Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Reds of a Pomegranate

Pomegranate, watercolor on paper, 2008
Pomegranate, watercolor on paper, 2008

This is a re-post of my pomegranate painting I did last year. The pomegranate has many seeds; some say there are as many seeds in a pomegranate as there are mitzvot in the Torah (613). Well, years ago, my brother and I counted the seeds of a pomegranate one afternoon. We put the seeds in bowls spread across the table. Then I reported back to the teacher that indeed this pomegranate had way more than 613 seeds. His response: “Did the pomegranate grown in the Land of Israel?” I responded no, as it probably grew in California. Anyway, it is customary to eat a pomegranate on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. You can read more about the symbols for Rosh Hashana in last year’s post.

For more images with a little red or a little of red, visit Ruby Tuesday:
rubyslippers

marcia @joyismygoal in TX says

i like your painting I am attempting water colors now we shall see-you are talented

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Hootin' Anni says

I like to dabble in watercolors myself,.........this is totally awesome work!

My Ruby Tuesday is up...this week, "Sweet William" --scroll down below my Tuesday's Heads or Tails section.

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Jim says

Hi Leora, your painting is pretty. We have some pomegranate trees growing wild in our subdivsion. I am thinking they will cut them all down as more and more homes are built.
Happy RT! I have a RED 1950 Mercury Convertible as a part of my post today.
..

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EG Wow! says

I have never counted the seeds in a pomegranate so thanks for doing it for me. ;-)

Eating a pomegranate on Rosh Hashana is a great tradition. YUM!

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Ralph says

That is a nice work! This offers the bold pastels of an Impressionist, a lovely watercolor to be framed and placed in a conspicuous place on a white wall. Soft textures give a feeling of depth. A fine piece of art!

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Patti V. says

Beautiful watercolor, Leora.You have a lot of talent.

I've never counted the seeds in a pomegranate. Sounds time-consuming!

Happy Ruby Tuesday.

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G6 says

Great minds think alike..... sort of :)

כתיבה וחתימה טובה

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ellen b says

Pretty watercolor of the pomegranate Leora. I didn't know that it was tradition to eat a pomegranate on Rosh Hashana. Fun information...

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amanda says

Leora you're so talented, that is a lovely painting is it water color.... my youngest will love to see this!

Please see mine here
http://www.moorebloglife.com/2009/09/15/ruby-tuesday-church-after-sunday-service/

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Ilana-Davita says

Very apt choice for the period. Ktiva Vechatima Tova.

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ramblingwoods says

Leora...I wanted to give you the info on where to find a 'pesticide free' lawn sign...
Here is the link for the pesticide-free lawn sign….

Beyond Pesticides

Lovely painting and info... reminding me that my MIL's birthday is soon too....Michelle

–Michelle–

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Leora says

OK - maybe next spring for the sign. I have to decide whether I am capable of taking care of birds for the fall. I liked your idea of hanging a bird feeder on my window.

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Meikah Delid says

Interesting trivia! Happy RT! :)

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Carletta says

Always a treat to see some of your wonderful work Leora.
This is a beautiful piece of art.
I've never eaten pomegranate but knew it had lots of seeds. I had no idea just how many! The teacher should at least have commended you on your math skills. :)

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Leora says

Funny, this particular teacher also taught math.

Carletta, you should try a pomegranate! They are fun to eat and yummy, too. They are in our supermarket now (only a fall fruit).

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marian says

i love pomegranates and your painting is verry impressive :)

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AuntieE says

Great watercolor. I didn't know they had so many seeds. Never eaten one but love the juice from it. Every year at Rosh Hashana I cook with the juice. Prefect post for Rosh Hashana coming up Saturday.
L'shanah Tavah Tikateivu.

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Dimple says

I love pomegranates also, mainly because they play such an important part in Scripture. I always get tired of eating so much seed for so little juice, however!

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storyteller at Small Reflections says

Simply BEAUTIFUL painting that makes me wish I had such talent ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

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Jew Wishes says

I love this painting. I remember using it in a post, with your permission, of course. I might want to use it again.

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Regina, DailyLiving says

such a pretty painting.
Beautiful one!

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Raven says

Lovely painting. Happy almost New Year.

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felisol says

A beautiful watercolor picture.
I find it intriguing, counting 613 seeds in a pomegranate or granate-apple in my language.
It must require a lot of patience, and that is perhaps part of the exercise?
I like this small pieces of information about Jewish culture.
There's so much to learn and even more to understand.
The more I understand, the deeper the respect.
Thank you.
From Felisol

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Leora says

require a lot of patience

I think two bored young teens who want to impress their teacher can do this easily. We were wise-alecks. You just need a lot of bowls, and you separate the seeds by tens.

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Dianne says

I love the image of you and your brother counting the seeds

your painting is beautiful

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Leora says

Thank you.

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Sandy says

Love it! It is a beautiful work of art!

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Jientje says

I love your art leora, and I love to learn more about the hidden meanings and symbols in your religion.

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Jew Wishes says

Leora: I used your beautiful pomegranate watercolor, again, in my latest post. I linked back to your blog, and mentioned you as being the copyright owner.

Thank you.

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