Kangaroo Paws Near Saldaga, Marjorie Moskowitz, 2023, oil, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.

Abstract Realism in Nature: The Art of Marjorie Moskowitz

October 8, 2024 Gavin Coates

Featured image: Kangaroo Paws Near Saldaga, Marjorie Moskowitz, 2023, oil, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.

Marjorie Moskowitz’s work draws viewers into the lush, intimate world of flora with her vivid and detailed oil paintings.

Marjorie Moskowitz is a contemporary artist specializing in botanical oil paintings. Her work highlights the beauty of plants, blending realism with vibrant colors and textures. She brings the natural world to life through her precise brushwork and lush compositions.

Specializing in botanical subjects, Moskowitz uses color and texture to highlight the quiet beauty and complexity of plants. Her works are more than just botanical illustrations—they are emotional landscapes that capture the essence of each plant in its natural environment, transformed into art.

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English Lavender with Poppies, Marjorie Moskowitz, 2023, oil, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.

In English Lavender with Poppies, Moskowitz immerses us in a riot of color and texture, with bright orange poppies scattered among dense clusters of lavender. The composition feels alive with movement, as if a light breeze is shifting through the flowers. The lavender, with its delicate purple hues, contrasts beautifully with the more vibrant orange and red poppies, making the piece both visually striking and balanced. Moskowitz’s attention to detail, particularly in the way the lavender stems seem to tangle and interweave, creates a sense of natural harmony.

English Lavender with Poppies showcases Moskowitz’s talent for capturing the intricate details of plant life while maintaining an overall sense of vibrancy and motion. The way she juxtaposes the cool purples of lavender with the warmth of the poppies gives the piece a dynamic energy. Her brushwork is precise, yet the composition feels effortless, evoking the natural chaos of a thriving garden. This painting is a celebration of the beauty found in the ordinary, encouraging viewers to pause and appreciate the complexity of a simple flower bed.

Tamarisk, October, Denver, Marjorie Moskowitz, 2021, oil, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.

In Tamarisk, October, Denver, Moskowitz captures the essence of a tamarisk shrub in its autumnal stage. The pinkish hues of the shrub’s feathery branches contrast against the green grass, creating a soft, ethereal quality to the painting. The tamarisk appears almost weightless as its delicate branches cascade towards the ground, swaying gently in an unseen breeze. The softness of the pink foliage gives the impression of fragility, yet the sheer size of the plant fills the canvas, highlighting its resilience.

Moskowitz’s depiction of the tamarisk shrub in Tamarisk, October, Denver is a masterclass in texture and color. The lightness of the shrub’s delicate branches contrasts with the sturdiness of the plant, creating a dialogue between strength and fragility. The pink tones are handled with subtlety, giving the shrub an almost dreamlike quality, while the dark green of the grass beneath anchors the composition. This painting invites contemplation, drawing attention to the beauty in nature’s quiet transformations during the changing seasons.

Crested Cockscomb, Marjorie Moskowitz, 2022, oil, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.

Crested Cockscomb is an explosion of texture, with the large, velvety cockscomb flowers taking center stage. Moskowitz contrasts the rich, red blooms with the sharp, angular greenery that surrounds them, creating a composition that feels both lush and structured. The depth and dimension of the flowers are emphasized through Moskowitz’s careful attention to shading and light, making the blooms appear almost sculptural. The background, filled with varied textures and plant life, enhances the complexity of the scene.

Crested Cockscomb is a testament to Moskowitz’s skill in manipulating texture and form. The thick, velvety petals of the cockscomb flowers are rendered with such precision that they appear tangible, inviting viewers to reach out and touch them. The surrounding foliage, though spiky and more rigid, is equally detailed, providing a striking contrast to the softness of the blooms. The piece is rich with color and texture, making it a sensory experience that goes beyond mere representation.

Marjorie Moskowitz’s botanical paintings are not just representations of nature; they are celebrations of color, form, and texture. Each work is infused with life, inviting the viewer to engage with the natural world in a more intimate and contemplative way. Through her use of oils, Moskowitz creates depth and realism that bring her subjects to life, while her attention to detail ensures that each plant is rendered with the care and respect it deserves.

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