Luscious Lemons; Tangerine Trio

by Chris Gurjao

“I'm an advanced level certified pastel artist, who won an international award in 2023 for my work. I currently live and work in my native Goa. All my submissions are dry pastel on paper, measuring roughly 8" by 10". My work is available for international purchase through Saatchi Art. "In Memoriam" reflects the delicate beauty of remembrance and the emotional weight carried by memories. The two roses, depicted in vibrant yet contrasting shades of pink and red, symbolize both love and loss. Their upright, yet fragile stems convey a sense of strength despite the passage of time, while the soft, muted background adds a dream-like quality, suggesting fading memories and quiet reflection. Through this work, I aim to evoke a sense of peaceful contemplation and to honor the quiet resilience of remembrance, with nature serving as a vessel for our most cherished and poignant moments. "Luscious Lemons" captures the vibrancy and essence of nature through a still life of lemons, where the interplay of light and shadow conveys both warmth and freshness. The composition focuses on the simplicity and beauty of everyday objects, inviting the viewer to appreciate the textures, colors, and details of the fruit. The soft pastels allow for a gentle blending of hues, creating a rich contrast between the bold, saturated lemon tones and the softer background. In "Tangerine Trio", tangerines are presented with one peeled open, adding an element of spontaneity to the arrangement. The use of soft pastels enabled me to create texture, highlighting the contrast between the smooth outer rind and the fleshy, segmented interior. The vibrant orange hues stand in stark contrast to the cool blue background, enhancing the warmth and vitality of the subject. This piece, like the first, explores the theme of change, as the fruit is partially consumed, suggesting movement and interaction with the human hand.”