Title: Singin’ in the Snow
Material: Oil on canvas
Size: 36×24
Year: 2018 SOLD
I never wanted to be a dancer… I wanted to be a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates. – Gene Kelly
So did I. Gene wanted to take Arky Vaughn’s place. I planned to replace Gene Alley when he retired, but Alley wrecked his throwing arm and quit when I was only twelve, so that threw me off my career path.
In this commission Gene Kelly is shown singing (and dancing) in the snow at the corner of State and Madison in the Windy City, a week before the Cubs’ home opener.
The architecture is brick – years ago Chicagoans learned the hard way that brick doesn’t burn — and the trim is painted with surplus Conrail blue. As for his parka, one should dress visibly when singing (and dancing) in the streets at night. Plus, Chicagoans during wintertime dress like they expect to have to change a tire sometime soon.
That’s a compliment, Cub fans. Thank me.