Description
The Union Oyster House, Boston, Mass. 2012
I went back to the city pub scene for this painting. Boston has been one of our favorite places to visit for many years. The history of the city alone is fascinating. The warmth of the old architecture is very tempting to paint.
The buildings pictured here, the Bell in Hand Tavern and the Union Oyster House date back as among the oldest structures in America. I tried to capture the famous “Red Line” that meanders through Boston’s streets guiding visitors to all the famous landmarks.
This painting, as it turns out, was my last venture with my dear friend Dr. Lalli. He passed away about one month after consulting me on my initial sketch. We always talked about my paintings under the awning on his back porch. I had it propped on a patio chair when a sudden wind gust tipped over a heavy iron planter on my painting. It left some pretty good scuffs on the paper, but in true “Doc” style, he helped me get them off with some of his legendary tricks of the trade. You saved it Doc!
It will be difficult in years to come to paint without Doc’s advice. He must have trained me well because I found my way through many difficult situations on this painting. There were a few occasions where I think he actually intervened from above to save the day. I can’t thank him enough, and am proud to carry on his style.
