The Checked Mug 1986

Mary Fedden’s ‘The Checked Mug’ from 1986 is pure joy – a still life painted with the kind of loose confidence that only comes from a lifetime of looking and making. The muted tones are so charming, aren’t they? I like to imagine Fedden setting up this scene in her studio, arranging the fruit just so, then squinting to see the shapes and colours anew. It's a playful exploration of how objects and their relationships can speak to each other. The painting feels both carefully planned and spontaneous. Notice the way the mug anchors the composition, its checkerboard pattern a fun contrast to the soft curves of the fruit. Those tulips are so fragile, reaching up towards the light, but they add a touch of elegance to the scene, don't they? Fedden’s work reminds us that art isn't about perfection, but about capturing a moment, a feeling, an idea. It’s like she's saying, "Here, look at this – isn't it wonderful?" And it is!