Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Art from the Street!

(Click on photo for a close-up view)


The air in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, Central America, was hot and sticky.

All cars had ground to a halt for a traffic light. From inside the car, we saw a young man on the median strip holding up a large canvas. It was a painting of two boats gliding along water with mountains in the background. He held it up high and was waving it for all to see.

"Honey," I said to my husband. "That painting is gorgeous. Ask him how much he's selling it for." He rolled down the window and inquired.

Ten dollars in American money came the answer. My husband yelled out that we'd take it.


The young artist opened the back door of our car as the traffic light changed to green. We scrambled quickly to get the money together and my husband stuffed it into the artist's hand just as cars behind us started to beep.

Our car lurched forward and we were off, painting from the street in the back seat.

That was a long time ago. The coveted painting traveled to the United States with us when we moved back; then to Arizona for more than a decade; then back to the east.

Today, it hangs on our laundry room wall so that when folding clothes, I can dream of past experiences that almost seem like they didn't happen.


Wherever that artist is today, I wish him well. If only there were a way I could tell him how much we still love his work of art from the street.

What, if anything, do you like about this painting?

10 comments:

diane stetson said...

The picture is very peaceful and very pretty. The only art I have up in my house are photographs of family...no wait ..I do have a picture of a saxophone painted by a gal from new Mexico with my exact name. My son gave it to me.xo

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Neat painting and fun story as to how you acquired it! Nice stopping by, Susan!

Chatty Crone said...

I like the 'peace' in it as well. It reminds me to slow down and breathe! (Which I need to do more of!) Nice painting and sweet story.

Sandie

Susan said...

Hi LDH: Thanks for your visit and sweet comment,LDH. Always love to have you. Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

Hi Sandie...Would love to be out in that boat, with nice warm tropical breeze blowing on me, right now! Have a "peaceful" night and thanks so much for your visit and comment. Love having you! Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

Hi Di! Thanks for your visit and comment. Always enjoy your coming by. Take care. Sincerely, Susan

BECKY said...

Hi Susan. This comment doesn't really go here, but I keep forgetting to tell you how much I love the photos of your blue and yellow table cloth and lovely dishes! The combo of blue and yellow is one of my favorites for decorating!

Susan said...

Hi Becky! Oh, thanks for your comment. I've never cared for blue but with yellow I like it now. We even did the kitchen walls yellow and I'm using the blue and yellow tablecloth, dishes, etc. So happy you stopped by! Sincerely, Susan

Susan said...

Becky I love your painting. I had the opportunity to spend some time in El Salvador and stayed at the Florida hotel in San Salvador. The street artist are everywhere!! What a lovely story about your painting.

Susan said...

Hi Susan! Thanks for your visit and comment. So glad you also had the opportunity to visit El Salvador. The people there, as you know, are very sweet, simple, and kind. Those who have so little materially are usually the kindest! Go figure! Please visit anytime! Sincerely, Susan

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