Thursday, April 7, 2011

"Crossing Fillmore" - SOLD


7x5" oil on masonite

Most people have heard of the Upper Haight or Haight Ashbury, the area that achieved fame back in the late sixties. Lower Haight is less known but much more interesting. I lived in this area for about five years back in the nineties. It was sort of an edgy neighborhood back in those days. It still has a bit of grit to it, but it's much nicer now. There are lots of great restaurants and cafes and of course the architecture is awesome. I just learned that the practice of painting victorians in assorted colors only began in the early sixties. From 1920's until the late 1950's most were painted with surplus paint from the wars... they were battleship grey! Glad those days are over.

5 comments:

LindaHunt said...

Very interesting! I really like your landscapes. Once again I like the simplicity and economy of your forms and color. The figures add a nice reference to the size of the architecture. The gesture of the figures is nicely done. My favorite part in the painting is the golden implied face of the side of the building where the sun hits it!

Denise Rose said...

I agree Mike. Much more interesting with all the pretty colors! Great painting and I like the perspective on it. Kinda makes me feel like I am walking down the street along with them!

carol morgan carmichael said...

Interesting story and great painting. Visited SF a couple of years ago. Beautiful place.
Like the figures for added interest. Love the violet in the back.

Jerry Stocks said...

Great painting--especially love the colors. San Francisco is a neat city.

Fay Terry said...

Very nice painting-you are so good at simplifying!
Great Colors.