2001 Garden Gloves 16by20in Jeffrey T Larson

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around themes of cultivation and labor. A stack of terracotta plant pots dominates the left side of the frame, their varying sizes creating a sense of precarious balance. The warm tones of the clay contrast subtly with the darker background, drawing attention to their form and texture.
To the right, an onion, complete with its root system, sits prominently alongside a pair of worn gardening gloves. These gloves, rendered in considerable detail, suggest use and familiarity; they are not pristine but bear the marks of repeated handling. Three unpeeled bulbs lie near the base of the pots, adding to the sense of harvest and potential growth.
The lighting is carefully controlled, creating soft shadows that emphasize the three-dimensionality of the objects. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, illuminating the surfaces in a way that highlights their materiality – the rough texture of the clay, the sheen of the onion’s skin, the worn leather of the gloves.
The arrangement evokes a quiet contemplation on the cyclical nature of work and sustenance. The presence of the tools – the pots and gloves – implies an ongoing process, while the harvested onion suggests completion and reward. Theres a sense of domesticity and connection to the earth conveyed through these commonplace objects. The subdued color palette and deliberate composition contribute to a mood of understated reflection on the simple act of tending to a garden.