Still Life with Fruit 1922

Magnus Enckell made "Still Life with Fruit" using expressive brushstrokes to define shapes and shadows. The painting looks like a direct response to the objects themselves; the sensation of seeing something and immediately trying to capture it in paint. The juicy grapes cascade off a branch and the lemons look so ripe. I wonder if he ate them straight afterwards! I like the way the cool turquoise bowl contrasts with the dark colors in the background. Notice also how Enckell has built up layers of paint on the canvas, using thick impasto in certain areas to create texture and depth. Enckell’s approach reminds me of other painters like Bonnard or Vuillard, who were also interested in capturing intimate, domestic scenes. It's as though the simple act of looking and painting becomes a way to experience the world anew.