People on Train | Artwork by Karl Gude

Drawings

My train drawings in the New York Times (1998)

For years, I sketched many fellow passengers on my commuter train into New York City. One day, I sent some of these drawings to the New York Times Art section, hoping they would publish them. The editor who opened the package, a commuter himself, remarked to a colleague, "Look at these, this is my life!" Recognizing that many of their readers were also commuters, the Times decided to feature the drawings.

Text from NY Times article

Train: Man from Back, Me With Sketchbook (1995)

My sketchbook and me drawing him.
Medium: Pen and ink

Train: Wide View Down Train Car (1995)

Medium: Pen and ink

Train: Bob Sleeping With Hands on Lap

My friend Bob, a documentary filmmaker, wanted to feature me drawing on my commuter train for a segment of his film, "In The Moment." He even offered to model for me. "In The Moment" explores people who become completely absorbed in their work, lost in the flow of the moment.
Medium: Pen and ink

Train Woman In The Light, Man in Dark Phone Booth (1995)

Contrast between young and old, one in the light, the other in the dark.
Medium: Pen and ink

Hair: Cornrows

Hair can be a fun challenge. Sometimes, I'd be too lazy to draw and would just want to read the paper, but then someone with fun hair would sit in front of me and I would think, "Damn, gotta draw this." But, I always got absorbed into the drawing.
Medium: Pen and ink

Hair: Twisted Up in Bun (1998)

About five minutes into this drawing the woman took off her hair clip and her hair cascaded down, losing its form and hiding her neck. I managed to draw the rest from memory! Phew.
Medium: Pen and ink