Description

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

This piece captures the iconic Queensboro 59th Street Bridge from the Queens side, showcasing its vibrant and dynamic presence against the New York City skyline.

Dad painted this in 1979, a follow-up to a similar piece he created in 1964 from nearly the same vantage point (titled "Queensboro Bridge"). The passage of fifteen years between these works highlights a beautiful evolution in his style.

In this watercolor, the bridge is in the midst of being repainted, with the orange primer still visible in sections, creating a striking contrast with the blue hues of the structure. The New York City skyline, including the faint silhouettes of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, provides a distant yet familiar backdrop. The early afternoon sun casts a golden yellow glow, gently reflected in the moving waters of the East River below.

What stands out to me is the sense of freedom and freshness in this later piece. There’s a looseness and spontaneity in the brushstrokes that convey a more impressionistic approach, which I find truly captivating. This work radiates a lively and optimistic energy, capturing not just a moment in time, but the essence of the city's ever-changing landscape and Dad's evolving artistic vision.

The Maps
After Dad passed away in 2019, I discovered a large pack of maps in his library as I went through his belongings. I found subway maps, street maps, big maps, small maps, world maps, and maps in different languages. About 30 maps were neatly stacked into a strong plastic envelope that was an old empty Goya rice bag, cleaned and slit open so that it could hold items larger than itself. Held together with a large rubber band, they smelled musty and looked old and outdated. I thumbed through them, noticing circles and marks on some. Finally, I thought to myself - This is how he did it. It wasn't random; it was all planned. For a moment, I closed my eyes and imagined Dad planning his day like some Indiana Jones character - maps spread out with a giant magnifying glass in hand - but for him, his hidden treasure was A View - a perfectly golden view to paint.

On this day, Dad had a plan to return to a spot he had once painted.

My Indiana-Jones-Dad searched for, found, and brought home this hidden golden treasure - again! ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes