 until the final retouching of light. This can depend of the colour – I find yellows and reds require the most reworking, particularly when I’m trying to use colour to capture the form of the object. Often using simple dark backgrounds, I see the compositions of many of my works like small theatrical stages, the spotlight enhancing the beauty of the object, the narrative of the work is simply its daily presence in our lives.

With a background in Art History and Contemporary Fine Art Practice from Bolton and Sheffield Universities, I have been developing my still life works since becoming a full time painter in 2008.