Fishhawk Lake Tuesday Travelogue--Local Astoria Artist
Meet Noel Thomas-Painter
I was walking along the boardwalk in Astoria Oregon, finding lots of photo opportunities and trying my best to get closer to the sea lions that I heard just off the coastline. After walking for about 7-8 minutes, a pier turned up that allowed me to walk out closer to them to get better photos. I came upon this little crunched soul, slouching in an outdoor canvas chair, a sweater wrapped around his head. As I got closer, I noticed that he was painting. The wind was whipping pretty good, so I spoke in loud tones to let him know I was standing behind him. He didn't move. So, I spoke LOUDER, hoping that he would not be startled. Eventually, I came closer and practically yelled at the poor man! He finally came out of his reverie and noticed that someone was speaking to him.
He swept off his sweater and underneath had a canvas hat squashed down upon his angular head. Underneath was this craggy, delightful face. He also had hearing aids, that needed to be fixed and then he could actually hear me. We exchanged pleasantries and I got to know him a bit on this gorgeous true-blue sky day filled with wonderous opportunities for any photographer worth their salt.
I asked him if I could take some photos of him (he had such a great face). I took some from different angles, trying to stay out of his way while he painted the visage in front of him.
Wanting to know more about him (ever the blogger!), he told me his name was Noel Thomas and that he was a local artist In Astoria Oregon who was lucky enough to be doing this and be paid for it for the last 25 years! Gotta love that.
A sudden wind came up and caught his canvas hat, ripping it off his head and sending it into the drink. I got down on all fours and retrieved it and he said something about wearing the hat because he was vain and that was why he'd wrapped the sweater around his head. I could have felt as if I'd intruded in his private space, but he never made me feel that way. He just took the hat, thanked me and then parked it securely under one leg of his chair.
We talked a bit more and then I let him enjoy his latest art project as I wandered off to take more photos. Two artists, an incredibly special day and an avenue for creating a localism blog!
Here is where you can find a profile on Noel Thomas at RiverSea Gallery in Astoria Oregon
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