La Bodega Sketches

SOLD SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA

A restless feeling has been coming over me these last few weeks. Another daunting move to a new studio space that may or may not be long term, my first solo show in four years at Sirona Fine Art in Gulfstream Park Hallendale Florida, the silly grading I will have to do for my students at Broward College, the juggling of private students and packing and deciding for the move, throw in long drives home, a tired wife, two energetic sons and a partridge and a pear tree. I am thinking of one of the managers I had while a short stint as a waiter some years ago, he would like to rub his thumb and index finger together whenever one of the waiters began a list of complaints saying "here is the world's smallest violin playing a sympathy piece for you, now take this fried grouper to table 4" In the midst of this I have found myself having to make sketches and notes for what may be future paintings. Life goes on and I have been insisting that art (for me) is experienced in the "in-between" moments. In between these things that seem to be consuming my time, I am compelled to take "notes" (quick sketches) of what may be future paintings. These drawings are just a few that I recently "jotted down" to remind me of the In between moments. They are not perfect, nor are they supposed to be. I hope you enjoy them and share your thoughts.

Chicago

I am thinking of a general sense on how I perceive the subjects in my paintings. I can only put a stream of experiences to describe the image: the song by Frank Sinatra, a barely remembered poem about Chicago..something about big shoulders, pop culture thoughts like prohibition and gansters, great pizza, baseball, lots of guys that look like me (baseball cap, bearded, slight beer belly) Guinness, el trains, bridges, biting cold etc.. Does this make sense?

Frolic

In Victor Hugo's Les Miserables there is a chapter where he paints a picture of friends in the throws of joyous doings. Much laughter, drinking, and enjoyment of each other's company makes one's spirit giddy. I thought of that chapter while on a winter trip to South Carolina's Kiawah Island. In this painting I depict my friends Harumi and Christian spontaneously riding found kids bikes. Christian is obviously too big for this ride, while Harumi seemed quite comfortable and serene. I hope this painting is seen in person as there is much to the texture that my poor photo taking does not capture.

The Room

I have a secret envy for those that have lived in the same house through to adulthood. It must be nice to be so secure about what home is. I have been contemplating putting wheels on practically every thing I own. Maybe I'll buy an old Uhaul truck and live in that. I have been carrying the same books around for eleven or twelve years now. I guess in a way "home" for me is everywhere and anywhere these books are next to me.

Art by John Sanchez

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