I started painting this some years ago, it was from some sketches and photos in the cafe at Pickering Station on the North Yorkshire steam railway. It's run by volunteers and this chap sat down opposite with his brew. After painting it I put it away and dug it out every now and again to see if there was anything I could do with the window. It was flat and didn't 'do' anything. Finally hit on the idea of condensation and created that little space where the window has been wiped too see out of. I'm hoping it works better now...
26 comments:
It's wonderful! This is such an interesting painting and the shadows and light and the window thing are exquisite! Wow!
The condensation was a good addition. The wiped area adds enough mystery to make the viewer wonder what is out there.
I think it's beautiful! Makes me think he's anxiously waiting for someone to arrive.
This is exquisite - the addition of the condensation was a wonderful idea!
xoxo
I love you the window turned out. This painting makes me feel like I am there in the little cafe watching.
I love the window. Beautiful painting, and the window definitely "does" something now.
Great idea for the window, Steve. Some paintings just take a lot of thought and time to come up with the right "mix" of elements.
Great idea for the window, Steve. Some paintings just take a lot of thought and time to come up with the right "mix" of elements.
This is amazing and beautiful!
Beautiful work!
Gorgeous work! Wish I came up with something as brilliant during my insomnia!
Thank you all, you wonderful arty friends! I've had an odd day, family came over and a bbq in October!! A corner turned an a passion ignited to paint more... A big hug from me xx
Wow! Wow! Wow! Such a beautiful, moving painting! I'd say "hitting on the idea of condensation and the wiped out area" was nothing less than divine!
This is absolutely beautiful.
the window condensation, does wonders.
Did you snap this man's photo and paint from them later, or did you sketch him while there?
what is your process from just seeing someone in a little cafe...to bringing him to life in your painting?
Whoa! I rarely comment on other's blogs but I have to stop and tell you how much I love this painting! Not sure why it hit me so hard and I do agree the window is great. Thank you for sharing this piece!
Every time I click on this link I know I'm in for a treat. This is gorgeous...this is what I want to do!
I like your posts so much and wish you do them more often.
I think that the figure is the main focal point and it is great. And I think that the window "thing" distracts in a way from the figure, which does not seem right. It is just my opinion, one of hundreds.
You were the first commenter in my blog in Feb 2009, I will never forget, was sooo pleased).
Thank you for all your interest and posts on my site, I'm astounded!
Where did it come from..? I love cafes and spend a lot of time travelling around the UK, years in big cities on my own. I have collected things in my head. There is always an empty seat opposite you and I saw this in the painting. I took photo's for this one but the light and mood is from my minds eye. I learned a lesson early on, there is a difference between being lonely and alone. I am never lonely! :-)
Irina, thank you for your observations, I agree with your comment and want to elaborate. I needed a 'narrative' in my painting so that the character wasn't just sat there. The window, i hope, pulls you away but brings you back and creates a slight tension between the two spaces... If you sit on your own in a cafe or restaurant you either look for someone or pretend you are, they are the rules ;-) x
WOW! This is simply an amazing piece. I love how sentimental this one looks =) It's a mundane scene people usually don't pay attention to, but you've captured it superbly!
It's a gorgeous painting, really telling a story!
Superb Stephen. I'm always awed by your abilities. The way you handle the paint so deftly... love the condensation and the atmosphere of this moment you've captured so beautifully.
It's beautiful! What a clever idea! I love the texture it adds to the piece.
It reminds of the paintings of 18th and 19th century. Great one. And thanks so much for following my blog :D
Hi Steve!
Greetings from a long lost friend in South Africa! Just wanted to say this is BEAUTIFUL. I love, love, LOVE the narrative created by the wiped spot on the window, and the drips of condensation running down. LOVE the skew tablecloth. It really creates the atmosphere of Europe for me. BRILLIANT!
Just superb. It reminds me of a Hopper painting. I, too, love the little wiped area.
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