Storefronts are Like a Stage Set

So all the world's a stage, and we have a front row seat

Chiaroscuro: Part 4

Walking the streets in any city at dusk, the lights in the shops make me feel like I am watching all these short plays.
Sometimes the characters have not yet taken the stage.
Sometimes there is only one actor.
Sometimes there is a larger cast.

But always, the dialog exists only in my head.

In the last dozen years or so, I’ve been interested in wordless picture books. Even before that, as I added people in my paintings, I began to feel like there is a narrative happening in the painting. I love that people make their own stories about what is happening in the painting.

Anticipation (Amsterdam)
Oil on panel
14” x 18”
From my exhibition Chiaroscuro; Rob Schouten Gallery; Langley, WA; August 2024

Thanks for all the comments and discussion about the abrupt closing on The University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA. Besides the sadness all of us who got our art education there, and the current students suddenly left adrift, faculty and staff are suddenly without their jobs with no warning. The article I just linked to says that faculty and some staff are suing. The article also references a capital fund drive that raised $67 million. Huh. I will watch with interest as the pieces start to fall into place.

As always, thanks for being here and reading and subscribing. I mean, talking to myself is definitely something that happens around here, but it’s kind of nice that someone is reading and listening.