Grand Rapids, MI/ Dimestore Row ca.1906

This is an29"x41" Watercolor of the intersection of Monroe, Pearl and Water Sts. in Downtown Grand Rapids. This turned out to be the most personal painting I have ever done. It was commisioned by my godsister Mrs. Barbara Homan. It turned out when that when the Homans built their home in the 1970's, the contractor used the bricks from the streets of Grand Rapids from this intersection. The second surprising fact was the people who owned the Grand Rapid Candy Kitchen pictured prominently in the lower left hand corner were the inlaws of my gocmother's sister. What ended up being truly amazing was that in the home movies of my first birthday are Barbara (Stevens) Homan sitting next to me and as the camera panned around the children at my party, there is was the grandaughter of the owner of the Grand Rapids Candy Kitchen shown in this painting. Now you may all start singing the theme to the twilight zone.

17 Comments

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Marika Seprenyi (Antal) 08 Jul 2011

most fabilouse work!!

Maureen Middleton 27 Jul 2006

This is a great watercolour. Takes one back in time in a very real way! Wonderful use of colours and detail. I strive to be as good an artist as this!! Thankyou for sharing these fabulous paintings

Anthony Billings 13 Dec 2005

Anthony great piece!

Nancy Woolweber 13 Dec 2005

Fantastic detail in this one.

John Enright 13 Dec 2005

stanton...you have some amazing detail and authenticity to your work...very impressive. The patience you have is quite extraordinary.

Robyn Sturtevant 12 Dec 2005

I love this piece. Do you remember Woolworths across the street from the Pantland? Their soda fountain made the best malts! The Pantland is now the Amway Grand. I'm afraid I don't rmember the Candy Kitchen. I will have to ask my Mother-in-law. She worked at Michigan National Bank for close to 30 yrs, so I'm sure she would remember it. Thanks for a blast from the past.

Nayana Glazier 12 Dec 2005

wow you really know your media...what a well done watercolor!

Anne Vis 12 Dec 2005

Beautiful work, Stanton!

Anna Lo Bello 12 Dec 2005

Your painting is just beautiful!!!

Reba McDonald 12 Dec 2005

Amazing story and beautiful work Santos.

corry stuart 12 Dec 2005

Again another piece I stand in awe of Stanton beautiful art work for sure

Analua 12 Dec 2005

Gorgeous details work and colors!!!!! Great!!!!

Angela Francis 12 Dec 2005

Lovely historic scene. I can nearly hear the "hustle and bustle".

geri pratt 12 Dec 2005

What fantastic detail! Truly incredible!

Emily Reed 12 Dec 2005

Another great one! Congratulations!

Pat Abbott 12 Dec 2005

Amazing details, wonderfully composed.

Mike Sankey 12 Dec 2005

Stunning, simply superb, god i love the feel of this picture, excellent work, you've captured the mood superbly, it's busy, it's colourful, excellent