Dennis Pfeil

About the process

Dennis Pfeil has always been captivated by the dramatic play of light in the works of the old Dutch Masters. Their paintings taught him to approach the everyday with a sense of wonder. Inspiration can strike him anywhere: in restaurants, at market stalls, or even in the quiet corners of his own kitchen. Some of the most delightful encounters arrive unexpectedly, such as the burger he once got served in a brasserie. At other times, he carefully stages and refines a setup until the light and textures intrigue him enough to paint it (many eggs were fried, before he got just the right one). Because his paintings often take weeks or months to complete, and the freshness of the subjects and the lighting often is fleeting, he works primarily from photographs he has taken himself.

For Dennis, a genuine connection to the subject is essential. It is not about whether the food is appetizing to him personally, but about how an ordinary and ephemeral subject, when bathed in beautiful and dramatic lighting, reveals its deeper character and tells a story. These stories reflect fleeting moments which we should appreciate more in this time of fast consumption. The subjects remain familiar and recognizable, yet possess a captivating presence strong enough to stop viewers in their tracks and make them observe and think.

He begins each painting on a warm-toned canvas rather than a stark white surface, followed by sketching on the composition to establish the foundation. With more complex works, he often evolves the sketch into an underpainting. The first layers are applied thinly. With the later layers, he loads his brushes with thicker paint to create a wonderful play of textures. This is where his pieces really start to feel alive as it gives a sense of vitality and movement once you’re up close.

His ambition is clear: to create paintings that, at first glance, resemble photographs of everyday foods which get a stage, the overlooked items that quietly shape daily life. Yet the true magic lies in the invitation to step closer. From a distance, the works appear almost photographic, but up close the brushstrokes reveal themselves, exposing the love, patience, and craftsmanship behind every detail. The next time when you are about to eat or drink, take a moment to look at what’s in front of you first. It will heighten your experience!