Onlookers

While painting on location, an occupational hazard/delight is having people stop by to look, comment, and admire.  Occasionally, though, their comments are memorable. 

Yesterday I was painting in downtown Naples.  I was standing in a parking lot looking across at a wonderful old banyan tree.  When I was nearly finished with the painting, a couple walked up, and the husband said, "Wow!  That's a really nice painting!  Are you painting a local scene?"  (No, I'm painting a banyan tree in Miami from a photograph and just thought I'd come out to this hot parking lot to do it.  Sigh......)

Most folks are very kind, respectful and admiring.  I generally enjoy the contact.  But some do make you wonder!