Description

When I look at this painting, I feel like I’m stepping back in time, into one of my Dad’s colorful dreams, and also a time we explored the world together, finding places for him to paint.

Dad was a formally trained classical artist from the European school. He had a special way of seeing the world. His style, a mix of expressionism and impressionism, always turned the ordinary into something extraordinary.

In this watercolor, he captured the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, New York. The fountain stands proudly in the center, its angel statue spreading her wings over the bustling park. Dad used bold, bright colors that made the scene come alive. The water around the fountain and in The Lake is painterly, with splashes of blues and greens. The brick pavement around the fountain is fresh and perfectly colored. And the figures around the fountain and at the concession stands give incredible life to the entire scene.

On the lake, people are rowing boats, their figures small and lively. They are enjoying a peaceful day, gliding across the water under the clear sky.

Behind the fountain, to the left, you can see the Central Park BoatHouse Restaurant, nestled between lush green trees. It sits comfortably in the background, adding a touch of warmth and charm and perspective to the painting. And way, way back, peeking above the trees, are a few of the taller buildings on 5th Avenue.

Dad's strokes are loose and expressive, giving a sense of movement and joy.

I remember taking him to the park that day and looking for this exact spot. It was a view he had painted once before, in 1965 - 40 years prior - found here.

So for me, this piece is more than just another painting; it is a way to share how Dad saw beauty in everything around him and how his style changed, or didn't, over time.

And what I found, and what I hope you can see, is that Dad's intentions remained the same. Even after 40 years, he never swayed - he stayed true to what he felt deep inside and how his feelings expressed themselves in his art. If anything, his style became looser, more expressive, and more confident with time. For him, even a simple day at Central Park became a magical, colorful adventure with always a universal message of love and happiness.

On this day in 2005, Dad did it all over again, with me by his side, at Bethesda Fountain. ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes