"I shall return shortly", he murmured.

Darks against lights - simple palette - and so confidently painted - yup, nice one Kim.

Wow Kim - how romantic, love it!

Lovely strong image Kim, the legs on the chair and table showing how super the items are, and the plate and glass hinting at the story only half told

I sit on this chair, its lovely and warm in the room...I talk to van Gogh...what's a precious moment:) Lovely painting Kim

Thanks so much Michael, Debs, Ros and Bronia (a poet).

Evocative painting - makes you wonder when the book's coming out.

Great work Kim!! super light quality.

Full of atmosphere. Lovely palette ..... will he ever come back ?

I know I use this word a lot; superb, wonderful atmosphere.

Very nice

Gorgeous piece, Kim. I love the rather desolate look of the room and the air of mystery you've captured in the painting itself, a hint of je ne sai quois. Super work!

Where did you get this idea from, Kim? It is from a book, perhaps? An intriguing story expertly told in paint - how wonderful.

Very dark Kim (only joking lol). This is a beautiful and very subtly painted watercolour (I especially like the table and chair legs). Have a great Christmas and a fab New Year.

The painting is actually a gesture to my grandfather, Howard Bevan Ward. I knew he served in WWI but never exactly knew where. He never ever spoke of it. But just in the past few weeks a recording has come to light of him recounting trench life to a group of young people. He was a 21-year old captain in the Cheshire Regiment and served at Ypres-Passchedaele. He came home. So many chairs remained unoccupied.