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First Wheels

One day the model failed to show up for one of my university drawing class. While waiting, I sketched in about 15 minutes a tricycle that was sitting on a counter top. When the instructor saw what I had done, he showed the rest of the class and commented that it was especially good because my lines were "electric." Whatever he may have meant, I felt hugely complimented. I printed the original sketch as a black-and-white lithograph and then painted prints with watercolor in a variety of colors (e.g., blue, red, yellow green, purple).

My own "first wheels" decades ago were red. The advertiser announced: "Radio Flyer 34 brings out the wonder of childhood in every generation with its Classic Red Tricycle. Feel confident with your little one riding around on a sturdy steel construction, durable wheels, and a ringing chrome bell."

Today's children have so many more choices of "trike" colors as well as an overwhelming choice of other wheeled toys. In fact, my three- and six-year old grandsons have battery-powered cars they drive around their neighborhood cul-de-sac.

The framed original charcoal sketch is in a private collection but limited edition prints and note cards (in red, blue, and pink) are available.

Click here for availability and price.