8" x 10", oil on linen.Part of my husband's birthday present this year consists of a collection of paintings of all of our neighborhood pubs, ones like what is now known as The Corner, formerly known by what is possibly one of the best names of a bar anywhere: Rich's First One Today (interesting info. about Rich's quirkiness here), and still affectionately called, simply, Rich's, by all of us locals.
Unfortunately these neighborhood taverns are a dying breed around here, but a number of them like Rich's still thrive, tucked away on their residential streets. To me they're uniquely Chicago (or at least uniquely Midwestern): these old and dusty little places where the hours are unstable, populated with everyone from a few blocks' radius and their dogs, and where you can still pull up a black vinyl stool and get a pitcher for 6 bucks.
Susan has embarked on this project with me, so I'll always link back to her takes on these bars, although she is much more prompt about getting them posted. Check out her Rich's painting here.
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15 comments:
I love that you and Susan are doing your part to preserve these little historical gems, overtaken so much now by generic chains. Great job and keep it up!
Hi Deborah, I know, it makes me sad to see these types of places with so much personality overtaken. I see this so much even in the few years I've lived in my current neighborhood. At least we can document them for now!
Karen this is so cool. My husband lived in Glenview growing up and we went back and visited many corner pubs. It is truly unique to the midwest. I just love it.
Wonderful handling of the paint and shapes. I has a wonderful feeeling. And what a thoughtful gift!
Karen, I always learn something new from you. We have a pub here on Long Island, called Reese's Pub, built in 1900. Top of my list for this week is to attempt a painting of this corner site. Thank you for visiting my blog.
Karen, Your post brings back memories for me. I remember when I was very young, my grandparents lived in Cicero. There were so many of these small taverns and tiny neighborhood grocery stores on corners. Very much like Rich's. Very cool that you and Susan are documenting these treasures!
Nice painting. It has a warm, inviting feel.
Hilarious idea of what to give your husband for his b-day! I take it he likes beer...?
Hi Dori, That's interesting, I didn't know you had ties to the area! They are great little spots. Thank you too about the paint...I was trying to think in terms of shapes not things.
Hi Joan, Oh I look forward to seeing your Reese's painting! Thanks so much for coming by.
Hi Janelle, Yes I forgot about those corner grocery stores too. It's interesting how some of them have been converted now to condos, cool living spaces, but sad to see the stores and bars go.
Yes Jala, that is an understatement, that he likes beer! :)
Yay! You posted your version. I really enjoy seeing Susan's interpretation and yours of different locations you both paint together.
I like this a lot. And how fun to have a series of these as a birthday present for Garrett. I'm sure he will enjoy these.
What a cool idea. And thank you for linking to Susan's version as well. t is always amazing to me how artists have such personal visions, even when looking at the same thing.
Happy birthday to your hubby.
This sounds like so much fun. I do hope that you don't try to drink and paint, though! You know how that will turn out... ;)
Beautiful painting. It has so much personality in it. I can tell that you love these neighborhood buildings. I wish your town could save them all. It's always so sad when characteristic architecture is torn down. Makes the world to much the same.
Thank you for linking to Susan's work. I love, too, that you two are working together on this.
What a great gift, painting and way to preserve a memory before more of these wonderful places disappear.
YES!!!! I'm so happy to see this again. It's like visiting a friend. what an excellent day we had.
I love how you chose to crop into the corner and how the "stuff" on the sidewalk is just hinted at. That remains very interesting but doesn't overpower the pub and yet, my eye goes back there too.
Hi Kathleen, I know, finally! I've been pretty delinquent lately with the posting. It is great to paint with Susan, I know her painting informs mine (and I hope I can do the same for her sometimes too).
Hi Loriann, Yes, it is sometimes really surprising to walk up upon Susan painting and go Wow! I never thought to solve that problem that way. So helpful.
Oh no way, Melinda, that's one thing I can't do (drink and paint!). Very bad paintings! (and I don't need to make painting any more difficult!) I'm so happy to hear that the personality of the place comes through...that's so much what I want to get at with these.
Hi Leslie, yes the gift might take a while....but, you especially know how great paintings as gifts are (are you recovered yet?)
Hi Susan, I know, FINALLY! It was a great day...working on this project with you is so engaging. When we finish one, I can't wait to get to the next (or go back and fix the first...). Thanks so much for 'reading' it for me. That always helps me so much.
I am loving this series, and I keep coming back to this one. Growing up in Wisconsin, Old Style was THE beer. And you have really captured the nostalgia that these places embody. The warm colors on the buildings are so perfect.
Hi Kathryn, Thanks! Yeah a lot of Old Style flows here. I agree there is completely a sense of nostalgia that is in these places. It's a bit like stepping out of the business that's all over the main streets.
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