Fortune Express
This drawing captures the north, east and south walls of a Chinese Express restaurant. I sat and waited for dinner and captured the scene.
I stopped into the Olivette Diner for a Tuesday lunch on November 28h. Here again is a 270 degree view of the diner.
Lately I have been fascinated again by equirectangular perspective. I played with such things maybe 8 or so years ago and then recently followed people like Paul Heaston and his blig and took a renewed fascination. This was the first of a series that began on November 26th after returning from Muncie Indiana.
Original Colored Pencil Drawing
The Soulard Market, a time-honored gem that has stood the test of centuries, presents a captivating tapestry of life for any artist seeking inspiration. Its weathered, 18th-century architecture exudes a rustic charm, with weathered red bricks and aged wooden beams that tell tales of bygone eras. Within this hallowed market's bustling heart, one can find an array of captivating subjects to capture on canvas.
Musicians, their melodies weaving through the air, infuse the market with a symphony of sounds. From the plaintive strains of a blues guitarist to the lively tunes of a folk band, their music becomes the heartbeat of this lively space. The farmers, weathered by the toil of their labor, display their bountiful harvests with pride, their faces etched with stories of hard work and resilience
Customers,
a diverse tapestry of humanity, fill their baskets with vibrant
produce, artisanal cheeses, and fragrant flowers, adding a dynamic
quality to the scene. Among them, children dart and weave, their eyes
wide with wonder as they explore the colorful stalls. Dogs on leashes,
faithful companions to their owners, bring an extra layer of character
to the market, offering a contrast of calm amidst the whirlwind of
activity.
But it's not just the people
and their furry friends; it's the tantalizing aromas, the vivid palettes
of fruits and vegetables, the quirky stalls selling handmade crafts and
vintage curiosities, and the rustic, time-worn signage that beckon the
artist's eye. The interplay of light and shadow in this historical
market, along with the lively, ever-changing atmosphere, provides a
never-ending source of inspiration for those seeking to capture the soul
of Soulard Market on their canvas.
In the heart of our bustling town, a unique artistic endeavor was
brewing, and it all began with a simple cup of coffee. Picture this: the
cozy ambiance of Kaldis, our favorite neighborhood coffee shop, where
the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee dances in the air.
As I
sipped my daily dose of caffeine, an idea sparked within me. Why not
invite someone from my everyday life to be the muse for a group of
talented artists at our local public library?
And there, in the midst of
steamy espresso machines and the comforting hum of coffee grinders, I
found my muse, Ben. He's not just a barista; he's a coffee wizard, an
alchemist of flavors, and a daily source of inspiration.
With his skillful hands and genuine passion, I knew he was the perfect subject to breathe life into our upcoming artistic masterpiece.
I have recently taken up plain aire painting with a local group who meets in various locations around Saint Louis, MO. Last week we painted at Queen Park, and before that it was Forest Park a few weeks prior.
So many of the artists in that group are very dedicated. I should say that they all appear to be. It is a certain type of discipline to get up on Saturday morning at 8:00 am or earlier and commence to painting. For me, I am using acrylic at the moment, but for others it is generally oil. Perhaps if I can get a setup together that allows me to paint while letting the small paintings cure in my car trunk, that will allow me to do it. I just don't like oil paintings curing in my home because of ventilation issues.
For the time being, the plain aire painters have been very encouraging and helpful. One in particular a Gino, who is very knowledgeable, has helped set me up with a good portable easel. I was formerly just using a collapsible camping chair with side pockets.
Next week, I may be standing. I found this GEEKOTO portable tripod for relatively not too much. This should do the job with my setup for the near future.
We shall see how it works out. I hear they have scheduled to paint at Bee Tree Park next week. I suppose I could head out there mid-week and get some preliminary studies and block in a composition to finish with the others next week. They do often seem to do one location multiple weeks in a row.
Brian Anderson is an artist based in Saint Louis, MO. He enjoys painting a variety of subjects from life including, painting the outdoors, portraits, urban sketching city scenes, and also a variety of abstractions.
Much of his work begins documented in sketchbooks and forms a sort of journal of events and happenings that weave the fabric of life and hold experience together. Sometimes, the sketchbooks are a mix of real experience and fanciful imagination.
From these notes and sketches, finished works are produced and can be seen here on this site or in offline gallery showings. Watch for upcoming show announcements and updated works here.
