Low Standards, High Expectations | Oil

Low Standards, High Expectations | OilHand signed Oil Original Artwork by Peter Smith. Visually irresistible, Moreish 2026 is striking series of still life that indulges both the sweet tooth and the sense of humour. Centred around iconic British confectionary, Peter and Jayne have perfected the art of sugar coating the truth wrapping sharp observations in warmth, wit, and an unmistakable affection for the familiar. With bold typography, graphic clarity and punchy colour palettes, Low

Hand-signed Oil Original Artwork by Peter Smith.

Visually irresistible, Moreish 2026 is striking series of still life that indulges both the sweet tooth and the sense of humour. Centred around iconic British confectionary, Peter and Jayne have perfected the art of sugar-coating the truth — wrapping sharp observations in warmth, wit, and an unmistakable affection for the familiar.

With bold typography, graphic clarity and punchy colour palettes, ‘Low Standards, High Expectations’ is instantly readable, uplifting, and delightful to live with. Designed not only to catch the eye, but to lift the mood. Nutritional panels, tiny graphic details and hidden jokes emerge over time, transforming the works into conversation pieces that continue to reveal themselves long after the first glance.

Across the collection, familiar British classics, in this case Parma Violets are reimagined with the Smiths’ hyper-realist precision. Peters’ refined oil technique gives each wrapper a tactile presence so convincing it appears almost peelable, while the clean compositions maintain a crisp contemporary elegance perfectly suited to modern interiors.

Parma Violets were officially created in the early 20th century and flavoured with violet — a scent previously reserved for perfume, pressed handkerchiefs and genteel occasions. They are Britain’s most diplomatically eaten sweet: loved passionately, disliked politely, and almost always followed by “I’m not sure… I’ll try another.”

Their flavour has been variously characterised as nostalgic, medicinal, or faintly reminiscent of a cupboard that once stored flowers. Whatever the truth, they remain unforgettable — a tiny tablet of floral memory that tastes as though it has already lived a life before reaching you.

Internationally recognised for their razor-sharp wordplay and technical precision, Peter and Jayne Smith occupy a distinctive position within contemporary fine art. Widely collected for their mischievous humour, their works transform familiar consumer objects into gently subversive social commentary — affectionate, relatable and quietly insightful. Moreish continues the artists’ celebrated exploration of the everyday elevated to the iconic.

Find out more about Moreish 2026 or shop more Peter Smith's art here.