Antiques U.S.A

Texas has some wonderful, old downtown areas, and I love to try and imagine what it might have been like 50 or 100 years ago to walk down these same streets. I admire the dedicated individuals who have worked so hard to keep the historical evidence of small town America at hand.

I sometimes paint with a group of friends in the upstairs room of a local gallery in our hometown which overlooks the downtown historical district. For years now, I have looked out at this charming little antique shop that sits at the corner and have wanted to paint it. I am always pausing to admire the American Flag painted on the front of the building.

Having finished another painting the same day, I finally decided to grab a blank canvas and give it a whirl. Typically, I paint from photographs so this was a switch for me. I did, however, take pictures with my camera just in case I second-guessed anything after I got home.

I wonder if the man shopping with the woman was happy to be antiquing or if he was hoping she'd had enough so they could head home? Or maybe he was the one who enjoys antiquing?

"Antiques U.S.A."
8"x10" oil on canvas

Schilo's Delicatessan, San Antonio, TX

On a trip to San Antonio last year, while strolling through the downtown, we stumbled upon Schilo's Deli which has been "serving up hearty German soul food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1917." (Fodor's) I love finding a restaurant that has been around for ages and the building that houses Schilo's oozes of history. We had a great deli lunch and the service was quick. I had a feeling there were as many locals there as tourists (always a good sign).

What first attracted me to the original photo was the brilliant colors outside the window. Only after admiring the colors did I notice the man at the table. He was secondary to the original intention for the composition and that's the way I tried to paint him. I think he must have been a regular, he would turn and observe everyone who came in the door.

I have to say, it's nice to paint a person where I don't have to struggle for the likeness. Since I'm not trying to paint a specific person, I can just enjoying finding out who my paintbrush wants him to be. He reminds me an awful lot of my friend's dad, but it wasn't intentional.

I have another Schilo's painting on the easel which will be called "Take a Big Bite." You can imagine what that's about!

"Lunch Interrupted"
12"x12" oil on canvas