A Nashville Cityscape: The Hot Dog Stand

Eric Buechel
Apr 22
3 min read

Updated: Nov 21

*"The Hot Dog Stand" By Eric Buechel, Oil on Canvas*

A Nashville Cityscape: The Hot Dog Cart

This is another piece from my series dedicated to one of my favorite cities, Nashville. When I think of Nashville, the word that immediately comes to mind is "vibrant." The city pulses with life, music, and culture, with each corner filled with energy that sparks creativity. In this painting, my artistic journey began with several trips to Music City, where I sought material that truly resonated with me. Each visit felt like a treasure hunt as I explored the streets, soaking in the sights and sounds, searching for elements that would capture the spirit of this remarkable place.

The atmosphere of Nashville often reminds me of my days working in New York City, where street vendors hustled to make a living selling their tasty street food. I vividly remember the crowded crowds rushing by, immersed in their daily routines, yet sometimes pausing to grab a quick bite. This lively mix of movement and stillness, of life unfolding on the streets, is something I aimed to capture in my artwork.

During the planning phase of this painting, I faced a choice about the medium. I was torn between using different materials. When the painting was initially displayed, it was housed at the Local Color Gallery on Broad Street in Nashville. This gallery served as a central spot for local artists and a lively part of the community, showcasing a wide range of artistic works. I was thrilled to learn that a friend of the hot dog vendor recognized him in the painting during a visit to the gallery and informed him. He then went to the gallery and was happy that an artist had captured him in that moment. Unfortunately, I never learned his name, and I wish I could have connected with him to share the story behind the artwork. Now that the Local Color Gallery has closed, I realize that opportunity has slipped away, and I may never get the chance to meet him.

When the painting was initially displayed, it was housed at the Local Color Gallery on Broad Street in Nashville. This gallery served as a central spot for local artists and a lively part of the community, presenting a wide range of artistic works. I was delighted to learn that a friend of the hot dog vendor recognized him in the painting while visiting the gallery and informed him. He then went to the gallery and was pleased that an artist had captured him in the moment. Unfortunately, I never got his name, and I would have loved to connect with him to share the story behind the artwork. Now that the Local Color Gallery has closed, I realize that opportunity has slipped away, and I may never get the chance to meet him.

There have been moments when I have preferred to paint city scenes that are less chaotic and busy. I find that using a less compact composition often creates a sense of calm and relaxation for the viewer. I consider myself a "less is more" artist, appreciating the beauty of simplicity. However, the streets of Nashville during the day demanded a different approach. The city's vibrant life and energy could not be contained; they needed to burst forth onto the canvas.

On an early Sunday morning, the scene might have played out differently, with a quieter atmosphere and a slower pace. But in this work, I loaded my brush with thick, bright pigments, making sure the canvas was loaded with paint. I often tell my students that they should never be afraid to load up their brushes and be bold in their paint application. An artist who confidently fills their brush embraces their creativity and expresses their artistic voice.

It's been a while since I painted scenes from Nashville, and I find myself longing to visit Music City again. With the summer ahead, I have plenty of opportunities to dive back into its vibrant culture and lively streets that inspire my art. Maybe this summer will bring new experiences and fresh perspectives that I can capture on canvas, continuing to celebrate Nashville's spirit through my work.