Slice of Pie with Cherries
Painting on canvas • Barry Shelor
Style & Movement
Contemporary Impressionism / Painterly Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas; applications of impasto for the topping, loose gestural brushwork, and wet-on-wet blending
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8x10 to 12x14 inches; landscape orientation
Subject Description
A close-up still life featuring a single slice of pie, likely cherry or berry, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or meringue. Three fresh cherries with stems and leaves are positioned in the lower right foreground. The background is an abstract wash of vertical pastel tones in green and blue.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paint film appears stable with crisp texture and no immediate evidence of flaking or discoloration
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a regional gallery; Barry Shelor is known for his work in the American Southeast
Art Historical Significance
Shelor's work is characterized by a vibrant use of light and thick, confident brushwork. This piece fits into the American tradition of everyday still life, popularized by artists like Wayne Thiebaud, but executed with a more loose, atmospheric impressionist style.
Notable Features
Highly textured white paint used for the topping creates a three-dimensional effect against the more fluid, washed-out background.
Condition Issues
Minor canvas tension issues common in contemporary works; no visible craquelure or pigment loss observed from image
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light. Frame under UV-protective glazing if desired, ensuring no contact between glass and the impasto surfaces.
Collector Notes
Barry Shelor artist