Nourishment for the mind and spirit of winter weary Upper West Siders.

Green Juice is a busy and bright view of west 72nd street. The moment of inspiration actually came from Juice Generation at 117 W. 72nd Street between Columbus and Broadway. About 60% of this painting is pure invention though you may see some landmarks of the street that you recognize. More about the painting, I wanted the quintessential yellow cab and city bus in the painting. I used every inch of canvas to create movement on the street level. That bus is driving out of frame towards Broadway and the woman in white is rushing into view from the left. Using these tools to balance your eye and create a rush of movement in this brief glimpse of a typical day on the upper west side.

It was a warm sunny June afternoon. Alax and I had just spent time in central park sitting in the shade on a blanket reading books, eating bagels, walking through the Northwoods of the park and then we wandered out onto W. 72nd St.

I suggested we stop for a green juice. I was hot. The sidewalk seating was shaded and surrounded by flowers.

What a beautiful day it was.

It is possible to have that out of body experience of when you know some thing you’re doing will be a memory you’ll cherish forever. I took a moment that day, and truly felt gratitude.

Since that visit with my daughter, beginning in July, my personal experience has been stunted by the trauma of multiple surgeries due to a melanoma on my face that had been left untreated. Since then, I have undergone five surgeries reconstructing my face and I still have two more surgeries, still unscheduled. I don’t know when I’ll be done.

I took my time with this painting for many reasons. Most importantly, I wanted to hold that day. I wanted to hold it in my mind and in my heart.

This painting is busy and dense.

I held onto it for so long, fussing over little pieces of it. I was focused on the joy of that moment. The little details, the tiny bits of work, that was all I could do. I couldn’t work large due to bandages which were at times covering my right eye.

This painting got me through a very difficult time in my life. It was my lifeline and an object of hope.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a sunny summer day on the upper West side. Perhaps, in mid winter, the view of a summer day can be just as nourishing and refreshing as a green juice.