What No One Tells You About Tomatoes

I love how painting big uses my whole body and frees my mind. 110 inch wide work in progress. ©2020 Michelle Louis

Tomatoes, tomatoes everywhere.

    Oh golly, do I have tomatoes on the brain. For weeks now, I can't stop seeing tomato red. Literally bursting in the garden, a rouge party of Brandywine, San Marzano, Jaune Flammée, Amish Paste, and Sungold gathers on the cool countertop. The kitchen is rich with the steamy scent of garlic and tomato. Over 100lbs processed so far–fresh, frozen, canned, sun dried. Even homemade ketchup. I'm going wild in the garden, the kitchen, and in the studio, soaking in these bountiful days, putting up yum for the colder days to come, and painting the plenitude.
     Grateful for a distraction from the day after day monstrosities occurring near and far, maintaining physical and mental health these days is no small thing. Who knew tomatoes could be salvation? Can homemade ketchup bring enlightenment? Definitely maybe.
    The last few days, though, I've noted a pull to begin cooling things down with some calmer blues. We'll see what comes next.
     Meanwhile, I wonder–what are you doing to be well? What simple things lighten your heart?    
     Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please take good care. And if you like tomatoes, now's the time!

Click on paintings' photos to see details.
My smaller Quarantine pieces are still available for a limited time. If you've been wanting one, this is your chance! See them here before it's too late.

Tomatoes, Flowers, Butterflies (A Garden Love Story), 42H x 67 W inches, on canvas. ©2020 Michelle Louis

San Marzano (A Garden Love Story), in a virtual room. ©2020 Michelle Louis