Album: Matt Starr Food Art

Description: This is my acrylic painting study of a cantaloupe melon with a sweet, aromatic orange flesh fruit and netted rind. It is a member of the gourd family. They are similar to the muskmelon and honeydew. The cantaloupe can be traced back to ancient times in the Nile River Valley, Egypt. In folklore, they are a symbol of life’s sweetness and earth’s generosity. A whole melon is depicted next to a bright orange slice, set against a rich brown backdrop. The vibrant colors of the melon slice contrast with the neutral tones, creating a striking visual impact.

Description: This is my acrylic painting study of a red onion, also known as a purple or bluehi onion with its purplish-red skin and white flesh. These onions have a sweeter taste than white or yellow onions. Onions have been cultivated for at least 5,000 years and are one of the oldest cultivated plants. They are used in art, medicine and mummification. A vibrant illustration showcases a whole purple onion with sliced sections, highlighting its layers and texture. The earthy background contrasts with the bright green stems and scattered chopped pieces.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a big cluster of mushrooms at a decaying stump in the forest. These mushrooms include oyster, button, cremini, chanterelle, morel, Portobello, champignon, death cap, enoki, and nipple mushrooms. Mushrooms have been associated with folklore, magic, witchcraft and in many children’s stories. I was amazed to see a fairy ring of mushrooms. A large tree stump is surrounded by an abundance of mushrooms and fungi, creating a rich display of earthy tones. The background features dense green foliage, adding depth and contrast to the scene.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a pickle party. I enjoy growing cucumbers then having them pickled for eating. I like dill, sweet and bread & butter pickles. Pickles are famous for their long history, health benefits and delicious taste. They have been a staple in cultures around the world for thousands of years. A gathering of cheerful pickles fills the scene, each with a distinct expression and large, friendly eyes. The vibrant green hues stand out against a dark background, creating a playful and whimsical atmosphere.

Description: This is my acrylic painting study of some raspberries. They are a perennial woody stem edible fruit. Romans are credited with cultivating them, and throughout history, they are valued as a food source, as a pigment and for their medicinal properties. They have been linked to love due to their rich, red hue and heart-like shape. I love growing and eating raspberries from my garden. A cluster of vibrant red raspberries is depicted against a bright green background, with each berry detailed in rich, deep hues. The image captures the freshness and natural abundance of the fruit.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a deer with fawn at the stream for water. A serene forest scene depicts a doe and a fawn drinking from a tranquil stream, surrounded by lush greenery. Their reflections are softly captured in the water, emphasizing the peacefulness of the natural setting.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a tropical pineapple prominently displayed against a vibrant green background, showcasing its textured golden surface and rich green leaves. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, celebration and warm welcomes. A pineapple is prominently featured against a lush green background, its textured skin in shades of brown and yellow contrasting vividly with the vibrant backdrop. The spiky leaves crown the fruit, adding to its tropical allure.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of my study of some oranges. Oranges have been featured in art, myths and human culture since ancient times. They symbolize love, fruitfulness, prosperity and community. Oranges are one of my favorite fruits to eat. The contrast between the brown background and the vibrant oranges creates a vivid visual effect.

Description: This is my acrylic painting study of some tomatoes. Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world. They are a key ingredient in pizza and many pasta sauces. I love to grow and eat tomatoes. Juicy red tomatoes are displayed with one tomato cut in half, revealing its intricate inner sections. The green background contrasts with the vibrant red of the tomatoes, enhancing their freshness.

Description: This is my acrylic painting study of a vibrant red apple that has a bite taken out of it. There has been an extensive history of apples including religious and mythical significance. The apple is included with Adam and Eve, Isaac Newton, Snow White, William Tell, and the proverb, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The artist's signature, "matt starr," is elegantly written next to the apple.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of some carrots in the garden. Carrots a vegetable are grown for the edible taproot. They are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Bright orange carrots with lush green tops are depicted against a rich earthy brown background, creating a vibrant contrast. The earthy tones emphasize the natural beauty and freshness of the vegetables.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of some hot chili peppers. They are widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes. Vibrant red chili peppers with green stems are arranged vertically against a warm, textured background. The peppers appear almost to be floating, surrounded by fluid lines that suggest movement and energy.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of two peeled bananas, with the adjoining peels forming the shape of a heart. Bananas are a staple food for many tropical populations. Two bananas are creatively positioned to form a heart shape, with their peels elegantly unfurled on a textured brown background.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a whole watermelon along with a slice to eat. I was inspired to paint watermelons as they are a favorite to eat in the hot summer. A watermelon is depicted with its textured green rind and one on the bottom cut open, revealing the vibrant red flesh and black seeds. The signature "Matt Starr" is visible on the right side.

Description: This is my mixed media (acrylic and ink) painting of a big ear of corn in the cornfield. I was inspired to paint this cornfield as it is one of my favorites to grow. I love eating corn on the cob from my garden. It was a big crop of my Granddad. A vibrant ear of corn stands prominently against a warm, earthy background with stylized leaves curling around it. The intricate detailing of the kernels adds depth and texture to the piece.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of some strawberries in a patch. I was inspired to paint these strawberries after planting and growing strawberries in a patch at my garden. Strawberries are found throughout art and literature and are a popular dessert. Strawberries hang amidst a backdrop of lush green leaves and delicate white flowers. The vibrant red fruits are the focal point, creating an appealing contrast with the greenery.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a stem of three cherries. The cherry has lots of symbolic meanings, including fertility, love, joy and femininity. Three cherries are a symbol of a big win in gambling. Three vibrant red cherries with green leaves are depicted against a light background, capturing a sense of freshness and nature. The details emphasize the rich color and texture of the cherries and leaves.

