I've embarked on a couple of new still lifes recently, beginning with revisiting the idea of placing objects on a marble surface. I love the challenge of painting all the complex reflections accurately but without drawing away from the balance of the set up. I was drawn immediately to the contrast between the crusty bread on the hard shining marble. I've also painted an idea that has been germinating for a while, and is therefore my current favourite, as is often the case. I've long wanted to paint the subtle intricacies in a wine bottle - again working with reflections and simple autumn colours. I kept it simple this time in terms of composition but it is no doubt an idea which will be revisited in a larger work.