Calico 

John Michael Carter's painting "Calico" captures a tranquil, domestic scene with broad strokes of oil paint. Light bathes the composition, which is dominated by the figure of a woman seated near a window. Soft pastel hues and gentle brushwork evoke a sense of peace and introspection. Consider how Carter uses color to structure the painting. The muted tones of the woman’s clothing and the room's interior create a harmonious balance, while the bright white flowers act as a focal point. The artist seems to play with ideas of visibility and invisibility. The woman, partially obscured by shadow, is present but detached, perhaps symbolic of a broader tension between being and seeing. The careful arrangement of objects —the tea set, flowers, and sleeping cat— invite us to contemplate the semiotics of everyday life, creating a world rich with potential narratives. The visible brushstrokes and unfinished details remind us that we are always interpreting and re-interpreting, both art and life.