Saturday, March 16, 2013

At First Glance #5


5" x 7" ink and watercolor on Fabriano Artistico rough paper
(Click to view a larger image)

I love bus stops and cross walks because of the variety of people you find there.  But it's rare that I am lucky enough to have the traffic light stop my car just to the side of a person to paint.  So when I saw the woman above I just kinda casually stared straight ahead while waiting at the light, held my cell phone sideways, and -snap- I had the picture.  I never looked that way once and when the light turned green I drove on.  When I checked the photo later I was delighted!

This is my fifth "At First Glance" picture, a series where I try to capture the essence of folks I find in Miami. 

But I've been thinking, maybe what I'm portraying is something more.

The other day I met a friend for lunch that I hadn't seen in maybe ten years.  (This is a different friend, by the way, than the one recounted in the last post.)  I had no idea it had been so long.  I'd spoken to him every year in the interim - he's my accountant.  We'd have lively telephone conversations, catching up, and he'd sounded exactly the same.  But I'd mail him the papers for my return and wouldn't see him. 

So when we saw one another there was this surreal minute or two as we conversed when we were reconciling our memories of one another to the persons before us. Time had given us both more .. character.

So I realize that what I'm capturing in this series is not only the essence, but the moment.

The "At First Glance"figures are in a field of white.  I could ground the figures in the white field, say with a shadow.  But I do not.  This is appropriate, I think.  This is their essence suspended in the moment; then the moment is gone.


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If you'd like descriptions of the series and to see prior "At First Glance" folks, you can go here, here, here and here.  [What will I do when there are 100?  Leave 99 links at the end of the post?!  I think not!]

35 comments:

  1. This is wonderful Dan. Wish I had your talent for figures.

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  2. First I almost fell off my chair, I thought you had captured a lady that lives in my neighbourhood (spit image of her, even down to the shopping bags). But this is brilliant drawing Dan, I really love this series you are working on and very exciting. And the bags she's holding, the texture is amazing... Really well done!!! Now I cant wait to see who you'll snap and catch in a moment. Great inspiration again, I saw a lady on the subway when I was away and took a picture, still have to draw her.

    Love the post, had to laugh at your "given us both more character" comment, thats a great way putting it!!

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  3. Hello Dan,
    I love this series so much. Every one is a winner!
    As Phil says, you do seem to have a talent for figures (a bit like your accountant eh?)
    Fantastic!
    Stew.
    stewcrowther.wordpress.com
    _____________________________

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  4. She has such a natural stance and a great addition to your collection!
    You are getting sneakier in getting your references, when I try to photograph in a similar way I just get half a body.

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  5. Hello Dan,
    #5 just as beautiful or more than the #4!!!! I like them all (look at the paper bags......).
    Congratulations...

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  6. Love this series Dan, you make me feel like I know these characters...well done!

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  7. I echo the comments above. And this one in particular stands out, for the truth of her - posture, shape, clothes, the whole thing - I can see this person really exists :) This is a great series Dan!

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  8. What a stunning rendition, Dan ! You wonderfully captured her attitude, her expression, the texture on her clothes and the bags, it all looks so real !! Bravo !!

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  9. Oh wow, this is just wonderful. I feel like if I saw this woman, I would recognise her straight away from your depiction!

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  10. I love this concept and your work!! Can't wait to see how this series progresses.

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  11. This is such a great painting. What an excellent idea, photo on the phone, and pretend you weren't taking this ladies pic. By the look of her stance she was just working that out...and then you drove off :)

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  12. A couple more months we'll be wearing short sleeves and shorts...her clothes and the bag textures are exceptional. If you want white then stick with your gut response it's always right.

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  13. I LOVE this painting. I can see her tired after a trip to Publix standing beside the road wondering if the "new man" in the apartments will show up at the bingo game.... And now you have identified yourself as a serial drive-by snapper!! I was chuckling at the "didn't turn my head"(smile) I also like the description of you and your accountant as having "more character". I MUST remember that. And isn't that just what you are capturing in your man-on-the-street portraits? I do love this series.

