Something a little different today, with three quiet drabbles based on paintings. Enjoy.
Ballet
The jingling music of the piano and the chatter of girls nearly drowned the instructor’s voice, and the thump of his stick against the wooden floor. Another thump; the conversations and song stilled, attentions shifting from their warm-up to the dance master.
A wave of his hand and the pianist played a practiced melody, as the girls dutifully hurried to their positions to begin the rehearsal.
One step, two step, faster to allegro, all in line, spin around the prima as she shines en pointe. Watch her move, pirouette, cabriole as the chorus dances in tandem.
The master nods approval.
Painting inspiration:
Degas: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/degas-and-his-dancers-79455990/
Sailing
Sunset settles over the city and a small boat drifts along the canal, sails catching a gentle wind. A weathered hand shifts the tiller, guiding the boat along its course, as tired, watchful eyes search for potential dangers.
But the canal is quiet tonight, only a few boats on the water, a sharp contrast to the bustle of the day. He prefers the calm of the evening, when he is alone with his thoughts and the peace of his soul.
Inhaling the soft scent of the city, the serenity of the journey washes over him as he sails towards home.
Painting inspirations:
Monet:
Sailboat: https://claudemonetgallery.org/Sailboat-At-Le-Petit-Gennevilliers.html
Venice: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/a-rare-masterwork-from-claude-monets-only-trip-to-venice
The Visit
She held her teacup just so, her neutral expression peeking out from behind the frilly white ruffle that adorned her dress. A pale pink dress with a matching bonnet, flawlessly tailored for that afternoon tea.
Appearances were everything, after all.
She engaged in social chit-chat, and nodded in all the right places, inserting her own appropriate remarks to keep the flow of conversation even. Maintaining decorum, being a paragon of etiquette.
Inwardly, she wanted to scream, shred her pretty white ruffle, fling her cup against the wall and watch it smash into pieces. She wanted freedom, yet…
…the mask remained.
Painting inspiration:
Mary Cassat: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/10388
Be Afraid of the Dark 
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