Pop!
Posted: February 23, 2026 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: marmalade, still life, watercolour 20 CommentsThe Seville oranges arrived in our local grocery store last week. We wait for them in January or February so that we can make enough marmalade for the year, and this year we were especially excited because we had a new recipe to try, thanks to our friends Andrew and Eleanor. We’ve never been completely successful in getting the proportions right but this is the best recipe ever. There are no shortcuts as far as slicing all the peel and separating the pith, but it’s worth the effort.
While I was waiting for the lids to pop, I painted the jars. I used a wet-in-wet technique because I wanted to get some of that orange colour in the reflections. If you want the recipe for the orange tones, I used Hansa Yellow, New Gamboge, Quincridone Rose and Burnt Sienna. If you want the recipe for the marmalade, you can find it here.
What an interesting still life, orange and purple go well together.
Thanks Evelyn!
BEAUTIFUL! Jar lids popping is one of my favorite souns ever. Thanks for the recipe for this lively orange!
Jaci, I hope you try the recipe!
What a tour de force! Love the reflections and the jewel-like orange. Plus, memories of my Pennsylvania Dutch mother-in-law’s canning jars going Pop! on the wooden paddles on the kitchen floor.
Barbara, why were they on wooden paddles?
Hmm — good question. That’s what they cooled on, I think. I remember her keeping count of the pops, as we ate dinner at the kitchen table. Important to make sure they all got sealed. This was the 1970s. Fond memories.
Ah — better answer: they were wooden cutting boards!
Gorgeous!
Thanks so much Ginie!
Shari, you make paint glow. I have learned so much from you and I am wondering how your colors stay so bright?
Thanks Judy. I think that painting this wet-in-wet really helped to keep the vibrancy.
Love it! It just made me smile. There is just something about that vivid color calling for attention. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you Joan. We are enjoying it on toast today.
I find this superb!
Beste, thanks so much.
beautiful color on your marmalade, mine came out rather cloudy but still good
These colors make me smile, and so does your timing. I’ve been searching for the perfect “orange” combo, and you’ve come to the rescue! As for the marmalade recipe, not sure I can handle that one🤔
POP indeed! Popped right off my screen. A great treat to find in my inbox this morning. It’s beautiful. I’m reminded of Mary Pratt paintings of jelly (comparison meant as a compliment). I appreciate your skill in getting all those metal oval tops just right!
There is nothing better than good orange marmalade – and paintings to go with it!