The Great Gotham
Third Avenue El
Long before I ever set foot in the Big Apple (which wasn't until I was in my fifties, I'm embarrassed to say), I had drawn on it as subject matter for many of my paintings. That really is no surprise when I look at the body of my work...typically characterized by urban winter scenes from the early part of the twentieth century. If you think of the ultimate 1930's cityscape, situated in a northern clime...could any place other than New York fit that bill?
Times Square, 1930
In fact, a case could be made that the 1930s was the defining era of NYC. The start of the decade saw the arrival of the iconic Chrysler Tower and Empire State Building, the latter being so prominently featured in the climax of the movie King Kong, which came out in 1933. The period between the world wars was also the time when America cemented its role as the leading nation of the world, as a result of Britain's declining wealth and influence. New York was the shining jewel in that crown.
Love on the Gapstow
But beyond the economic and political influence of NYC circa 1930, there's a power and, dare I say...magic...about the aesthetics of the Big Apple. Much of its defining architecture and public space was built at a time when dreaming big and having pride of appearance ruled the day.
The Flatiron Building
Buildings, even towering ones, still had skins of brick and stone. Artistic elements...gargoyles...Art Deco flourishes...mattered in building construction.
A New York Evening
Thus you have fantastic architecture in a winter climate, with bustling streets that remain so even after nightfall. All lit up with neon signs...visual carnival barkers all clamouring for the public eye in the burgeoning consumer age.
Broadway Night
New York affords the painter untold opportunities for compelling subject matter. The city that never sleeps...never fails to inspire.
Bryant Park
If you would like a print of any of the paintings in this article, the links are here:
Comments
Post a Comment