"Sabrett's oil on panel
This image was taken from the top of one of those double-decker tourist buses, somewhere in Manhattan. It was late in the day, but at least 90º and muggy, even though it was well into October. I found the vantage point from the bus very interesting, with all those foreshortened elements. I'd like to work more on that idea - maybe get up in some buildings or on roofs and look for more dramatic compositions.
We were on the blue rather than the red bus – or was it the other way around? – anyway, this particular tour was a few bucks cheaper and it was leaving immediately. We were all eager to get off our achy feet at the end of that long, hot day, so we jumped on the bus just before it pulled away.
The tour director was this wiry little man who looked like he'd just tumbled out of a bed at the local homeless shelter. He told corny jokes that had nothing to do with New York while the bus whizzed by notable landmarks. Occasionally, he'd point something out, in between punch lines. "Oh, yeah, over there – that's the Art Student's League. It's been around since – I dunno. A really long time. Speaking of long times..."
Still, we were off our feet. And the perspective was interesting.