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Thursday, January 20, 2011

I {heart} San Francisco

The Mayor, Sir Francis Drake
11x14, oil on panel
email for info
The distinguished doormen at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel clearly own the piece of our world at the corner of Sutter & Powell, San Francisco. We spent Christmas week there several years ago and, while Mr. Right and the kiddos slept in each morning, I would sneak down to enjoy a quiet cup, sketch, and watch that intersection come to life. It was always the same routine: the festooned cable cars made their first runs, the corner newspaper man unpacked for the day, the taxis picked up their airport fares, the merchants swept their sidewalks, and the doormen seemed to orchestrate it all... while greeting a steady parade of locals and tourists with handshakes and holiday wishes. This gentleman told me it is the greatest job and that he'd been there 30 years and {I quote}, "put two kids through college in this flowered hat."

7 comments:

Stephen Parker said...

Really nice, Mitzi. Love the composition and the great story behind it.

Amy Hillenbrand said...

what a great painting Mitzi, love how the background is less focused. It's so fun to meet people with such great attitudes.

Kathy Cousart said...

Mitzi,
Even before reading the story I had the sense that The Mayor was ruling the corner. You captured that in his stance and the way he is prominent. Just love this. Wonderful interesting fun painting. Love the row of lights that dazzle on down the street! You are good girl!

Dana Cooper said...

I (heart) this painting Mitzi, it's wonderful!

c.gillespie said...

I really love this Mitzi, and the story is wonderful!

Cathy

Becky Joy said...

Very nice painting.

Gwen Bell said...

Really nice figure work, Mitzi! Love the red against the pink in the car. Your perspective is great as well.