For my Portrait of a Place assignment I decided to focus on Bememlmans’ Bar in New York City. The piano bar and lounge is named after the illustrator, Ludwig Bemelmens. Bemelmans painted the murals which surround the Bar in exchange for full stay with his family during the time spent painting. I decided to depict this place due to its historic and whimsical atmosphere.The people who habitat the location really morph the room into a sophisticated and romantic space to be within. For my final piece I decided to depict a scene from the bar which included the band and guests.I knew that I wanted to include the pianist and others players due to the way the guest interact with the band. The behaviors and mannerisms of the guest completely change to respect and admire the music. My first mockup was very realistic, I attempted to draw the pianist with no abstract approach whatsoever. I found that this approach did not at all replicate the mood one felt while watching the pianist. So I then decided to use the classic New Yorker cartoon style drawings to create my final piece. Although at first I thought following the style of Ludwig Bemelmans would be cliche or an easy way out I challenged myself to do this without altering the story I wanted to tell or without allowing my own style shine through. I found that this lighthearted and humorous depiction of the room perfectly captured its essence. Although the bar is quite serious, the artwork on the walls does a phenomenal job at bringing forward a juvenile, and exciting feel. Once I had the style decided upon I thought about what I wanted to draw. I went through a few drafts of drawings, all of which either captured too little or too much. I ultimately decided to draw a few guests at tables, all of which had their own stories and the band, as well as wait staff. This trio of elements emphasized the highlights of the experience.
