En Plein Air: New Yorker's Drive (Oil, 12 x 9)

I didn't go very far this morning, just walking two blocks down Grenfell St.. I was impressed by the limited space and the narrow drives of those old houses on roadside and decided to make it as my today's subject. I chose one which was not only narrow, but also kind of hilly. Standing across from the street I realized that I needed a little more distance from the object. I saw a guy sitting in the porch talking to someone like a lawn serviceman. Over I went and asked for permission to set up on his drive. The guy, whose name was Joe, was very nice and eventually I set my easel almost on his porch steps.

After I was done with the painting, Joe offered iced water to me. We had a chat and it turned out that Joe was a college professor in architectural engineering. I realized that we had a lot in common. Experiences like that often encourages me not to forget the good side of human nature. The reason I say that is because of another experience not long ago with a total stranger.

If you scroll my blog down to the post on April 17, 2016, you'll see the following painting posted with the title Bird Watcher Larry.

His full name is Larry Weidel. He is the author of Serial Winner, a book on business sale techniques, and amateur photographer. After I completed the painting, Larry offered to buy it. However, he told me he didn't have cash with him. He asked whether I took credit card. I told him that I didn't. I gave him the painting after I took a picture with my cell and asked if he could send me a check. He said yes and quickly added, "I am an honest man. I'll put in mail right away." So, I gave him my address. Unfortunately, to this day, I haven't received his check yet. I guess he IS a serial winner in business. 

What makes me sad about that experience is not the check but it has negatively reinforced what James Madison said about human nature. I was shocked at his assertion about human depravity and wickedness when I first read something he wrote. He said that humans are mired by passions, self-interest, and habits of vice. 

I guess I need to caution myself to have a balanced view on human nature.

The following is an addition on 5/29/2016

I called his office a couple of week ago, but he has never responded till after I wrote the above post. I finally heard from him today in an E-mail. It reads as follows:

More proof you are remembering is wrong…

Nowhere here do you say I purchased the painting or any such transaction.

I also can’t imagine ever not having $80 in my pocket so that makes no sense either.

I can’t imagine how you have reached this point in your mind - maybe someone gave you my name pretending to be me?

Regardless, you owe me a big definite apology on all social media outlets to clear up the confusion.

I’m sure you wouldn’t want any one smearing your good name for no reason.

Repeat, I don’t have a car like this, a camera like this, I don’t watch birdwatchers, I don’t have a chair like this, I have never been to this are of the state and I was on appointments in Palm Beach on this day.

Very confusing. Pease set the record straight.

Larry

My response is as follows:

I don't think my visual memory is wrong. Whatever you say about the car, the chair, etc, you can't change your face!  


When I searched Larry online, his photos immediately popped up. That is the face I saw and remembered! A minute ago, Larry gave me another E-mail, It is copied as follows:

THAT’S NOT MY FACE- IT WASN’T THERE EITHER.

WHY ARE YOU SO HUNG UP ON THIS- YOU ARE GETTING CLOSE TO STALKING AND HARASSMENT.

I DON’T APPRECIATE IT - AND CLEARLY YOU HAVE BEEN MISLEAD.

THIS IS NOT MY FACE- YOU ARE TOO GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO TO GET MY RESEMBLANCE SO WRONG.

ALSO…

UPON FURTHER REVIEW IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE PAINTED LONG SOTCKING - I NEVER WEAR THESE EITHER- NOTHING IS RIGHT ABOUT THIS.

SO YOU NEED $80- SO MUCH THAT YOU ARE PURSUING THIS.

THE ONLY OTHER LARRY WEIDEL I KNOW OF IS A DEPUTY SHERIFF IN LOUISIANA - MAYBE HE DROVE OVER AND WAS BIRD WATCHING, I DON’T KNOW.

AND ANOTHER THING, I DON’T HAVE WHITE HAIR—YOU COULDN’T GET THE DETAILS MORE WRONG IF YOU TRIED.

…/AND I DON’T HAVE A BEARD….

LARRY

Then I responded:

I will post all your responses in the blog so that reader of my blog won't be misled. I'll post all our E-mail communication.

Thank you, Larry.

Weimin

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