Tears in Rain - A look back at one of my rainy day "Hong Kong Street Scene" paintings.

Stage 1= Pencil Sketch with first light tones applied

‘Rainy Day in Causeway Bay” was a watercolour painting that I created in October 2021.  It shows a rainy day scene along Paterson Street in Causeway Bay, a location where I used to live close by for about 3 years. The following text is what I wrote to accompany this artwork as I submitted it to a local art competition.  While I didn’t win anything on that occasion (coming in the top 50) the name of the event ‘Hong Kong – Stories and Memories’ seemed to echo my art journey at the time and even since then.    I’m sharing this submission note again, as I find what I wrote three and a half years ago is still valid today and has become a sort of manifesto for the art that I create.

Rainy Day in Causeway Bay – My Story by Richard Crosbie

This watercolor artwork was inspired by the Typhoon Season in Hong Kong, which stretches from May to November. When people think of this vibrant city, iconic images often come to mind—famous landmarks like the Hong Kong Skyline and Victoria Harbour dominate the visual landscape.

Yet, for those of us who call this city home, there exists a deeper, often overlooked side. As we navigate the bustling streets, we frequently become oblivious to the beauty that surrounds us, consumed by the daily grind of making ends meet, commuting to work or school, and seeking entertainment in malls.

I, too, found myself trapped in a cycle of consumerism, rarely pausing to appreciate the world around me. Living in a city of millions, I often felt isolated within my social bubble, rushing through days that turned into weeks and then months. Years slipped by, and I realized I was living a closed life, surrounded yet alone.

This all changed about a year ago when unforeseen global events led to my redundancy. With unexpected free time on my hands, I stumbled upon an old sketchbook that had gathered dust for over 15 years. Inspired, I ventured outside to experiment with sketching once more.

As I explored various locations across Hong Kong, my perspective shifted. I began to see the city through new eyes, appreciating the intricate details often overlooked. Sitting on the streets, I formed a bond with my environment. To sketch and paint from life is to learn how to truly ‘see’—a lesson I had missed during my previous work life.

Slowing down allowed me to notice the subtleties of urban life that usually go unnoticed. Moving beyond the clichéd tourist images, I became aware of the unique aspects that define the Hong Kong experience. Not every day is a picture-perfect scene with blue skies; to truly live here means embracing the stormy days as well.

Stage 2 - Mid tones applied with some details added to the background and mid-ground

"Rainy Day in Causeway Bay" captures such a moment—a snapshot on the eve of a tropical storm. People hustle about, urgency is palpable as they rush to complete errands before the storm hits. Whether buying groceries in anticipation of store closures or racing home before transport halts, the energy of the city is alive and vibrant. The painting showcases the dramatic vanishing points typical of Hong Kong streets, where angles converge, creating a visual feast for the senses.

These stormy days are an intrinsic part of life in Hong Kong, often unnoticed by those from different locales. For us, the umbrella is as essential as the mobile phone as is the importance of masking tape (local insider joke!).

Through my artistic journey, I've also grown in gratitude for the people around me. This artwork reflects the beauty of everyday moments—like reflections on wet pavement or glowing lights against the evening air. The individuals captured in this scene, though unknown to me, are integral to my community and my art. Their presence breathes life into my work and enriches my daily experience. Each moment becomes precious, each day an opportunity to embrace life, especially on rainy days where surfaces shine, refract, and reflect.

I feel awakened, truly seeing and connecting with the world around me. I realize that without my fellow citizens, this city would not be what it is. I hope this artwork resonates with others, evoking feelings and memories that connect us all. To those unknown individuals who graced the streets at that moment, thank you for being part of my artistic journey.

Stage 3 - Final stage with dark tones and foreground details applied and masking fluid removed

Footnote:

The title of this "Hong Kong Street Scene" comes from the movie ‘Blade Runner’ which has been a major influence and source of artistic inspiration during my life, especially my formative years before the term 'cyberpunk' was created.

‘Tears in Rain” are the last dying words spoken by the character Roy Batty, a replicant (artificially created human) who laments that his memories will disappear after his passing.  While a cool pop culture reference, my meaning for using these words is one of joy.  ‘Tears of Happiness’ as I find beauty in rainy day scenes and renewed wonder in this amazing city that I am lucky to call home.

The final artwork of a "Hong Kong Street Scene", mounted and framed

#hongkongstreet #Hongkongart #CausewaybayHK