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  14. Great drawing/painting...and congratulations on getting the photo (so stealth!) I like how Florida women wear jewelry right along with their sneakers. Through this series we all get to spend some time with your chosen people from the street....it reminds us that people are basically the same wherever. Put some sleeves on her and she is a Portlander! I think it would be cool to see all of the series in a row on a wall. Will you show the series in person somehow?

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  15. Great story--it makes the picture that much better. And, the picture, by itself, has such personality. Thanks for taking the time to share the moment AND the resultant picture!
    Kristi

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  16. I just spent time checking out your "At A Glance" work. Fantastic. The last two look like people I've seen - especially the busy guy rushing along. I take "stealth" photos of people in museums and train stations with my iPad figuring no one will realize what I'm doing. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  17. Life gets so busy, and the darned technology gets in the way sometimes. I am reconnecting with Everyday Matters after an unintentional hiatus, and am so happy to see this latest series of yours. AND as always the words you write intrigue, inspire and entertain me. Now...where did I put that sketchbook?

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  18. Bravo Dan... character... you have such a way with words... you should write a book... it would be so entertaining... the Journey of an artist in Miami... just a title to get you going :-) I swear this woman was in Wal-Mart today... but how could she be? She's in Miami... or is she the universal bag lady... like Santa Claus... she is everywhere at once.

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  19. I love this. First, I love the watercolor. Great capture. Second, I love how you managed to get the shot. I've tried similar (well maybe not in the car ;-) ) and only got blur. This series has all been great and I am looking forward to seeing more. You should do a blurb book when your done and sell it.

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  20. What a 007 you are, snapping away with your hi-tech gadgets, and then adding artistic touches to them and post them on your blog in the cyber world :)
    I want to say nice drawing, but I must say, it's an even better capture!

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  21. I like these of the moment paintings. I've taken a few stealth photos with my iPad; however, in a small town it's always someone's cousin.

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  23. I love the attitude in this one, her position say so much, lovely.

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  24. wonderful painting...so full of the life and "movement" of the moment...

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  25. I am in awe over your ability to capture these figures that convey so much personality. It's already an amazing series!

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  26. My favorite of this series so far. She looks like a really hip grandma and one you don't want to cross. If you wanted to add 99 links at the end of your series, that would be fine with us.

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  27. You could take the entire series when finished and construct a zine. It will make a lovely collection!
    This lady is wonderful. She reminds me of my paternal grandma who was a character to say the least. Well done!

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  28. I love that you took photo of her while she was not looking. You captured her character and her posture very well. Fantastic!

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  29. Hi Dan, I do like the gesture! I've seen this woman...or someone who looks just like her. I think it's interesting how some gestures are universal and easy to understand. Ten years goes quickly, doesn't it? Character is good!

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  30. we, your fans, are ready for a new "Dans canvas" drawing/painting! tap tap tap...fingers tapping ...waiting waiting.....

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  31. hi Dan...i had come primarily to say thank you for the comments you left on my recent blog post & found myself caught up in your "at first glance" series. i love these paintings...the delicacy, the kinetic quality of the line, and the subtlety of the washes....they are absolutely alive with the moment. i agree--the absence of background, even shadow, seems totally appropriate in this instance, lending an existential commentary (intended or not) but moreover emphasizing what's most important here...reminds me of sumi-e, too.

    thanx for "The Book Thief" recommendation...i've heard of it, but haven't read it. i'll have to check it out.

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  32. This is a perfect image of several hundred women anywhere in the world. Love the expression in her whole body....she looks tired but maintains her warm personality.

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  33. Hi folks!! I am so sorry for the delay in thanking you - each and every one of you - for the wonderful comments. I kind of fell off the virtual map. I am so glad you liked my portrayal and that you like the series, and rest assured that I saw each and every one of your comments as they were made - and they made me feel so good! Unfortunately, the real world got in my way and played with my time and my emotions, and surprisingly, this dramatically affected my ability to make art and to blog. And even to visit and comment. But I am back. Within the next few days I will be posting again (I hope). Thanks again, so much.

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  34. tap-tap-tap-tap (fingers on table top). tap-tap-tap-tap!

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