This painting was done with the Tuscan style in mind. The Tuscan style favors a rustic look. To me this never goes out of style because it’s as if the new and the old have found a common medium and have agreed to blend so well. There’s plenty of green, beautiful grass. The windows are complimented by the various colors of flowers that are perfectly placed below them. I love how there’s a table set outside of the building with a string of lights (even more beautiful at night) for people to enjoy the scenery as they eat some tasty, authentic Italian cuisines. There’s a group of people walking past the wall of yellow flowers and vines on the way to the inside of the building. In this scene, the ladies are wearing some long, beautiful dresses with gentlemen by their side to accompany them. This gives the impression that this group is out to have a good time. The white birds tops it off in this painting by giving it an inviting feel...”a moment to remember” feeling.
I honestly don't like using color tones like this. I actually really enjoy the black and white contrast. I have always loved black and white images, cartoons and movies. But I try.
What a wonderful Kirkus review!
(Paired here with my favorite improper contraction.)
"A thoughtful look at life, in all its beauty and strangeness.
...
This delightfully deadpan musing on life urges compassion for others. Howden’s straightforward text is on the philosophical side, though also rooted in the absurd. Hahn’s spare black graphite pencil watercolor, mostly set against a white background, are imbued with humor and empathy for the pickle, with the foodstuff’s expressive eyes conveying many emotions at once. "
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-howden/the-wise-pickle/
THE WISE PICKLE
by Sarah Howden ;
illustrated by Sabina Hahn
RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2026
I love this design pattern. It gives a feminine touch...a fresh and clean feel. It’s uniform and repetitive pattern gives it a functional flow as well as an elegant look. I used familiar shapes in a way to make a statement of agreement. I love the background as well. It’s white and lightly smeared to give it a more stylish look. Also, the background is a subtle lattice style to add more sophistication.