As I Walk the Streets
It’s in the early morning before sunrise as
I walk the gray damp streets of the New Orleans
French Quarter. There are small puddles of
water from the light rain a few hours ago.
I step carefully to keep my shoes dry
zigzagging through a hop scotch of rain water.
I know well that the dampness will soak my
shoes and dampen my socks. I have done that
before. This time I want my walk to be a
pleasurable one without the sloshing of feet
in rain drenched shoes.

"I see lights far away through the mist of night
with surrounding halos of yellow they are not
too bright."

Every so often I pass an
open door where music plays to a few lingering
customers not wanting to call it a night.
I search for a scene that I think will make
a painting that might depict the Quarter with
all the charm that I believe should be told.

"There’s mist in the air maybe rain in sight
I’m looking for charm in the Quarter tonight
Buildings of gray with flower pots hanging
From balconies up high they make the setting
There’s a story in there that waits to be told
I want to be the one doing its telling".

I open my camera case and remove my camera.
I set the proper exposure to photograph the
scene for later reference. With pencil and paper,
I take written notes describing the mood and
my feeling of the moment, as it touches me
and the feelings I get. How the street lights
give warmth as they silhouette the buildings,
the people and things. The people as they walk
about. I’ll make a quick sketch and crowd it
with notes. I find this helps to keep a true
feeling within the painting.

"Wet streets reflecting the lights in the night
A few open doors to make my painting just right
To remember how I saw it then
I hope I recall it when I begin".

I put away my camera, pencil, paper and notes
and head to the Coffee shop; it’s always open
both day and night. As I drink my coffee
I think about the day ahead and plan how I
will spend my time. If my painting works out
I’ll have another memory to keep and write about.
I’ll show it to others and hope they will feel
as I did when I was there.

Jim Hussey