Pears, Magnolia, Apple

5 x 7 inches, oil on gessoed board.

It's been over a month since a post. In that period Kay started a new job, Portland was snowed and iced under (and over), and we hosted 5 houseguests over the holidays. It was great to have a house full of people; meals were shared, the fireplace was used, movies were watched, and games were played. With our foot of snow, which lasted over a week, we had a great snowball fight and built a towering snowperson.

Now everyone has gone home and the house feels very empty and quiet. I will use that quiet, however, to return to my painting practice.

This painting is my sole output for December. We have a huge magnolia tree in the front and it produces not only glossy and sturdy leaves but prehistoric-looking seedpods and flowers. I like the moody lighting in this painting. It feels like winter to me.