Flower Piece 

Flower Piece was painted by Samuel Peploe, using oil on canvas. These are the traditional materials of painting, but consider how the thick texture of the paint itself contributes to the artwork’s overall appearance. Look closely, and you'll notice the directness of Peploe’s brushstrokes, which capture the immediate impression of the flowers. This way of working is called “alla prima”, which means “at first attempt”. It involves applying paint in single, unblended layers, capturing the freshness of the subject, and is an approach particularly suited to the immediacy of oil paint. It is a fast process, with each stroke a testament to the artist’s skill. The way the painting is executed, using quick gestures, conveys a sense of spontaneity. By understanding the materiality of Flower Piece, we see that the perceived simplicity is deceptive. The artwork's visual impact arises from the direct, intuitive application of the oil paint, reflecting a deep engagement with both tradition and innovation.