I feel like there just is no time to catch up on all the things I’d intended to post about, because I’m consumed by a project I set for myself.  I  never put my political views in this blog.  And I won’t!  But Occupation Philadelphia is occurring just down the street, and agree with it or not, it is an exciting and potentially historic event.  So, I decided to spend time there, in the heart of Occupation Philadelphia, painting portraits of people.  Anybody.  People holding signs, sleeping in tents, hanging out, or just passing through.  The only thing is that they have to stay in a limited space long enough for me to paint them.  As usual, I don’t expect or want them to “pose.”  I prefer (insist on) some movement, emotion, interaction to work from, not a static image that might be better as a photograph.

First results.  These are all 16×20″ oil on canvasboard:

 

10-20-2011: Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia

Tell me who you are, and why you are here.

Well, I’m a citizen of the earth and a citizen of Philadelphia.  And my name is Alice.

OK, and why are you here?

‘Cause I am a citizen of the earth and a citizen of Philadelphia and my name is Alice.

OK, thank you Alice

Thank you Leroy

 

 

 

 

10-17-2011: Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia

So – Tell me who you are and why you’re here.

Ah – You put me on the spot.  Well, my name is Shaun.  I came down here after watching [Occupy] Wall Street for awhile.  I really like what they are doing and how they are supporting each other.  Things like this could be an example for a new society, where people look out for each other, we’re not individualistic anymore to the point where we are divided against each other, trying to have more than each other.  I think – once you come together the world could really be a better place.  That’s why I’m here – do my part, y’know, whatever that small part may be, whether it’s helping people at the Charging Station or letting a guy paint my portrait.

OK, thank you Shaun

 

 

 

 

 

10-18-2011:  Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia

So tell me who you are and why you’re here

My name is Daneen and I’m supporting Clean Air [Council and handing out brochures] that’s why I’m here.  But I also commend the people in OCCUPY PHILADELPHIA because I believe they’re standin up for something they believe in, which is a good thing.

Thank you Daneen