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A Nashville Cityscape: The Hot Dog Stand

Eric Buechel
2 days ago
3 min read

*"The Hot Dog Stand" By Eric Buechel, Oil on Canvas*

A Nashville Cityscape: The Hot Dog Cart

This is another one of my paintings in a series dedicated to one of my favorite cities, Nashville. When I think of Nashville, the word that instantly comes to mind is "vibrant." The city pulses with life, music, and culture, each corner brimming with energy that inspires creativity. In this particular painting, my artistic journey began with several trips to Music City, where I sought out material that truly resonated with me. Each visit was a treasure hunt, as I explored the streets, soaking in the sights and sounds, searching for elements that would capture the essence of this remarkable place.

The atmosphere of Nashville often reminds me of my days spent working in New York City, where street vendors hustled to make a living selling their delicious street food. I can vividly recall the bustling crowds of people rushing past, immersed in their daily routines, yet occasionally pausing to indulge in a quick bite. This dynamic interplay of movement and stillness, of life unfolding on the streets, is something I aimed to encapsulate in my artwork.

During the planning stage of this painting, I faced a decision regarding the medium. I was torn between using watercolor and oil paints. Initially, I leaned towards watercolor, as it tends to lend a dreamlike quality to my work. However, after contemplating the vibrant spirit of Nashville, I ultimately decided that oil paint would be the more fitting choice for this piece. The richness and depth of oil allowed me to convey the intensity of the city’s colors and the lively atmosphere that envelops it. While I acknowledge that watercolor could have captured some of the dreams that Nashville embodies, I have no plans to revisit this particular image in that medium.

When the painting was initially displayed, it was housed at the Local Color Gallery on Broad Street in Nashville. This gallery served as a central spot for local artists and a lively part of the community, presenting a wide range of artistic works. I was delighted to learn that a friend of the hot dog vendor recognized him in the painting while visiting the gallery and informed him about it. He then went to the gallery and was pleased that an artist had captured him in the moment. Unfortunately, I never got his name, and I would have loved to connect with him to share the story behind the artwork. Now that the Local Color Gallery has closed, I realize that opportunity has slipped away, and I may never get the chance to meet him.

There have been moments when I have preferred to paint city scenes that are less chaotic and busy. I find that using a less compact composition often creates a sense of calm and relaxation for the viewer. I consider myself a "less is more" artist, appreciating the beauty of simplicity. However, the streets of Nashville during the day demanded a different approach. The vibrant life and energy of the city could not be contained; they needed to burst forth onto the canvas.

On an early Sunday morning, the scene might have unfolded differently, with a quieter ambiance and a slower pace. But in this work, I loaded my brush with heavy, bright pigments, ensuring that the canvas was abundant with paint. I have often told my students that they should never be afraid to load up their brushes and to be bold in their application of paint. An artist who confidently fills their brush is one who embraces their creativity and showcases their artistic voice.

It has been a while since I painted any scenes from Nashville, and I find myself yearning to take another trip to rediscover Music City. I have the entire summer ahead of me, filled with opportunities to immerse myself once more in the vibrant culture and lively streets that inspire my art. Perhaps this summer will bring new experiences and fresh perspectives that I can translate onto the canvas, continuing to celebrate the spirit of Nashville in my work.