"A Task To Be Done" By Eric Buechel

"A Task To Be Done", By Eric Buechel, Oil on Canvas, Private Collection

I have always admired the skilled hands of the men and women who work to keep our cities and towns running smoothly. One day in 2014, while in Nashville, I noticed one such individual diligently cleaning the road. I paused for a few minutes and observed his efficiency and obvious pride in his work, as he wasted no time completing his task. On that day, I happened to have my camera with me, as I often do in the city. I discreetly took a few pictures, ensuring he didn't notice my attention. Later that night, as I reviewed the images, I immediately knew I had to create something from this shot, and it had to be a large oil painting. I began the painting soon after, using thick oil paint with a small amount of stand oil to achieve the desired effect. This technique created a surface rich with brushwork and depth, adding a luminosity perfect for depicting someone working early in the morning. The morning light made the water shimmer on the street, and I didn't need to add much creatively—just capture what I saw that day. The first time I exhibited this painting was a year later at The Mason Art Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia, where it was sold to a prominent art collector.

Blue Collar Jobs

By Eric Buechel

In the heart of the city, where the engines hum,

Blue collar workers rise, to the beat of the drum.

With calloused hands and steadfast minds,

They build our world, their strength defines.

From steel and concrete, they shape our dreams,

Electricians and welders, skilled in their schemes.

With every nail driven, and every pipe laid,

A testament to hard work, in sunlight and shade.

In kitchens and garages, their talents unfold,

Mechanics and cooks, with stories untold.

They serve us our meals, fix our machines,

Turning routine tasks into seamless routines.

Yet often unnoticed, their efforts go by,

In the rush of our lives, we seldom ask why.

These hands that repair, that nurture and mend,

Are the backbone of progress, our true, loyal friends.

So here’s to the workers, in blue uniforms bright,

Whose labor and passion bring comfort and light.

May we honor their journeys, their struggles, their pride,

For the world that we live in, they help to provide.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P. O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806

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