This summer I hosted some friends from Denmark as they toured Alaska. Part of their adventure was a cruise of the Kenai Fjords near Seward. After the cruise they rode the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage where I picked them up. It was late evening when the train arrived and just as it was slowing this conductor stepped to the door of the railcar to check the tracks. I was lucky to capture an image of him as the basis for this painting.
The painting was done as an entry into the Annual Alaska Railroad Poster contest. After I entered the painting, I happened to reconnect with a childhood friend who had worked for the railroad. When he asked about my new painting career, I told him I had a painting that might interest him. "Oh my God!" he said " I know that guy! That's Rick!" then he added. "He retired last year and then passed away." Immediately I was sorry I had committed the painting to the railroad as I felt the right home for it was with Ricks widow. Fortunately the painting was only a finalist and not chosen. (The only time I have ever felt good about a rejection!)
My friend helped me find Ricks widow, Laurie, and I was able to present the painting to her and her son as a gift. I can't think of a better home for that painting.
This summer I hosted some friends from Denmark as they toured Alaska. Part of their adventure was a cruise of the Kenai Fjords near Seward. After the cruise they rode the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage where I picked them up. It was late evening when the train arrived and just as it was slowing this conductor stepped to the door of the railcar to check the tracks. I was lucky to capture an image of him as the basis for this painting.
The painting was done as an entry into the Annual Alaska Railroad Poster contest. After I entered the painting, I happened to reconnect with a childhood friend who had worked for the railroad. When he asked about my new painting career, I told him I had a painting that might interest him. "Oh my God!" he said " I know that guy! That's Rick!" then he added. "He retired last year and then passed away." Immediately I was sorry I had committed the painting to the railroad as I felt the right home for it was with Ricks widow. Fortunately the painting was only a finalist and not chosen. (The only time I have ever felt good about a rejection!)
My friend helped me find Ricks widow, Laurie, and I was able to present the painting to her and her son as a gift. I can't think of a better home for that painting.