Harlem U S A

12"x12" Mixed Medium on paper

Harlem U S A

I love walking everywhere. Especially walks from The Bronx to Manhattan. I spent many times traveling to different neighborhoods. I remember one time I was walking across the 155th street bridge from The Bronx to Harlem. On this day, I continued walking until I reached 126th street.

During my journey, southbound, I noted that the buildings were mainly tenant buildings. Some were abandoned, some were not. Under the dinginess of some of the buildings, you can really catch the beauty in the architecture. I read a little bit of architecture in art history classes and I have seen some of the most majestic buildings and cathedrals. But in Harlem, there are some true hidden gems in the structure of the buildings.

As I drew closer to 125th St., the sidewalks appeared smaller, there's more bold and lively colors, street vendors everywhere.

This technique I used it's called Ink wash out technique. Black ink and white paint are applied. Then you will rinse it out under running water. Then continue to paint in acrylics.

During one of my walks in Harlem, I bumped into one of my childhood friends. I hadn't seen him in many years. That's one thing I know about my friend, he was either getting into trouble or always surrounded by trouble. I was so happy and surprised to see him. I asked him what he has been up to lately. He said that he has been in and out of jail. He told me, with enthusiasm, about his new venture, he said that he's a street vendor. He sells white tube socks out of his shopping cart. 

Bless his heart........