Description: This is my drawing of the mammoth cheeseburger mountain. Persons look at the monstrous cheeseburger in amazement while others climb the burger for the adventure. A gigantic, multi-layered cheeseburger towers over a landscape, dripping with cheese and garnished with fresh greens. Tiny human figures at the base highlight its monumental size, emphasizing the whimsical nature of the scene.

Description: This is my drawing of a mammoth ice cream cone ski resort. Persons are having fun skiing off the dips and trails on the packed ice cream cone. A giant ice cream cone serves as a snowy mountain for tiny skiers navigating its melting drips. Below, more skiers enjoy the snowy landscape, with a ski lift above providing whimsical transportation.

Description: This is my drawing of some hanging red-hot spicy peppers. Strings of hanging peppers are called ristras and is a colorful tradition in New Mexico. Red chili peppers hang in an artistic pattern, their vibrant colors contrasted against the light background. Green stems add a touch of natural detail, creating a dynamic composition.

Description: This is my acrylic painting with a study of some fruit and vegetable seeds, of different shapes, colors and number of seeds per item. I painted these as displayed in an old wooden seed box. Some have one seed, others have many. Some have large seeds, some tiny. In some cases, we eat the seeds, others we pick out the seeds. Some are arranged in a pattern, others random. Some have seeds on the inside, others are seen on the outside. Which are your favorite seeds?

Description: This is my acrylic painting of some fried eggs in a cast iron skillet. It almost looks like the eggs are eyes with a smile below in the skillet. How do you like your eggs cooked? A cast iron skillet sits on a wooden surface, holding two sunny-side-up eggs with bright yellow yolks. The arrangement of the eggs creates a playful, eye-like appearance.

Description: I love tacos so I had to paint this acrylic painting of a prehistoric Tacosaurus adventure. A whimsical creature combines the features of a dinosaur and a taco, with vibrant toppings like lettuce and tomatoes along its back in the shell. The background features a warm, earthy tone that enhances the playful nature of the subject. The word "Tacosaurus" appears boldly across the middle.

Description: I love tacos and I love cats so with acrylics, I had to paint this “tacocat” and spelled backwards, it is “tacocat.” A cat humorously dressed as a taco lies on a brown surface. The feline is encased in a taco shell, complete with toppings like lettuce and cheese scattered around. The text emphasizes the palindrome "TACOCAT," highlighting the fun wordplay.

Description: This painting is my parody of the famous painting “The Scream” by Edvard Munch for a fun Happy Birthday. In this scene, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream as droves of persons enter the Super Banana Split Stadium.

Description: This is my acrylic painting of a pizza for a party. It includes cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, spices and more! What is your favorite kind of pizza? A detailed depiction of a pepperoni pizza shows vibrant toppings and a golden crust. The slices are uniformly cut, illustrating an appealing and appetizing design.

Description: This is my ink and colored pencil drawing of a mammoth size bottle of wine that is being opened by a crew with an overhead tower crane. A large bottle of wine is being lifted by a crane in the midst of a city skyline. The crane's mechanical claw holds the bottle while skyscrapers surround the scene, highlighting a blend of urban and whimsical elements.

Description: This is my drawing of a big hot buttered bucket of popcorn. A large bucket filled with fluffy popcorn is decorated with bold red and white stripes. Some popcorn pieces are scattered around the base of the container.

Description: This is my drawing of a salty pretzel. A bright golden pretzel is sprinkled with salt, alongside a knot-shaped design. The background is a simple, light color that highlights the vivid pretzel. The pretzel was invented by European monks in the early Middle Ages, with the knot shape to represent the Holy Trinity, with the three holes symbolizing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Description: After a trip to the New England coast, I was inspired by all the lobsters, so created this acrylic painting of a mythical Monster Lobster. The lobster is the state crustacean of Maine. Sharks swim in the water, adding a whimsical element to the scene.

Description: This is my drawing of a shrimp boat catching some “jumbo” shrimp. A shrimp fishing boat is on the ocean, hauling in a net filled with expressive, cartoon-like shrimp. The sea is depicted in vibrant shades of blue and green, with the sky adding a serene backdrop.

Description: This is my drawing of some crispy fried chicken as they are cooked in the hot heat of the desert. A surreal desert landscape features fried chicken drumsticks rooted in the ground like trees, surrounded by cacti and mesas. The bright sun and red-orange sky give an impression of intense heat, adding to the fantastical scene.

Description: This is my drawing in a study of lemons. Bright yellow lemons are depicted with green leaves and some are sliced to show their juicy interior. The image uses vibrant colors and bold outlines to create a lively and fresh appearance.

Description: This is my drawing of being in the pumpkin patch at sunset. A rustic barn stands amidst a pumpkin patch in a rural landscape, framed by large pumpkins in the foreground. The sky is painted with vibrant shades of orange and yellow, reflecting the autumn season.

Description: This is my drawing of Peter Piper who picked a peck of pickled peppers. How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick? Peter Piper is dressed in a green hat and tunic stands joyfully holding colorful peppers in each hand. Surrounding the character are tall pepper plants and a large wooden basket filled with peppers.

Description: This painting is my parody of the famous painting “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. In this scene, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream as droves of persons enter the Super Banana Split Stadium.