Chicago Skyline, view from Larrabee Street
4 x 8
mixed media on 300 lb paper
It's almost my one year anniversary since moving back to Chicago after 25 years of living in New England and I have been asking myself why I am so inspired by the city, its buildings, and people. I find comfort in the Gothic architecture, the Greystones and Brownstones, the grid-like flow of traffic, the Lakefront, the local hangouts and especially this time of year, the outdoor cafes. My childhood memories are all rooted in this city, my grandparents lived off of Lake Shore Drive, and every time I drive past where they lived it reminds me of how happy my childhood was. I never realized how much I missed this place until I moved back. Now that I live here it's as if I can't get enough and everywhere I go I see something new that I want to translate into art.
City Dogs
7.5 x 11
mixed media on 300 lb paper
Luxe Cafe
2.5 x 3.5
mixed media on board
Greystone on Pine Grove
4 x 6
mixed media on 300 lb paper
Tulips along the Drive
3.5 x 2.5
mixed media on board
And my newest discovery - Kozo mulberry paper for transferring photos. The effect is almost blurry, and there is a an ethereal feeling after fusing into the wax medium. I am going to look into finding a printer that can handle much larger Kozo paper.
Chicago Skyline 2, view from Diversey Harbor
4 x 6
mixed media on Kozo
These new works will be going to the Encaustic Conference in Provincetown two weeks from today. I am participating in the hotel fair and hope to fit about 15 total into my suitcase.
I so relate to your thoughts and feelings. I left home at the age of 23 and didn't move back to Chicago until the age of 41. I still think this is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been in and I've been to a lot of them all over the country. Your post reminds me that I haven't been downtown in ages. I always thrill to your Chicago pieces as for me, they also capture in art those feelings. Love the dogs with the sunglasses. There is a guy in my town who rides a motorbike or motorcycle with his dog in a basket in the back. The dog is always up with paws on side of basket looking out with motorcycle goggles on. So adorable!!
ReplyDeleteAt first I was upset that the dogs were "dressed" but there is the cuteness factor! I painted 2 versions of city dogs, this is the larger version and the details are more distinct.
DeleteWhat a beautiful medley Robin, each one looks very unique and a representation of your feelings to which I can relate. Where ever I travel in the world nothing feels as good as my Bangalore! I would love to visit Chicago some day hopefully :-)
ReplyDeleteIt has been overwhelming to me that I continue to relate to my memories, visiting places that feel so comfortable, and what better way to share than to paint. I hope you do visit Chicago some day, padmaja. I will be here.
DeleteChicago is definitely your kind of place--welcome home. I think hometowns are really appreciated if you've been away for years. These works have soul, and I love the sky in the top one.
ReplyDeleteI plan on painting the city until I feel done, maybe it's a new series of work, or maybe its where my inspiration will be for years to come.
DeleteYes! It is easy to see how inspired you are by the city. Wonderful artworks. All of it.
ReplyDeletethanks, Pamo!
DeleteI remember your upheaval of moving - can be a year already? It's wonderful that you're finding so much inspiration in this new/old home, so different from where you lived before. The inspiration is paying off - the paintings are lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a year of big changes, and now I have a full body of new work that screams Chicago, never would have thought a year ago I'd trade my country landscape paintings for skyscrapers and concrete!
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