Pomegranates 1

Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness are upon us. The mist is more often thick fog however there are other joys. On my way home there is the bar in the centre of the village of Baone. Now the mild weather has arrived there is the chance of a small glass of plum brandy, a slightly bitter sweet drink favoured by my companions as we sit and gossip. The bar is run by Tony and his wife Antonella along with their chef daughter Valentina. Not only is this the home of classic slow cooked food, it is also brimming with Italian generosity. This small sketch in oil is a preparatory work for a bigger painting.