Reflections on the Gowanus Canal on 1/2 sheet 140lb cold press Arches
Ah, the Gowanus Canal. A local joke. In 1636, Gowanus Bay was the site of the first settlement by Dutch farmers in what is now Brooklyn.
And look what we’ve gone and done.
Now it is a “Super Fund” designated by the Feds as being one of one of the nation’s most extensively contaminated water bodies. Contaminants include PCBs, coal tar wastes, heavy metals and volatile organics. The contamination poses a threat to the nearby residents who use the canal for fishing and recreation. But that doesn’t stop realtors from calling it the “Venice of Brooklyn.” Growing up it was known as the “Lavender Lake” and it was not unusual to hear about a criminal element getting rid of a body by dumping it into the Gowanus.
I do have to say that the Gowanus, the neighborhood around the canal, has become quite trendy with clubs, bars and restaurants opening all around the canal. Those hipsters will party anywhere!
The reference photo was taken by the Husband on one of his walks. For some reason it just struck me as funny knowing the history of the canal.
It’s always interesting when I go for a walk or a drive with the Husband. On a trip to the Museum of the City of New York not long ago, he and I took the subway to 103rd Street on east side of Manhattan and began the walk up to 5th Ave. As we walked across a large open parking lot attached to some projects urban developments, the Husband turned to me and said: “we got called for two people shot here once.”
Yep, that’s what you get when you’re out with him. Another time our lovely nieces Caroline and Monica had visited us for dinner. Since they are in their 20’s they were going out later that evening. (I was going to bed.) Monica was going to hear a band in Willaimsburg, the trendiest place in the city and Caroline was going back to her apartment on the lower east side in Manhattan. As we drove them to their respective locations, the husband gave the girls a tour of a lifetime. They got to see where their uncle got called for shootings, bomb threats, EDPs (Emotionally Disturbed Person) who barricaded themselves in apartments with weapons, sometimes with hostages.
And I complain about my job. Hey, I got a paper cut last week! And another time I was bored out of my mind.
It’s dangerous out there.
38 comments
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March 4, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Wayside Artist
Carol,
I absolutely love paintings like this…an offbeat subject, a funny one at that, treated to respect and a great composition. I can’t stop grinning, yet you’ve painted it so well.
It sounds like your husband is more exciting to listen to than a police procedural show on TV! Wow! And you better step away from the envelopes. 🙂
Have a great week!
March 5, 2012 at 10:42 am
Carol King
Hi Nanina, Thank you for your comments. And thank you for seeing the same beauty I saw in what is an unusual image.
My husband can tell you stories! 18 years and counting on the NYPD. Buy him a beer. He’ll talk more.
March 5, 2012 at 6:35 am
Alice
LOVE this painting. David is looking over my shoulder saying, “She’s good!” We both love it.
March 5, 2012 at 10:43 am
Carol King
Aw, Tell Dave thanks. Glad you both love it. Maybe I’ll enter it in the next Putnam County Arts Council show.
March 5, 2012 at 8:41 am
Barry Coombs
I echo the other comments. Delicious colour! This type of subject is too often ignored. Good eye!
March 5, 2012 at 10:44 am
Carol King
Hi Barry, thanks for dropping by and commenting. I do like City scenes since that’s what I know and am familiar with. I really loved the blue reflections in what is essentially one of the most polluted bodies of water around.
March 5, 2012 at 10:37 am
napabelle
he he he… Only you, would paint this !! 🙂 What fun !
March 5, 2012 at 10:45 am
Carol King
yes, Isabelle, i guess I would be the one to paint this. Someone’s got to do it. 🙂 Loved your trees.
March 5, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Pat
Thanks. Now I feel like I have to pee.
March 5, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Carol King
You know where to go.
March 5, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Joan T
This is such a great painting…capturing real life. Were they expecting a crowd of people for something? I can’t imagine needing that many blue port-a-potties at once. lol Tours with your husband sound like an interesting perspective of NY.
March 5, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Carol King
I have no idea what was going on. Maybe the hipsters were having a party? Tours with my husband can be entertaining and eye-opening. You’ll have to sign up for one one of these days.
March 5, 2012 at 2:51 pm
hannekekoop
This painting is both a joy to watch as it is funny, I love it. And a very important subject too 🙂 .
March 5, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Carol King
thank you Hanneke. I thought the image was funny and beautiful at the same time. And yes, it is a very important subject.
March 5, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Cathyann Burgess
Talk about a walk on the wild side!LOL
This is looking good Carol. Quite a challenge painting reflections. I applaud you.
