Description

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

This oil painting captures a vibrant scene of a boat docked on the East River, with the east side of Manhattan as the backdrop.

The water ripples gently, reflecting the colors of the sky and the city. The skyline is bathed in sunlight, making the buildings glow with a golden hue. The boat, sturdy and imposing, sits calmly in the river, its red and black colors contrasting beautifully with the blue water. An American flag is posted on its left side. The scene is alive with the bustling energy of New York City, yet there is a peacefulness in the moment.

Reflecting on my father's art, I am always transported back to his studio, filled with the scent of paints and the sound of gentle classical music. My father admired the greats—Dufy, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cezanne—and their influence is clear in his work. His style, a blend of impressionism and expressionism, brought scenes like this one to life in a way that was uniquely his own.

We moved to uptown Manhattan in around 1960, just a few years after arriving in the United States in 1956. This painting, one of Dad's early, and few works in oil, reflects his deep connection to his new home. The vibrant colors and bold strokes convey not just a scene, but a feeling—of optimism, of possibility, of the beauty he saw in everyday moments. And at that moment, the American flag had deep meaning for our family.

Each brushstroke in this painting tells a story, not just of a place, but of a man who saw beauty in everything, especially in his new home country. His admiration for the masters guided his hand, but it was his own vision that brought his art to life. This painting, with its vivid colors and dynamic composition, is a perfect example of Dad's spirit. It is a reminder of the joy he found in creation and the lasting legacy he left behind.

On this day in 1961, Dad setup his easle and captured this beautiful piece at The Dock. ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes