Take the F train
March 28, 2004
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Loved loved loved this illustration!
Posted by: Jen | March 28, 2004 07:41 PM
Great illustrations! The sikh man is fantastic and the York St. fellow reminds me of Jim Morrison. Do you think they were aware of you as you were drawing them?
Posted by: Karen Winters | March 28, 2004 08:17 PM
Just love those portraits! And the people walking, the way the perspective of them going in the distance works.
Do you draw only from life observation, or do you use photos for back-up?
The whole piece is great, but yes, I'm particularly impressed by, and drawn to, the "avenue U" and "prospect park" people.
Posted by: Amy | March 28, 2004 08:57 PM
Amy:
This was a hugely difficult piece to do as I had to travel back and forth on the train, usually at night and in the rain, to get a sense of what the hell I was talking about. My editor had asked me to do something based on a memoir by Alfred Kazin. I've never even travelled on the F train into Brooklyn before and here I was getting off at each spot, snooping around and trying to get the vibe. I took reference pictures, talked to people, did sketches, did research and then drew lots of things and then redrew them and rearranged my composition about a dozen times and then submitted to my editor who asked me to put more women into it so I took out some stuff, rearranged others and drew more. So much for spontanaiety but that's bidness.
Glad you liked it, anyhow.
Your pal,
Danny
Posted by: Danny | March 28, 2004 09:22 PM
Well, it's cool that the spontaneity really comes through despite having to go through the processes that are involved with illustration...art direction, re-working, reference materials etc.
I actually would have found it damned impressive if you hadn't had to do some of that for this piece.
And, heh heh.. I noticed right away that women weren't as prominent in this, not that I think every art piece should have to represent men and women equally. Going to a women's college..(and being a woman, really) just makes you more aware of this kind of thing. :-)
Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Amy
Posted by: Amy | March 29, 2004 12:23 AM
really fantastic. i've been sneaking around your site for a while, and couldn't resist commenting any longer! the study of beards is wonderful. cheers!
Posted by: addie | March 29, 2004 11:52 AM
nice set of ears...loved this illustration
Posted by: Patrix | March 30, 2004 12:46 AM
Great, great job. I ride the "F" train every day and you captured the essence of the stops, and the changes of people so wonderfully. Traveling your New York pages is like opening my door and breathing in fresh air. Thanks, Z
Posted by: Zoe | March 30, 2004 08:34 PM