Chris by Anne Watkins, 2012
One of the nicest parts
of being a participant in an online community like Flickr is that you come
across the nicest people and create more and more diverse friendships than you
ever thought you might have.
Because I travel a lot in
the course of my “day job,” I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting a
number of Flickr friends. This past week I had the opportunity to meet New
York-based watercolor artist Anne Watkins for the first time in person.
I first started admiring
Anne’s work several years ago. Her simple and lithe brushstrokes reminded me of
the illustrations used for print ads for New York’s stylish Paul Stuart
clothing store. That probably shouldn’t have been a surprise because it turns
out Anne is the creator of those
illustrations. Go figure.
Anne's watercolors of New York and New Yorkers, especially her society ladies, are a joy to see. You can see samples of Anne’s work here.
Anne Watkins, 2012
I’ve been hoping to meet
Anne for some time. A few years ago she had a show of watercolor portraits of
dogs at a gallery in the East Village that opened the same weekend I was in New
York. But other commitments intervened and I was unable to meet Anne on that
trip.
So it was a special
treat one afternoon last week when I was able to wander over to Bryant Park,
where Anne was conducting an outdoor workshop. Just as it has been with many Flickr
friend meet-ups, Anne and I didn’t greet as strangers, but instead embraced as
old friends. Anne insisted that I sit for a quick portrait.
I hope this will be
the first of many good conversations with Anne.
I Asked Anne to Show Me
“Hostile,” 2012
Posts
You do get around! Love the touch of the camera strap in the portrait.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Chris - you SO made my day (and the other day- and that other day, too). I have been slamming on a project and remiss about feeding our cherished Flickr community - that deep and delicious well I draw sweet refreshment from daily. So I have not scanned my pic of you, or notes about our meeting. So true, old/young friend, that we embrace in the sprit of what I call tribe recognition. I had to assure Suma that we had not met before. In a manner of speaking. I was especially touched that you were prompted to talk about your friend on the other side of this veil. So she could be at the table, too. Today - every day, where we connect, life is sweet. Art is not called creative for nothing.
ReplyDeleteDo you think this is the best I can do at Hostile? Let me practice a little....
Thank you!!
Hahaaaa--I'm laughing at Anne "hostile." That's funny. Her painting is incredible--I love her work. And one of these days, I hope to meet her as well--I've followed her work forever, and have been a fan for years. She's such a generous spirit. I'm jealous of both of you!
ReplyDeleteIt's OK not to be able to do hostile . . . Anne is clearly a lovely, positive person.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun anecdote and love the portrait. I'm so happy to see all of these "people pictures" from you!
I am a student of Anne's in a Saturday afternoon NYC class which was supposed to run for a month and is now well into its second year. You picked the wrong girl to demonstrate hostile! Her portrait of you is astounding! Unlike anything else. She's the best. Janet R
ReplyDelete