The Thrill of Today’s Hunt

Restored Sinclair Station in Fort Worth

The sketch hunter has delightful days of drifting about among people, in and out of the city, going anywhere, everywhere, stopping as long as he likes–no need to reach any point, moving in any direction following the call of interests.  He moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook, a box of oils with a few small panels, the fit of his pocket, or on the drawing pad.  Like any hunter he hits or misses.  He is looking for what he loves, he tries to capture it.  It’s found anywhere, everywhere.  Those who are not hunters do not see these things.  The hunter is learning to see and to understand–to enjoy.

Robert Henri, The Art Spirit

I cannot claim the role of hunter today–I was directed to this restored Sinclair station at 3725 McCart Avenue in Fort Worth.  It has been posted on Facebook.  I made two trips there today (morning and afternoon), and was delighted to encounter another photographer who also had seen the image on Facebook.

This is just a quick 8 x 10″ preliminary watercolor sketch of the side of the business as it appeared to me this morning.  I have a real urge to work larger and in more detail on a frontal composition of this beautiful restoration.  The owner has taken real pride in resurrecting this site, and I cannot wait to paint it with as much authenticity as I can muster.

Thanks for reading.

I paint in order to remember.

I journal because I feel that I am alone.

I blog to remind myself that I am not alone.

Tags: Robert Henri, Sinclair, The Art Spirit