Keeping Austin Weird

Just last week I mentioned Leslie, Austin's most iconic weird person and lo and behold he's back in the news again. Well, at least his picture is.

It seems that there is a local artist who has begun what he calls his "Homeless Project" - paintings of local homeless folk in their natural settings, and you can actually purchase these paintings. How would this look in your living room? Surprise your spouse with this and you, too could be homeless.

This really captures Leslie in an unusually understated manner, don't you think?  By the way , the dude on the left is the artist, Michael Peschka, the same guy who did the statue of Maria Corbalan, owner of Maria's Taco Xpress on S. Lamar Blvd., the statue that shows her with her arms thrown in the air.

According to the AAS, Peschka is doing paintings of homeless people in hopes of selling them and giving money to charities that help the homeless, such as Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Art 4 the Homeless. So far, he's done nine homeless paintings and sold one for $80 — of a bearded "veteran" in a raggedy tank top at Interstate 35 and Oltorf Street. His medium of choice is cardboard. He says that adds an authentic touch to the portraits.

If you are interested, Peschka's portraits are on display at Maria's Tacos. And the asking price for Leslie's portrait? $2,500. I think for that much money I would insist on the subject being attired in his less formal attire. Especially the tiera.

BTW, if you are wondering about Bob the Dog, the word is that he has abandoned the tour and members of his band say they haven't seen him for a couple of weeks now. That can't be good. I'm keeping a close watch on the yard next door.