Charleston and Carolyne Roehm

No one that I have ever met has more exquisite taste than Carolyne Roehm, ex-wife of the billionaire Henry Kravis. This private home has such neoclassical grace. It is located in Historic Charleston, SC, at One Rutledge Avenue.

 

Pick a Pet: Pet Adoption

Albert J. Alpaca, for sale, 7" x 5", Oil

Timothy McTabby, 10" x 8", for sale, Oil

Grumpy Cat

My Mysterious Visitor

Virginia and Bonkers

Lord Chimesley

Travis the Dog

Benito Pussalini

Ernest the Sea Lion

         The first two pets are for sale. Already housebroken.

Meerkat

Lewis Ginter Gardens in Richmond

Cherry blossoms in bloom at Lewis GInter in Richmond, Virginia, do my soul good. Additionally, heavenly-scented hyacinths are blooming in the splendid conservatory, alongside tulips, clivia, orchids, and bougainvillea. 

The charming thatched roof cottage has numerous fairy houses inside. 

These pictures were taken late March, at a time when the state of Virginia has just about threatened to throw in the towel because of Spring's slow arrival. 

Flowers, BLOOM!

Your imaginary gardener,

Patsie

The Theme Du Jour: My Seashells

The Conch, 8 x 10", Oil

Chambered Nautilus, 16 x 16", Oil, Sold

Chambered Nautilus, IV, 5 x 7", Oil, Sold

Chambered Nautilus, III, 5 x 7", Oil, Sold

Jewels of the Sea, 10 x 10", Oil

The State Department Diplomatic Reception Rooms

My personal favorite was the Thomas Jefferson room, where I am pictured below. Many of his personal artifacts are on exhibit. Tours are available by booking online and are free. Plan on making reservations months in advance. 

Winston Churchill: Painting as a Pastime

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Winston Churchill, who surely needs no introduction, wrote a wonderful little book called "Painting as a Pastime," in which he extols the virtues of oil painting. He and I are on the same page!

The book, published in 1932, is a love letter to painting. It also features several color plates of his work. 

Some of my favorite quotes: 

"I must say that I like bright colours. ...I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns."

"Painting is complete as a distraction. I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body, more entirely absorbs the mind. Whatever the worries of the hour or the threats of the future, once the picture has begun to flow along, there is no room for them on the mental screen. They pass out into shadow and darkness... Time stands respectfully aside."

All paintings shown are copyright, Winston Churchill.