Description

A signed limited print may be available of this piece! (click here)

This watercolor captures an exquisite scene from the docks of the historic South Street Seaport, near the old Fulton Street Fish Market.

As I study the intricate details, I'm transported back to those early days when my father was discovering the artistic treasures hidden throughout New York City. I really love the tires hanging from the sides of the tugs.

At the time of this painting, I was just 5 years old, and little did I know the many gifts of nostalgic beauty Dad would leave behind.

The romantic boats nestled at port, the colorful old buildings providing the backdrop, and those ever-important water reflections that Dad so masterfully rendered - it all comes alive. He had a deep love for painting boats, finding endless inspiration in their shapes and colors contrasted against the vibrant cityscape - so perfect.

In 1964, just eight years after our family escaped Communist Hungary and found refuge in America, Dad was still getting his bearings in this new world. Yet he wasted no time immersing himself in the visual splendors of New York, seeking out unique vantage points from which to translate the city's energy onto paper and canvas.

This South Street Seaport scene represents more than just a pretty painting to me. It's a personal reminder of our family's journey toward the "American Dream" we were working so hard to build. While we laid the practical foundations, Dad was busy capturing the artistic soul of our newly adopted home, brick by brick, wave by wave, window by window, brushstroke by brushstroke.

As I gaze upon this watercolor today, I can't help but feel immense pride in my father's talent that blossomed in those early years, in the life we carved out through determination and hard work, and in the cultural heritage we brought with us that indelibly colored Dad's art.

On this day in 1964, Dad found this amazing view of Tugs at the Seaport. ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes