“Architecture was the essential language in O’Keeffe’s paintings for many decades. And they have not received the same attention as her better-known works.”—Benjamin W. Colman

Hello, all! Welcome to Tuesday Poetics at dVerse. Melissa here from Mom With a Blog. I’ve come up with prompts in the past (here and here) where I’ve shared some of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork. I recently stumbled upon news of an exhibition at Detroit Institute of Arts, showcasing some of the artist’s works featuring architectural surroundings.

Georgia O’Keeffe is well-known for her depictions of the natural world, flowers, landscapes. In this exhibition, her work celebrates the beauty and complexity of the architectural environment. This led me to investigate further into her work of this kind.

The first three paintings featured here are done in oil on canvas. The fourth is a watercolor painting on paper. In all four, the artist develops a richness in color. I think these paintings might lend themselves to an autumnal mood, the current season here in the states.

For today’s prompt, I’d like you to choose one of the paintings in this post and explore the world around you through the murky colors and sharp angles uncharacteristic of O’Keeffe. Perhaps you’ll write poetry that is uncharacteristically you. Show us something we might not have come to expect from your poetic repertoire.

If you’re new, here is how to join us:

• Write a poem in response to the prompt.
• Enter your name and a link directly to the post containing your poem into Mr. Linky. Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
• Read other poets’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky. Check back as more will be added.
• Please link back to dVerse from your post.
• Have a wonderful time!

Mr. Linky will remain open until 3pm EST on Thursday, November 5, 2026.