After the Toast
After the Toast captures the intimate hush that follows celebration — when laughter has just faded, glasses still glow with warmth, and the room holds the soft residue of joy. Champagne bottles rest in a silver bucket, their golden necks catching the light, while jewel-toned baubles, ribbons, and crystal glasses scatter across a deep blue cloth like confetti from a finished story.
Painted with bold, fluid brushwork and luminous colour, this still life blurs the line between realism and abstraction. Reflections shimmer, edges soften, and objects dissolve into one another, echoing the way memory itself lingers after a meaningful gathering.
$1950 AUD
To see the painting in person, contact Cheryl to arrange an appointment to view in her North Avoca studio.
Why I Painted It
Why I Painted It
In our family, the large champagne bucket has become part of the celebration. At Christmas, it finds its place on the kitchen island, filled with champagne and ready for everyone to gather around.
The glasses are from our Waterford Sheila collection. We love their geometric cuts and the way they catch the light. By this time of year, the Christmas decorations have also appeared, adding their own colour and sparkle to the scene.
I was drawn to the challenge of painting it all: the reflections in the champagne bucket, the glasses and the round ornaments. Everywhere I looked, light and colour were bouncing from one surface to another.
But these objects hold more than reflections. They remind me of our family celebrations—the toasts, the conversations and the pleasure of coming together.
Thank you for coming ..
A Word from Cheryl
Welcome Video
How it was made
This painting grew out a collection of photographs and sketches that I have gathered over time. I chose a Luca canvas -tripple primed ..one of my favourites to work on. at 60×90cm. I deliberately placed the creat of the wave near the middle of the canvas…. Oil paint is my medium of choice …I use a limited palette , drawing on my sketches and photographs to pull everything together. . Over a couple of days I fine-tuned it into a Masterpiece
Up close
Signature
Side of the painting
Of the brush Strokes
Of the great detail
The frame
A black float frame with a pale gold internal edge , chosen because elegance and modern feel. Professionally framed by Framing Alternative Central coast .
Medium Oil on Canvas
Size 61 × 91 cm
Framing Ready to Hang
Frame width cm
Overall size, framed cm
Up close photo of the frame
THE BACK OF THE PAINTING
Signed, titled and dated on the Back, everything a future owner needs to know its an original.
Letter of Authenticity
Title. Emerald Surge - $XXXXXX
One of a kind. Shipped, insured, free within Australia . On its way in five business days
Questions first? Email Cheryl Willcox
Delivery, Collections ad Returns
041 3943 255 call or text anytime
Artist email: artist@cherylwillcoxar.com