Another Painting Has Been Added To My Nashville Series! "The Swingin' Doors Saloon"
- Eric Buechel
- Jul 26, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 26
The Swingin' Doors Saloon, a beloved downtown Nashville landmark steeped in history and culture, has now closed its doors for good, yet the memories of this iconic venue linger in the hearts of many. This establishment was not just a bar; it was a gathering place for musicians, artists, and locals alike, a vibrant hub where stories were shared over drinks and laughter filled the air. I painted this oil on canvas in 2018, and it marked the beginning of my Nashville series, which was proudly exhibited at the Local Color Gallery, a space that has also sadly closed its doors. This gallery served as a crucial venue for displaying my work, offering me a platform to connect with the community and to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Nashville's artistic scene. During that transformative time, I dedicated countless hours in my studio, capturing the essence of Nashville through my paintings, each brushstroke infused with the spirit of the city.
Returning to the saloon painting, which remains the focal point of this piece, I made a conscious decision not to position it at the center of the composition. Instead, I opted for a more nuanced approach, placing the saloon off to the side to suggest a sense of movement and transition. By positioning a bus in the spotlight, it could easily imply that the bus is the main focus of this work; however, my intention was to emphasize the concept of passing the saloon, reflecting the transient nature of life in the city. To reinforce this idea, I included a couple in the foreground, their bodies angled toward the bus as they quickly walk past the bar, their expressions filled with curiosity and anticipation as they gaze in the direction of the bus. Every element in this composition was meticulously chosen to create a narrative that speaks to the hustle and bustle of urban life, where moments are fleeting and experiences are constantly evolving.
Composition is the fundamental foundation on which the structure of artistry is built, serving as the silent conductor orchestrating the visual symphony within an artwork. It is an essential element that dictates how viewers engage with the piece, guiding their eyes and emotions through the carefully arranged components. At its heart, composition involves the deliberate placement and manipulation of various artistic elements, transforming the canvas into a stage where colors, shapes, lines, and textures take the spotlight in a harmonious blend. The interaction of these elements resembles a delicate dance, a choreography of visual components that determines the overall rhythm and flow of the artwork, ultimately influencing how the audience perceives and connects with the piece. Composition serves as the language of art, conveying a myriad of emotions, stories, and ideas to those who engage with the masterpiece, inviting them to explore deeper meanings and personal interpretations.
The doors of The Swingin' Doors Saloon may be shut today, but if you ever have the opportunity to pass by them, take a moment to pause and listen closely; you might still be able to catch the faint echoes of country music drifting through the air, the lively chatter of patrons reminiscing about their favorite nights, and the sound of beer being poured into a waiting mug, creating a nostalgic symphony that celebrates the spirit of the saloon. These remnants of joy and camaraderie linger in the atmosphere, a testament to the vibrant life that once filled this space and a reminder of the stories that continue to unfold in the heart of Nashville.
Details of Passing The Saloon
A Saloon's Lament
In the heart of the town where the shadows play, where the sun dips low and casts elongated silhouettes,
Stands a saloon, a rustic haven where the weary stray, seeking solace from the burdens of their day.
With creaking doors that groan softly as they swing open, revealing the warmth within, and a welcoming light that spills out onto the dusty street,
It beckons the souls who seek respite, inviting them to step inside and leave their troubles at the threshold,
For within its walls, the air is thick with the scent of aged whiskey and the faint hint of tobacco smoke, mingling with the laughter and chatter of patrons.
Wooden beams overhead support the weight of countless stories, while the bar, polished and worn, has been the confessional for many a weary traveler.
Here, friendships are forged over clinking glasses, and tales of adventure and heartache are shared under the glow of flickering lanterns,
As the piano in the corner plays a lively tune, encouraging even the most reluctant to join in the revelry,
Creating a sense of community where every face, familiar or new, finds a place at the table.
EB
Eric Buechel Fine Art
P.O. Box 277
Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578
(931) 881-7806
