Arrangement In Red

November is such a lovely month. The air is crisp and scented with burnt leaves and the first wood fires of the season. Winter coats are being dug out of the closest along with gloves, scarves and hats. Everything about November reminds me of jewel toned velvet. It is a time of year that also reminds me to have an attitude of gratitude. I do have so much to be grateful for. Arrangement in Red is a still life painting of some of my favorite objects. The red walls are of my kitchen and the cream and red toile that graces the table for special occasions. The pewter teapot the remnant of a Spring day I spent with one of my daughters. The serving spoons were a wedding gift from dear friends. The sweet red onion and little potatoes are ingredients in so many meals shared with others. My home is graced by family and friends. My table is set with blessings.

Another Day, Another Sketch

Sundays at our house have a special texture to them. After church, it's Prairie Home Companion on the radio. Sometimes we go out for brunch, other times we have big Sunday dinner in the afternoon. It is always social. In the evening it is curling up in a favorite wing back chair to watch Masterpiece on PBS. This night I had my sketchbook in hand as I watched a mystery. Couldn't help but think that sketching a scene is like solving a detective's puzzle. Each line or shape is a clue that leads you to the next clue until you have the full picture.

( Sketchbook copy reads: The two yellow chairs in my breakfast room are my homage to Monet's yellow dining room at Giverny. These chairs were castoffs that I found languishing next to a garbage can. Originally they were in my daughter's room. After she left home they made their way to the breakfast table after a fresh coat of paint. The seats are covered in a cream and black toile. Curled up in napping position is my dog, Cassatt. It is Sunday evening. I am sketching while watching a mystery. )