Mid-century painting in the dining

I always embrace the clean look of things after all the Christmas decor is taken away.

(Kilim pillows from The Kilim Pillow Store)

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It gives me a chance to change things up, and I enjoy not having all the clutter around. It helps me think about what I really want in my space.

After everything was cleaned up, I could not decide what to put over the buffet in the dining area and must have tried 50 different combinations. I didn’t like anything. Finally, I got the courage to ask my parents to borrow this painting, and that was just what this space needed. 

It was painted by my late uncle who was a Montana rancher but also a well known painter of Western scenes. I have several of his paintings but none were as large as this one, and this one could not have been more perfect.

It is called “Tracking the Enemy” and was painted in 1953. He lived outside Hardin, Montana, and near the Crow Indian Reservation. I love the colors, the Native subject, and the fact that it’s a family piece. I am in love with this painting, and hope my parents will let me keep it a while:-)

So the painting could take center stage, I cleaned off the buffet and left the Chinese silk runner for some color and added Native pottery from my collection.

I moved my Christmas cactus to this brass planter and hope to keep it alive. I love the texture of this plant and it reminds me of the ones my grandmother had in her house.

Things are pretty simple, and I’m loving that. The combination of Native art, plants, wood and fabric textures, definitely imbue a subtle Bohemian feel, but not overly so or cluttered.

I’m waiting on a bargain Afghan kilim to use as a table runner, but here is a peek of the table also simplified with only an iron candle holder.

Sometimes it takes me a while to get things how I like them, but once I find the feel I want, it makes me happy just to walk through the room. And that’s how *home* should be:-)

I’ll be joining:

Wow us Wednesdays

11 Comments

  1. The View From My Saddle
    February 9, 2016 / 11:15 pm

    I've found Christmas Cactus to absolutley love Miracle Grow Moisture Control soil. You will be amazed at the growth.

    • Pinky at Designs by Pinky
      February 10, 2016 / 12:49 am

      Thanks!!! I got one as a gift and will get that soil for it!

    • Anita Diaz
      February 13, 2016 / 5:02 pm

      Thanks, I will look for that!

  2. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    February 10, 2016 / 12:48 am

    I agree, it is calming to me to get all the glitz and glam packed away and live with more simplisity for a few months. LOVE that painting, it is wonderful. Your family has so many treasures! Have a beautiful week.

    • Anita Diaz
      February 13, 2016 / 5:02 pm

      Thank Pinky! Yes, I am still sweeping up glitter:-)

  3. Unknown
    February 10, 2016 / 6:49 pm

    Your Uncles painting is very beautiful. I like how he use different colors for the landscape. I can hear the warmth and love when you talk about your family heirlooms.
    Have a beautiful day, Kathleen in Az

    • Anita Diaz
      February 13, 2016 / 5:01 pm

      Thank you very much Kathleen:-)

  4. Unknown
    February 14, 2016 / 12:51 pm

    I love the more subdued look. Happy Valentine's Day!

    • Anita Diaz
      February 28, 2016 / 3:40 am

      Thanks Brooke:-)

  5. Unknown
    February 19, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    I didn't knew that this is a Christmas cactus but it is absolutely gorgeous! I have one and it had beautiful pink blossoms, what colour is yours?

    Kind regards,
    Tenancy cleaners Stockwell

    • Anita Diaz
      February 28, 2016 / 3:39 am

      Thanks Heather! It's hot pink and was gorgeous at Christmas so I can't wait to see it bloom again:-)