Description

Dad had a special talent for capturing the simple joys of everyday life through his paintings. One piece that always brings a smile to my face is his depiction of the old carousel in Central Park, in New York City.

• Dad painted the Carousel once before, in 1965

With its vibrant colors, swirling motion, and joyful expressions of children, it transports us right into that magical moment. We can almost hear the calliope music and the excited screams and laughter ringing out.

For our family growing up in Spanish Harlem, Central Park was a free playground. On weekends, we'd make the trek there, my siblings and I reveling in the open space after being cooped up in our apartment all week. But for Dad, the park was his artistic muse. He'd set up his easel and let the sights and sounds of the carousel and the happy families whirl to life in his works of art.

Even after we moved to Queens, Dad kept returning to Central Park to paint and sketch. It was his haven, his source of inspiration.

Later in life, I had the privilege of accompanying him on his artistic outings, acting as his helper and seeing his process up close. Whether we ventured to the shores of Long Island, the streets of Manhattan, the canals of Venice, or the monuments of D.C., I became inextricably linked to his art.

Those experiences formed the basis for the stories I've written, the tales of a son watching his lifelong artist-father at work. In immortalizing his subjects through paint and ink, Dad also immortalized our relationship and our shared journey. His carousel painting, with its celebration of simple pleasures, will always encapsulate the joy he found in his craft and in our adventures together.

So hop aboard (again)! The ride is about to start, through the eyes and mind of my father, Laszlo Tar, and The Carousel. ❤️

Through My Father's Eyes