"Elegance in Simplicity"  Oil on Sanded Panel, 12x12" 2017

Alfredo De Curtis’ painting, tentatively titled "Elegance in Simplicity," is an exquisite study in minimalism, balance, and subtlety. Created in 2017, this still life is marked by its restrained palette, soft forms, and a meticulous approach to texture and composition. The painting presents a quiet scene—a simple white vase with delicate sprigs and three ceramic cups with a hint of blue on the interior—all arranged on a flat surface that blends harmoniously with the muted background.

The arrangement in this still life is both balanced and elegant, capturing the viewer’s attention with its purity and grace. The forms of the vase and cups are smooth and rounded, embodying simplicity and calmness. The soft color transitions between whites, light grays, and a gentle blue enhance the tranquil atmosphere, creating a contemplative, almost Zen-like quality in the scene. The placement of each object feels intentional, as though each piece is essential to the harmony of the composition.

The textured surface, achieved through the artist's unique and secretive technique, adds an additional layer of depth and intrigue. This technique, known only to the artist himself, involves a meticulous application of oil paint on a specially sanded panel, resulting in a delicate interplay of light and shadow across the textured background. The subtle grain on the panel creates a faintly tactile quality, giving the painting a unique finish that is both visually compelling and sensually engaging.

The sparse arrangement and soft color palette evoke a sense of calm and introspection. The single vase with its sprigs of yellow suggests a fleeting moment, a hint of life and growth amidst the stillness. The simplicity of the cups, each open and empty, might symbolize openness, receptivity, or even a meditative state. This quiet composition invites viewers to pause and reflect, embodying a timeless quality that draws one into a state of peace.

The title "Elegance in Simplicity" aptly describes this scene. The painting does not seek to overwhelm; rather, it captures beauty through restraint, emphasizing the power of minimalism. This approach resonates with themes of mindfulness and simplicity, qualities that are often associated with both Zen philosophy and the aesthetics of still life art.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this work is the artist's secretive technique. De Curtis’ approach to creating a textured surface on a sanded panel is a method he has carefully guarded, allowing him to produce a unique depth and softness that distinguishes his work. This technique creates a surface that absorbs and reflects light in subtle ways, drawing the viewer’s eye across the composition and giving the objects a gentle, almost ethereal glow.

By keeping this method private, De Curtis not only preserves his unique artistic voice but also adds an element of mystery to his work, as viewers can sense there is something special about the texture and finish that goes beyond conventional oil painting techniques.

Alfredo De Curtis’ "Elegance in Simplicity" is a testament to his mastery of minimalism, form, and texture. Through a refined composition and his own secretive technique, he has created a painting that is both visually soothing and intellectually engaging. This work invites viewers to appreciate the beauty in simple forms and subtle details, reminding us that true elegance often lies in restraint. De Curtis’ painting exemplifies how art can evoke deep emotions and meditative reflection through the simplest of scenes, achieving a timeless appeal that resonates on both aesthetic and emotional levels.