Past and Present
Past (1958)
A good painting tells a story while also revealing something about the artist, reflecting what he or she deems important. Therefore, in this Newsletter, I share a past observation in Harlem 1958, my earliest saved watercolor sketch; and also the present with my proposal for generating change in 2022.
Originally, Harlem 1958 was a pencil sketch on the back of a Knickerbocker Hospital emergency room intake form. I looked out a window at lunch break and decided to record both the scene and my feelings. The view and my sketch reflect the suffering yet resilience of the people I interacted with on a daily basis.
There are no figures in the sketch, but there are people living there evidenced by clothes drying on clotheslines, two T.V. antennae, and a fire escape with potted plants. Certainly, humanity did abound in these crowded buildings.
The Story in the Painting
I used artistic opposites to help tell the story. For example, the buildings are subdued in color, brightly colored clean clothes dry on the line, and a cheerful potted plant resides on the fire escape. The sketch shows man-made buildings, T.V. antennae, fire escape, but also a splash of nature revealed by the plant and sparse, but alive, tuffs of green grass. Moreover, I countered the vertical buildings with horizontal clotheslines and a stonewall for artistic balance.
My job in Harlem, six decades in the past, was an interesting learning and rewarding chapter in my early adult life. This now tattered, torn and faded sketch takes me back in time.
Present (2022)
There are many inequities in the world as we enter 2022 and everyone’s present actions count.
To help in one small way, I will donate one third of all of my website artwork sales in 2022 to Save The Children.
Save the Children is an international organization devoted to making lifesaving differences to children and their families. They accomplish this by giving emergency food, clean water kits, medical care, prenatal and newborn care, clothing, blankets, animals for income generation and educational opportunities for children.
Thus, if you are motivated to buy any of my artwork this year, please know that, together, we will be bringing hope and generating change somewhere in the world.
I wish you all, friends and family, a very Happy New Year. Comments are always welcome in the space provided below.
Elaine
Mom – I am proud of you and not surprised by this at all. You have a huge heart, and always think of others – always have – always will! xo Amie
Thank you, Amie, like mother like daughter. We are proud of you, as well.
I love this sketch and love the way you are brining it forward into 2022 donations to “Save the Children”. Happy New Year to all!
Thanks, Laura, for your kind words about my latest Newsletter. Happy New year!
I love this early sketch, and I’m so happy you held onto it. A cool glimpse into the past.
Look forward to these entries, as does my dad now. Appreciate the Save the Children shout-out too. Look forward to more from you throughout the year!
Sorry, Max. that I did not see your reply until today. Thanks, and yes it is a fond glimpse from my past. ” Save the Children” is a fine organization that I will always support in any way I can. Sending love…
Hi Elaine
I posted a comment a few weeks ago and I do not see it here. What I said was your “past” painting had a wonderful contemporary feel to it. You have a lovely simplicity to your paintings that has continued through the years. Bravo
Hi,Shelli. I did not see your comment until today but wish to thank you for your kind words. I love the “simplicity” comment as I strive to paint in this manner. Best wishes, dear friend.