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. |