Written by Did a quick doodlewash in my little Moleskine today to show you one of the places my parents used to take me when I was a kid. Kansas City is well-known for its BBQ and Arthur Bryant’s was one of the first restaurants serving the sauce and has been a tourist attraction for years.
It was founded in the early 1920’s, by Charlie Bryant, Arthur’s older brother. When Charlie died, Arthur took over and moved the BBQ restaurant to 18th and Brooklyn where it still exists today.
The meat is amazing, but it’s not my favorite BBQ sauce in town. Many visiting presidents and celebrities have shown up there over the years and their photos are proudly displayed inside. It feels like it’s barely changed and for that, it’s a fun trip back to the past.
When I was younger, the neighborhood was pretty sketchy and we usually went at night when it wasn’t uncommon to see prostitutes on the corner while waiting at a light. Things have changed quite a bit since then and the area has been spruced up.
Thinking of these visits always reminds me of my father who passed away several years ago, so it has a lot of sentimental value. Not sure how it tastes to people just passing through, but for me it will always be delicious in the memories it delivers.
I like how you described this, “it will always be delicious in the memories it delivers.” Fabulous Doodlewash Charlie! To me its your memories of your dad that makes it special. 💜
I’ve always wanted to go to Arthur Bryant’s. Now I have, in a way, although I’d still like to sample the wares. Nice doodlewash! N.
Yeah….you can’t eat a doodlewash with thick steak fries Nina, so you should definitely go!! 😉hehe
Beautiful perspective on this lovely piece! You know what it’s missing? Prostitutes on the corner. 😀 Hah!
Isn’t it bittersweet to visit places of one’s childhood? I should pull up some old photos of my Hong Kong days and draw them…maybe when I have time one day. :}
You KNOW how I always avoid drawing people!! Lol And it was daytime so it would have to be from memory. 😉 You totally should do that!! I would love to see your Hong Kong memories!
Stop egging me on…LOL! I like those people you put into this piece!
Haha! I love egging you on! And I honestly have no idea whether they were prostitutes or not as I didn’t ask. 😉
*snort*! Probably a good thing you didn’t ask! 😀
It’s also cool that this reminds you of your dad.
Thanks Kirk! Yeah…the sauce is suspect, but the memories are golden!
Great sketch and great commentary, Charlie.
Great Doodle Charlie. It reminds me when I went Arthurs years ago and loved it;
Thanks Wayne! So cool I good bring back memories for you as well!! 😉
….it is a wonderful painting of a memorable occasion and place
Thanks so much Lance!! Really glad you like it!
Nice work, Charlie. I’m really enjoying your posts more and more as I follow your progress. And the tour, of course. Love your text as well. Thanks for shining your light, Charlie. 💛
Ahh thanks Laura! 💛 Art journeys can seem lonely so I’m super happy you’re coming along for the ride!
Great doddlewash Charlie, and I love how places like this can evoke memories of our loved ones like that.
Thanks Jodi! Yeah it’s amazing what some places evoke. Fun to sketch them!
Ah, another interesting corner with rich memories! I love that you live in the same town you grew up in – all that lovely history! Wonderful doodlewash!
Thanks Cathe! Yeah…I’ve traveled all over but have always been proud to call KC home!
Another great piece! Do you sketch live or do you work from a photo? I would love to be a part of urban sketchers group but I’m afraid I’m too slow.. And as I mentioned before, I enjoy reading about the places you draw.
I do both! That’s the fun part about the doodlewash tribe… the only “rule” is something that uses watercolor. Otherwise you can do whatever the heck you want! Even sketch from your imagination! I’m not very good with strict rules 😊😊hehe
Lovely sketch. Drawings that hold fond memories are always magical. Really like the figures you incorporated, so easily a part of the landscape and well done, would never know you “avoid” drawing people. ;D
Glad you like them, Haunani…I’m trying to avoid them less and just go for it. I was stripping them out before, but now I’m trying to out them back in scenes like these. Hehe