I have two big loves in life: art and snacks.  Generally speaking, they coexist in my daily life quite nicely, but every so often I can’t help but notice an overlap. No, I’m not making mashed potato sculptures (although I did as a kid and whole-heartedly recommend it). Sometimes I’ll see an artist’s particular aesthetic and it will remind me of a certain food. The subject of the painting doesn’t have to be edible, although there are plenty of food-centric paintings. I look specifically at texture and the way an artist handles the paint.

The pointillist precision and beautiful colors of Paul Signac’s work definitely brings to mind Dippin’ Dots, the once-trendy ice cream treat in tiny ball form.  I’d like to think if you gathered up every little brushstroke in Signac’s painting and put it in a cup, you’d get Dippin’ Dots.

                   “Antibes, The Pink Cloud,” 1916, Paul Signac                  Dippin’ Dots

Robert Ryman’s exploration of minimalist art with the color white really puts an emphasis on texture in his work. In this piece, he applies the paint thickly until it creates its own landscape on the canvas. It could just be my sweet tooth, but all I can think is: vanilla frosting! The rough application of the paint reminds me of a rustic take on the tasty cake topper (say that three times fast!).

                             “Untitled,” 1961, Robert Ryman              Vanilla frosting

David Hockney’s use of swirling lines brings so much life and movement to this simple country road painting. The long curving strokes make me think of a bowl of spaghetti. A bowl of bright, colorful spaghetti.

                             “Garrowby Hill,” 1998, David Hockney                 Spaghetti

Between school projects with dried macaroni and paintings of sumptuous feasts, there’s really a longstanding relationship between art and food. Has food ever inspired a craft or work of art for you? Do any artists’ styles remind you of a particular culinary treat? Leave us a comment and let us know!