Tuesday, November 9, 2010

It Ain't Easy Being Green - SOLD


My November art for the Artists Helping Artists monthly challenge is from the Macy's Day Parade in NYC. This parade is such a staple for celebrating Thanksgiving - and I don't think November would be the same without it. There are countless bands and celebrities, along with clowns & horses, music & singing. But I think everyone's favorite part are the balloons. There are really so many to choose from, with Snoopy, Superman, Spiderman and of course, my favorite, Kermit the Frog. And what always fascinates me is watching the balloon handlers, dressed to match their balloons, struggling to hold those wires tight, especially if there is any wind.

Seeing the parade in person is a true NY experience, and best done when the weather is on the milder side. The parade route is rather long so there are plenty of "spots" to stake out for viewing - but you need to arrive early, as the crowds build quickly.

But also for the true New Yorker, is the evening before. Many gather where the balloons are laid out to watch them being inflated (77th street by the Museum of Natural History). Safely tied to ground with mesh over them, the constant hiss of helium being pumped into a giant balloon offers a treat to those that are patient. Minutes later, a head will bob upward, or an arm will suddenly lift. This activity will happen throughout the afternoon & evening until all the balloons are inflated & stationed in position for the 9am start of the parade. It's probably one of the most memorable experiences to watch, along with the actual parade itself.

Kermit the Frog in the 2009 parade.
Acrylic on 9x12 canvas

8 comments:

Nancy Goldman said...

I LOVE IT! You've really captured one of the experiences that are unique to New York. Well done.

Barbara said...

Nancie this is great. I love Kermit the Frog and I love the Macy's Parade, although it is strictly a TV event for me. I enjoyed your description of being there.

padmaja said...

I enjoyed reading this post.. I loved this fun balloon! The balloon handlers are usually ignored with our focus being the balloons..nice that you acknowledged their effort!

Margaret said...

I love the idea of watching the balloons inflate - that should be on TV as well. I love your painting of kermit floating up and away and you painted him exquisitely.

Carrie Waller Watercolors said...

I love this painting. So original, just amazing. Saw it posted on the challenge and had to stop by.

Nan Johnson said...

Thank you everyone. So glad you love Kermit (so do I). Of all the muppets, he was my fav. I won't be at the parade this year due to time-commitments, but I'll be watching on TV - looking for Kermit!

Bonnie Heather said...

Thanks for the interesting blog. Your painting is cool and really well done.

Paula said...

Nancy, I saw Kermit floating there on the thumbnail on my blog and assumed it was a photograph taken from a parade! (I'm sorry to say that sometimes I skip commenting on photos. I'm a busy mama and must spend my time judiciously.) But when I finally clicked on it and saw it was a PAINTING! holy cow!!! Too awesome for words!

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