The Hotel Syracuse was built in the Twenties and was absorbed by a chain, like the Hilton – though I frankly can’t remember who ran it. But the management gave me permission to paint whatever I wanted from its ballroom and I jumped at the chance.

This particular view shows Salina Street from a sideward window. The sun had just set, lights were coming on, and I had this fantasy experience all to myself.

I suppose if there is any “charm” to painting, it’s this. You can possess a scene, landscape, or moment as no other person can.