"Tea and Sunshine"
watercolor on Arches 300 lb. paper
22" x 30"

This is one of a series of "Portraits in Still Life" in which I used the objects in a painting
to give a glimpse into a certain person. This one is Loretta. The warm sunny atmosphere of the
painting is a picture of a beautiful, loving Southern lady who enjoys sharing a cup of tea
with a friend or stranger.
Golden sunlight streams through the window giving the daffodils an almost transparent glow.
The sterling silver teaspoon reflects the flowers. I painted a deep grey-violet background to
contrast with the bright sunlight as it illuminates Loretta's teapot, the brass strainer, the cup
and saucer and the napkin. The stripes, painted in springy pastel colors, in the placement complete
the portrait of a lovely woman