In Squashes, I have transformed a simple heap of autumn gourds into a quietly compelling study of form, light, and character. Each squash is rendered with careful attention to shape and surface — the ridged curves, the muted bloom of natural colour, the subtle variations that make them feel almost portrait-like. They sit together in a loose, unarranged cluster, their differences creating a gentle rhythm across the composition.

What makes the painting resonate is its stillness. There is no attempt at perfection or arrangement; instead, the objects rest as they are found, carrying with them the quiet honesty of things observed rather than staged. The interplay of warm ochres and cool shadows gives the scene a grounded calm, and the soft, directional light lends the vegetables a subdued dignity, almost as if they are waiting to be noticed.

My figurative approach comes through even in this humble subject. The squashes become a small gathering — a cast of characters with their own shapes and quirks — and the viewer is invited to linger over their individuality. The result is a piece that feels both intimate and contemplative, ideal for bringing a touch of warmth and quiet refinement into any interior.

“Squash” is a reminder that beauty often resides in the overlooked: a still life that offers not decorative flourish, but a moment of calm presence.