Yesterday, I shared the story of a mysterious painting I found outside the main branch of the New York Public Library.

My discovery of the canvas combined with what I’d learned while researching the artist online raised a few additional mysteries— (more…)

So there I was in Manhattan yesterday morning, walking north on Fifth Avenue toward the SCI FI Channel offices at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I was in town for my usual bimonthly meeting. As I passed the steps of the main branch of the New York Public Library, I saw a painting leaning against the base of one of the two world-famous sculptures of lions which stand guard out front.

I paused to admire the artwork, and as I was doing so, I slowly realized that there was something odd going on—its owner was nowhere to be seen.

I looked around, figuring that I’d find the artist nearby. Or if not the artist, then at least someone who was trying to sell it, as I often come across people hawking paintings and prints on the streets of New York. But I couldn’t see anyone whose posture or eye contact made claim to the painting.

I was intrigued. Perhaps, I thought, the artist is hiding somewhere nearby to judge how people will interact with his paintings. So I studied it further, fully expecting someone to step up beside me after I’d admired it long enough and reveal himself or herself as the creator. But no one appeared.

I could see no signature, simply a letter K at its lower right corner. So I turned over the painting in the hope that I could discover a clue to its origins. (more…)