Hyde Street and the Bay, San Francisco

For me, San Francisco is a city of delightful memory. When I, a small-town boy, first visited the City by the Bay with my dad, I was awakened to the excitement of city life. I have been an admirer of urban communities ever since. And images from that first visit have been a source of continuing pleasure.

How well I remember riding the Powell Street cable car all those years ago, rounding a corner, and first glimpsing the magnificent panorama of the bay as the track plunged down Hyde Street toward the end of the line. There, at the turn-around, was a bustle of street life – performers and musicians gathered to entertain the waiting riders. I remember the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate sign, the vibrant activity on Fisherman’s Wharf, the dramatic presence of distant Alcatraz Island. But most of all, I remember the vast expanse of the magnificent bay in all its glory.

My Hyde Street and the Bay, San Francisco heightens the nostalgic sense of fond memories by placing vintage cars on the street and historic ships at anchor in the bay. The bustling energy of San Francisco seemed alive to me as I worked on Hyde Street and the Bay, San Francisco. I could almost sense a brisk breeze blowing up from the bay, a subtle taste of salt air, and the enchanting clang of the cable cars as they made their ponderous way up Hyde Street hill.

As I reached completion of Hyde Street and the Bay, San Francisco, the final painting in my San Francisco Collection, I was struck by the realization that this painting has brought a part of my life full circle. How fitting that I end this wonderful series with my very first memory of visiting the City by the Bay. I am so proud to offer this image to my collectors – I feel that it is my most beautiful and detailed city scene to date.