Ron Garner: March 2008

Friday, 28 March 2008

Diners at The Volunteer Rifleman's Arms

This image lacks the painting quality of the two photographs that precede it although the dark tones are a bit Rembrandtish. This photograph was taken in a dark passageway. The centre of Bath has several small pubs. This one is tucked away on Union Passage -a pedestrian only street. The couple were sitting outside on a rather chilly night because the small pub was filled with patrons. As they huddle together on the bench, suggesting intimacy, his straightforward gaze suggests a certain distance.

Mr. D's

I have always loved the paintings of Edward Hopper. My favourite painting is Nighthawks which my daughter and I had the pleasure of viewing at the Tate Modern Gallery in London. This photograph reminds me of the painting. Again, colours are subdued by the cover of darkness (this photograph was taken about 1/2 hour after sunset). The building fronts and the curb and street remind me of the background of Hopper's painting. The lit interior gives the photograph the same voyeuristic quality that I found in Nighthawks. I'm uncertain how I feel about the car entering from the left.

Jolly's

I usually don't print in colour. But, when photographing at night colours are subdued and this is especially true in Bath where buildings are sepia-toned anyway. This photograph was taken of a loading door in one of Bath's Department stores. This too, has a painting like effect.