Street Musician with Reflections

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

I have painted this man a number of times now.  He was playing on the street in Charleston, SC, on my first visit to the city, and was there again the next time we went (which was years later.)  I'm not sure why, but I never lose interest in painting him.  My first attempt was in pastel...This time oil.  Some street performers don't allow people to take their picture unless they are paid.  This man was really interesting to talk to, a great musician, and very nice about having his photo taken.  I hope he will be there the next time I go.  He's becoming a tradition :-)

Rainy Day Street Musician

I lived in New York City for about 5 years and used to love to hang out in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and watch the people go by.  You can learn so much by just sitting quietly and observing.  Charleston, South Carolina is another good place to observe life.  I saw this man two years ago on our visit.  He was playing for money in the rain.  The weather didn't seem to bother him.  I took his picture at that time.  This year, he was on  the same corner, dressed the same way, sitting the same way, with an identical bottle of soda placed in the exact same place.  It was like deja vu!  I took his photo again, and when I compare them, the only difference is the weather.   I'm pleased with the way this one came out, and it will always be one of my favorites.

The Art Auction

The paintings were lined up along the wall, and the auctioneer was busy auctioning about 90 pieces of work.  All the people there were on alert for the particular piece of work they were going to bid on.  The action was fast and furious, and you had to check your catalog as well as keep your eye on the auctioneer.  It was so much fun to watch the action, but I made sure I didn't make any gesture that would indicate I was buying a $50,000 piece of art... I did this painting rather fast, but still like the general feel of it.