March 6, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Carol King
I am bowing deeply from the waist. Oh wait…now I can’t get up! Thank you Cathyann. I’ve tried reflections before and they are difficult. When you come to visit I will take you to see the Gowanus Canal.
March 5, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Alex Zonis
So sorry to hear about your job related injury, Carol!!! Are you recovering well? Getting worker’s comp?
Love the painting! Love how you handled reflections! The story of Gowanus Canal made laugh of course! Say hi to The Husband for me! I want to sign up for a tour too.
March 6, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Carol King
the Husband is ready to start giving tours. Let me know when you’ll be here. Crime Scene Tours by The Husband! Perhaps that’s what he can do when he retires…someday.
Still trying to get workers comp. So far no luck. Thank you for your comments on the painting.
March 6, 2012 at 11:20 am
Beth Parker
Love the painting, Carol! Over the weekend, I did a small painting of a busy street scene in New York City. I had so many questions running through my mind while I was painting. You have such a unique city to live in. I love how you see the lighter side and the humor in it all. 🙂
March 6, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Carol King
I can’t wait to see your NYC street scene. I hope I show up in it. Happy to hear you love the painting. Thank, Beth.
March 7, 2012 at 9:34 am
Beth Parker
Hi Carol! I posted the NYC painting today here… http://bethparkerart.wordpress.com/ … along with my questions. 🙂
March 6, 2012 at 11:39 am
Ras Alonso
Nice painting and I know that water can be tricky to do and you did beautifully. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day 🙂
March 6, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Carol King
Thanks Ras. Yes, water can be tricky! I’m still working on it.
March 6, 2012 at 12:51 pm
jimmyboi2
I LOVE old industrial areas of cities– I’ve always wanted to bio erode around the Gowanus neighborhoods, but in my youth it was considered “the slums.” Next time I’m up there… !
Carol, you need to photograph and paint that delightful building at Third and Third!! You are so good at capturing the spirit of architecture.
March 6, 2012 at 3:45 pm
Carol King
You have NO IDEA what the area around there looks like. There’s even a neighborhood called Gowanus filled with artists and hipsters. You would have the best time. Come and visit. Don’t tell V!
March 7, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Deb
Love that row of porta johns… and reflection of them in the water is great, Carol!
March 7, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Carol King
thanks Deb, I thought the image was quite pretty considering the subject.
March 7, 2012 at 5:27 pm
pointypix
i swear when we manage to get back to nyc i want to meet you and the husband and he can show us all those places (if we got to travel in an nypd cop car that would be even better!
i really like this watercolour and you’ve definitely managed to capture the venice of brooklyn side rather than the dodgy side!
March 8, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Carol King
Hi Nicola, I’m sure the Husband would be happy to give you a “crime scene tour, but unless you’re in handcuffs I doubt it will be in the back of a police car. 🙂
Thanks for your comments on the painting. I await your return to NYC.
March 8, 2012 at 12:31 pm
lesliepaints
I need to look more carefully at the subject material around me, Carol. This is full of color and you have used repetition in a whimsical and creative way! Clapping! You need a New York gallery of paintings added to your blog with the steam painting and the water tower paintings and now this! You amaze me!
March 8, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Carol King
Oh Leslie, You are too kind. I have to say that I did think the blue reflections on the Gowanus Canal looked so pretty. Sometimes it’s hard to see beauty in the City. I’m glad you like this and my other paintings. Clapping right back atcha!
March 22, 2012 at 6:22 pm
northpenninegallery
I too love the colour and the subject matter. Gowanus Canal, almost sounds like a crime story title. Loved it Carol 🙂
March 23, 2012 at 8:50 am
Carol King
Hmmm, I wonder if I write a book with that title someone will pick up the movie rights and I’ll be set! Thanks for the idea. And thanks for your comments on the painting.
March 23, 2012 at 5:50 am
Linda Halcomb
I love this painting, all the background you share and your sense of humor.
March 23, 2012 at 8:50 am
Carol King
Thanks Linda. The Gowanus is a very interesting place rich with local history.
March 26, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Peggy
our lives are so different-you in New York and me on an alfalfa farm in New Mexico but our passion for art has no boundaries! I loved your laundry analogy. Your blog is intriguing and your art exciting. I’m so glad that Pat took the time to link us!
March 26, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Carol King
I like different! and I liked your blog too. Nice to meet you and I’ll tell Pat we connected.
June 16, 2013 at 7:27 pm
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[…] another painting of the lavender lake, um, I mean the Gowanus Canal. I did a painting of it here called “Reflections on the Gowanus” that I really liked. The painting is of the […]