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Andrew Lenaghan painting from life August 2002

Since the start of his career, Lenaghan has chosen to do most of his painting from life - and as his subject has long been the city of New York, his studio is the sidewalk. Though his setup has evolved over the years, here he is ready for a day’s painting, with his full kit, easel, some refreshments and tunes on his walkman. Given the variability of the changing light over the course of the day and the slow drying time of the oils he worked in at the time, it was not uncommon for Lenaghan to return to the same location over the course of multiple days to complete a single painting. This shot was taken in the summer of 2002, in South Williamsburg not far from the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Those familiar with the neighborhood may recognize his view, looking east on South 11th towards Wythe Ave, and though since then buildings have come and gone, it is in many ways unchanged.

Andrew Lenaghan painting from life on South 11th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, August 2002.

Andrew Lenaghan painting from life on South 11th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, August 2002.

Since the start of his career, Lenaghan has chosen to do most of his painting from life - and as his subject has long been the city of New York, his studio is the sidewalk. Though his setup has evolved over the years, here he is ready for a day’s painting, with his full kit, easel, some refreshments and tunes on his walkman. Given the variability of the changing light over the course of the day and the slow drying time of the oils he worked in at the time, it was not uncommon for Lenaghan to return to the same location over the course of multiple days to complete a single painting. This shot was taken in the summer of 2002, in South Williamsburg not far from the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Those familiar with the neighborhood may recognize his view, looking east on South 11th towards Wythe Ave, and though since then buildings have come and gone, it is in many ways unchanged.