Jane Blanchard

Natura Morta

So many painters gather items, then
arrange them: often flowers, maybe fruits,
or even fish or game, whatever suits
whenever motivation strikes again.

Yet other painters simply look around
at options which present themselves: a pile
of books, some empty bottles, stuff with style
enough if set against a plain background.

But why is such attractive, memorable?
Positioning? Perspective? Shades of light
and dark? Done well, all elements unite
to generate an imagistic pull.

A native Virginian, Jane Blanchard lives and writes in Georgia. Her latest collection with Kelsay Books is Furthermore (2025).