Category: Chicago

The Antique Clock

One thing I’ll always remember about my visit to Chicago is this antique clock in a corner of Marilyn’s grandmother’s living room. Its art deco styling and colors are what attract me most, along with soft chimes that dance each quarter hour. The clock has been passed down for generations, and no doubt will be treasured by family clock keepers to come. It makes this corner a special place where I’d like to spend a day with a good book and a cup of tea.

Since my recent return from Chicago, I happened to watch Alfred Hitchcock’s film, “Rebecca.” Midway through the movie, I had to pause to look carefully at a wall in Manderley House, where an almost identical clock graced a rear wall.

Mother-in-Law’s House

One afternoon shortly after I arrived in Chicago, I sketched the house my wife grew up in. Fifteen years had passed since I’d last visited here, and drawing helped to get my bearings. As I sat on the far edge of the lawn with my art kit balanced on my legs, I watched as squirrels collected nuts for the winter and rabbits hopped through the yard. It’s amazing how much wildlife inhabits this big city.

Marilyn Meet Marilyn

As my wife Marilyn and I made our way up Michigan Avenue to Pioneer Court, I was surprised to see a 26 foot high Marilyn Monroe sculpture of the famous subway-grate stance from the movie “The Seven Year Itch.” What a perfect sketching opportunity. Even though I was standing in a crowd of people, I pulled out my sketchbook and began to draw. A couple of onlookers asked, “How’s it coming along?” and I replied that it was too early to tell. After finishing the sketch, I walked around the sculpture to see it from all sides. Apparently the New Jersey-based artist Seward Johnson has a sense of humor because Marilyn’s panties are easily seen in the rear view. Here she is as viewed from the south, the Tribune Tower annex in the background.

“The Bean” at Millennium Park

Marilyn and I stepped off the Blue Line metro at Washington in downtown Chicago to visit Millennium Park. Rain had already dampened the streets but ominous clouds were still filling the gaps between tall buildings. With no umbrella in our bags, we were caught off guard. The closer we are to the Lake, Marilyn reminded me, the more unpredictable the weather. As we walked towards the Park, it began to rain so we ducked into an enclosed stairwell. Luckily, it wasn’t long before the rain paused enough for us to face the elements once more. Our first stop, “The Bean” sculpture as it’s nicknamed (real name: Cloud Gate) is quite spectacular. I watched as people laughed and smiled seeing their reflections twist and turn in the sculpture’s mirrored surface. Looking up into the interior of the sculpture gives an otherworldly view, with light and shadow playing off one another to make unusual, twisted shapes. I parked myself away from the crowd to draw this view of The Bean’s northwest side.

Baggin’ for Chicago

Watch out Chicago, The Artist on the Road is coming your way! I’ll be in the City of Big Shoulders for six days starting tonight, visiting my wife’s family and sketching as often as time permits. What else do I want to do while there? Mostly I’d just like to hang out in the Loop and environs, and try a sampling of all the Windy City has to offer. Cafes, coffee houses, parks and beaches along the lakefront, the art district. No matter what we end up doing, as long as I can sketch, I’ll be happy!

My dad was nice enough to loan me his Rick Steve’s travel bag for the trip. While packing last night, I stopped to sketch his bag along with my own messenger bag that holds all my art supplies. Both bags are great to travel with.