As the bar’s warm lights dim and the neon signs flickers, a co-worker takes a quiet drink at the counter, ending another long day. A well-lit stool with a whiskey glass and a lit cigar in an ashtray invites you, the viewer, to join, becoming part of the scene, one of the closing workers. Outside, an older man sweeps the sidewalk, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of work. A passersby on the sidewalk, unaware of the quiet moment inside and the complexities of other lives, highlights the contrast between the busy world and the peaceful solitude within. This painting captures the art of everyday life and the beauty in normal routines. The feeling of having a lone drink at a bar when nobody is around is both comforting and bittersweet, blending solitude with nostalgia. It evokes the dual emotions of enjoying a quiet moment of reflection while also feeling the pain of loneliness. Life is beautiful and a work of art in every moment, even at closing time.

Gabriel-Alexander Palma

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I'm a self-taught artist, who typically paints with oil. As I have continued to paint and learn, I've fallen into trying to blend realism with my unique vision of the world to capture moments of quiet solitude and deep contemplation. My paintings feature life-size figures, often reflecting a universal feeling of being eerily out of place or being an observer. I strive to invite the viewer to become a part of the artwork. My scenes often depict everyday life, emphasizing that our lives are part of a larger artwork. Whether it's an empty bar stool with a lit cigar and drink waiting for you, or an eerie secret meeting you’ve stumbled upon, my paintings try to draw you into the scene, making you an integral part of the story that I'm telling. This approach highlights that our daily lives, full of moments worth contemplating, are inherently artistic. The focus is primarily on the figures, set against backgrounds that create a conversation between movement and stillness. My work tries to invite viewers to pause and reflect, exploring their own emotions and experiences that may resemble what I've painted. Through my art, I hope to offer a space for reflection and connection in a world that often feels fragmented and overwhelming. Each piece is an invitation to join in and contemplate the human experience.