About this project

I like it underground. Always have.

Growing up, we always played in the basement. My bedroom was in the basement. My current painting studio is in a basement. My favorite bar, favorite restaurant, favorite coffee shop - basement, basement, basement. So it should come as no surprise that I am fascinated with the New York subway system. It's one of my favorite things about the city, and I want to capture it in a series of paintings.

                                                                       Church and 18th, watercolor

Last year, after a trip to the city with my wife, I created a few paintings inspired by photos I had taken in various subway stations, usually taken when they were nearly empty. I was somewhat unprepared for the response the work has received.The most common comment I get is, “why didn’t you paint station (insert name here), or “if you ever paint (insert name here) station, let me know.”

Through discussing this work with others and attempting to discern what draws them to the subject matter, I've learned that most people with a New York connection have a strong affinity for a specific stop or a specific line in the transit system and think of it fondly. On the other hand, viewers who have never been to the city or experienced the subway frequently have stereotypically negative views of what they think the experience must be like.

What is interesting is that everyone seems to have a strong reaction – whether positive or negative.

I think I understand the allure. The subway system hosts one of the most elegant dance performances you will ever see, and it's free to anyone who takes the time to watch.

At every station, dozens and sometimes hundreds of times a day, a train load of passengers is delivered and you get to watch this amazing ballet of people moving quickly in both directions, instinctively finding the path of least resistance through the station either down into the tunnels or up to the concrete streets above. This dance often approaches - but rarely crosses - the line into chaos, then as quickly as it started, all of a sudden it's over. The train departs, and you're left with a moment of calm until the next train arrives and the dance begins again.

That calm moment between trains is what I want to capture for this project. In that moment, the station simply becomes a structure - one filled with amazing tile work, graffiti, and layers of grime earned over years of serving the city. I want to paint portraits of these locations. To take the time to really see them, and through my paintings hopefully help others to see the beauty that surrounds them every day.

                                                          6th Avenue Subway Wall, watercolor

For this project I want to spend time in New York with the specific purpose of capturing the identity of the F train. The reason I have selected this particular line is because of the diversity and span of New York City that the line supports. From Queens to Manhattan and on to Coney Island, riders on the F train experience all the city has to offer

To get the F Train painted, I need your help. I'm raising money to cover travel costs, paint, watercolor paper and supplies.

Your generosity will not go unrewarded, because I've created unique items that will only be available to Kickstarter supporters.

The column on the right lists the rewards you will receive at the various contribution levels. Please note - you can pledge any amount from $1 to infinity.

If you can't afford to give financially, maybe you know someone who can. Even if you can't pledge, please help spread the word to others who may be able to help via Facebook email, or just good old fashioned word of mouth.

Thank you for considering my project -  I am sincerely grateful for your support.

                                                                                     F Train, watercolor

Video shot by Ian Curcio, edited by Matt Brammer, and "Thank You, Lord for Sending Me the F Train" used with the permission of Mike Doughty. You guys rock.