On the Last Day of Summer...

Late this afternoon, despite every single moment being committed, sometimes twice over, I let myself be persuaded by an old friend (with an unassailable desire to play hooky from the office) to knock off at the last possible minute and take a car to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to view the "Brushed with Light: American Landscape Watercolors from the Collection" exhibition. After that, we checked out the permanent collection, especially the Decorative Arts/Rooms holdings which are my passion. Oh, to spend an afternoon in the Worgelt Study! From there, we strolled through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and really did go slow and smell the roses. In the soft breeze, approaching twilight, it reminded me so much of Paris on a sweeter scale, with a grace note of my favorite parks like Place des Vosges, Jardin des Plantes, and Jardin du Luxembourg near the statue of Verlaine. Despite growing up in a leafy East Coast suburb, I have never seen roses allowed to flourish quite like that, all wild and viney and unfettered. Their dyed deli cousins certainly pale in comparison. We then walked through a "very Capote" neighborhood on the park, and talked about all the enchanting and imaginative things we have yet to do in our respective lives. Soon after, we stumbled on Rose Water, and lingered over the five-course tasting menu with complementary wines from New Mexico, Languedoc, Alsace, Campagna, Australia and Ruby and Tawny port with dessert, while someone's old jazz record echoed from an open door in the distance. I'm off to bed now, to sleep like a baby, and grateful to be reminded how lovely life can be. A bientot, doves. With so much work to do, I'll be back after the weekend. Enjoy yourselves. XX.

Comments

[Lucille]

Lauren ~ What a magical day! You deserve it & thanks for sharing... if you can make the time sign up for the Watercolor classes with Adele :)
in 99 I used to love to paint by the BBG lotus and lily ponds and it was inspiring!! Say hi 4 me if you go. xxxooo Luv~Lu

Fall Evening Painting
at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens!

Adele Rossetti
Finally, the watercolor skills you've always wanted to learn—in the evening hours! Focus on composition, placement, orientation, and drawing of plant parts; continue through color mixing, brushwork, and technique. Bring your own materials; a supply list will be sent to you upon registration.