Artist in Transit

I haven't seen Arthur on the train for a while...the artist! Used to run into him periodically as he took the train to and from his work. While riding, he would observe, listen, and would quietly and unobstrusively sketch portraits in his worn, black art book, paying close attention to the faces and figures around him. Look up, capture a visual - look down, draw.

When we would meet on the train, he would always turn over his book and show me his latest creation, whatever he had been sketching since he got on board; a woman sleeping, someone talking on the phone, a couple kissing, a parent playing with a child, someone sitting alone and staring. He sketched with such detail (even sometimes capturing the reflection of the person in the glass) that I could glance at his artwork and look up and easily pinpoint who he happened to be drawing. And each drawing also seemed to vividly capture the attitude (pensiveness, humor, sadness, arrogance) of the particular person.

If his "subject" got off the train too early, his drawing would go unfinished.

His book was filled with drawings from previous train rides, and I told him he should publish his art someday.

If I ever see him again, I'll encourage him to post a few sketches here.

"Can You Hear Me NOW?"

The lady sitting across the aisle from me is going to court to pay a traffic ticket this morning, and then going to visit Charlene in La Habra at the end of this week. She's been ill all weekend (the lady, not Charlene). I know all of this because I just heard her whole, kinda-loud cell phone conversation. Just passin' the news along...

Elderly, Near-Naked...and Getting On at 8th & Capitol

Astonished at the ELDERLY woman who just got on wearing nothing but a tank top and skimpy shorts! On such a chilly night! Good Lord. May offer her my coat. Those shorts are so short! She brings unique meaning to the term "new moon"...

"I'm out for good..."

Woman across from me, apparently just released from jail/drug rehab, talking on the phone with her daughter for the first time in what sounds like...months? touching and poignant conversation. Amazing what you can learn and discern about someone just listening to a 15 min cell phone chat...

Light-Rail Etiquette

My light rail etiquette wish list: 1. If you are going to serenade us in the aisles, please refrain from singing songs that include frequent uses of the n-word, the b-word and the s-word. 2. When the doors open at the train stops, it's for people to board and get off, not for you to practice sptting out to the sidewalk. Gratefully, a fellow passenger. :)

Early-Morning Exchanges

A mother sings "there was an old lady who swallowed a fly" with her two little girls, their sweet little voices carrying all through the cab; a couple arguing about how cold it is here vs. other places ("you're from Chicago-this ain't cold! So shut up!"). Friday morning on regional transit....

"Yer on the train? Prove it!"

Guy is on cell phone, talking heatedly to his mother, trying to convince her that he is REALLY on the train - "MOM! I'm at Power Inn! yes! really! I'm not lying! it's called power inn! PUH-OW-UR INN, mom! No, I'm not lying! Now we're at 65th, mom. 6-5, mom! No, I'm not lying, mom, there really is a 65th street stop! Maawwm!!" Weds. morning on regional transit...