Olive green in sunlight by Bianca ter Riet

In “Olive Green in Sunlight”, a serene and luminous composition of five ripe green olives unfolds, carefully arranged on a simple wooden flat dish. The olives glisten subtly in the sunlight; their soft, rounded shapes suggest an almost tangible texture, whilst the variations in green – from deep olive green to pale yellow-green – bring a lively, natural rhythm to the composition.

On the dish stands a weathered glass water bottle, elegant yet simple, in which a single olive branch has been placed. The branch stretches upwards, its leaves catching the light and casting soft, dancing shadows across the white table and background. The glass captures the sunlight in various ways: it refracts the light, reflects the colours of the olives and creates a subtle interplay of sheen and transparency. The weathered texture of the glass conveys a sense of time and history, as if the still life captures a moment from everyday life, yet remains timeless.

The white table and background enhance the brightness of the sunlight and allow the green tones of the olives and branch to shine through. The light shadows of the leaves add depth and create a sense of calm and space. The brushstrokes in the oil paint medium are soft and carefully placed, with the occasional looser application to bring out the texture of the bowl, the sheen of the olives and the weathered structure of the glass.

The whole exudes a subdued Mediterranean atmosphere: warm, bright and calm. The combination of sunlight, green fruit and natural materials lends the still life a timeless elegance and simplicity. “Olive Green in Sunlight” invites close observation, where the subtle nuances of colour, light and shadow come together to form a harmonious, luminous moment that feels both vibrant and serene. Still life.