“The Pickpocket”
inspiration
We were on a train from Charles De Gaulle airport traveling into Paris one early morning after a long overnight, trans-Atlantic flight. We stood in the crowded train car, tired and a bit bedraggled with our rolling bags. A small man stood a bit too close to my husband Brad, arousing my suspicion. Then he slipped his hand into Brad’s pocket as I watched. Using my single French word, I shouted “NO! NO!”. He backed away, only to go into the pocket again as the other passengers and I watched. Sleepy Brad was totally unaware. I reached in and pulled his slender, slippery hand out. I’ll never forget the feel of his delicate, pickpocket fingers. Then he quickly moved to the edge of the car and out the door at the next stop. What a Paris welcome!
technique
Using Apoxy sculpting clay, I built the two figures on a stretched canvas, then painted the canvas and figures with acrylic paint. I drew the seats and windows with an acrylic pen. The piece is mounted in a hardwood floating canvas frame.
materials
Apoxy sculpting clay, acrylic paint, acrylic pen.
17” H x 14” W x 3” D
