I usually do paintings of figures solely to focus on the figure. With this piece, I wanted to stay on that same road, but expand a bit into the figure's world. This particular woman is in the middle of doing something that I find very calming, warm, and perhaps even a bit sensual...drinking tea. I was inspired to create a somewhat intricate, but not overpowering design, and to use soothing colors: reds, oranges, blues, and plum. The warmth of these colors are offset by the apple green of the woman's dress that brings a sense of liveliness to this otherwise tranquil moment.