Staying in a first floor flat in downtown Budapest for a month this hot (European) summer provided unexpected material for a daily art practice. Although figure drawing is not my ‘thing’, the quickly changing cast of characters who’d stand outside the restaurant across the road captured my attention. They included restaurant staff having a rushed cigarette, disappearing into their phones, or chatting together. First thing in the morning, there’d often be two older men, morning espressos in hand, looking up and down the street, chatting, smoking. Occasionally I’d also draw one or two of the people who’d queue outside. My decision to focus on these figures was supported by the fact that I had a cold for my first two or so weeks in Budapest, and it was also a heat wave, so spending large chunks time in my Király Utca eyrie was entirely appropriate. As I rushed to attempt a drawing as a new subject ‘took the stage’ I was reminded of Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window. Over time I got to know the body language of the different characters – noticing for instance their shared fondness for placing the sole of one foot against the wall.
