CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND PEPPERS. Serhii Kovalenko

This original oil painting, rendered in a realist style, is a striking still life that masterfully explores the contrast between warm and cool tones. At the center of the composition is a blue ceramic vase filled with soft pink chrysanthemums, their delicate petals adding a touch of elegance to the scene. The vase sits on a metal tray alongside a white cup, creating a sense of balance and harmony. Scattered across the table are bright orange and red peppers, their vibrant hues contrasting dramatically with the blue drapery that covers the table. This interplay of color creates a vivid dialogue between the objects, emphasizing the peppers against the cool tones of the fabric and vase. To the left, a ceramic teapot adds another element of interest, while a rich red drapery in the background enhances the dynamic composition, offering a counterbalance to the blue vase and flowers.
The painting is brought to life with both broad and fine impasto brushstrokes, adding texture and depth to the surface. The combination of strong, contrasting colors—red-orange against blue-green—creates a visual tension that makes the piece both captivating and full of energy. This still life is not just a study of objects, but a celebration of color and form, where the everyday beauty of flowers and fruit is elevated through the painter’s skillful use of light, shadow, and texture.