Archive 1991-3

Robert Flinkman
Martin's Bar and Grill
oil on canvas
18" X 24"
1991
copyright 1991 Robert Flinkman

March 17th, 1991 Sunday

I've begun the scene at Varrick and West Houston - coming along pretty well, still some areas rough.
I got to the scene around eleven, walking along Bleecker and hearing a church bell chime the hour. There was a bit of a wind, and it must have been in the 40s. I arrived and began immediately, yet I also began to feel the cold - the wind came from my back and could cut right through you. Even more pressing, I made sure I had only two cups of coffee (Bustelo - my favorite)....I was going to head back, yet I just felt I couldn't.. I just couldn't leave that scene until I captured something of that place - I had to accomplish what I came there for, and to come back with something of that place. And I determinately trudged back, set up easel and canvas, took out palette and paints, and began. So far so good.
I don't think I'll be spending all that much time there now as I did yesterday. I could almost complete it here. Still I should go again and absorb some of the immediate local color and flavor, several people stopped by, complimented me on the work, and I did get an offer for a sale from someone who had an office nearby - I politely declined. Art history will pay me better.
I worked for about three hours at the scene. An older man came along - white frizzy hair and beard with glasses who had an elaborate camera hanging from an embroidered strap, wanting to know whether he could take my picture while I worked. I readily agreed, and he snapped away about five times. I seem to attract photographers - good sign. When I felt I had worked pretty much what I could from the painting, I placed the work upright next to the hydrant, and stood back to examine it at a distance. The first thing that went through my mind was, 'This painting will deliver a payload.' Whether that payload will be monetary and/or public recognition, I don't know, but success will come from it.