Original artwork description:

I spotted these two characterful women sitting outside a Swansea cafe around Christmas, all wrapped up in their heavy winter coats, having a fag, al fresco.
They weren't speaking, one was simply keeping the other company in silence as she puffed on her cigarette.
It reminded me of good friendships when you can sit in silence, just happy in each other's company.
Then I noticed this empty chair and wondered if there was a third friend, who perhaps had popped to the toilet or to a nearby shop? After some time, and no return of a possible third friend, I deduced that they might be waiting for this third friend and she was late, hence the title, which may also help explain their slightly frustrated facial expressions.

Materials used:

oil painting on linen canvas

Tags:

#james henry johnston #winter #urban #evening #street scene #artfinder #cafe #wales #people watching #christmas lights #two women #swansea #al fresco