The LIC Arts Open is off and running

"LIC Manhole Cover Pillow
16x16
Cotton patchwork

One of the LIC-themed pillows I'll have on view at my studio.

The fun has begun here in Long Island City, Queens, New York! Last evening I attended the preview reception for the 10 x 10 exhibition at Juvenal Reis Studios. This is the second year artists have contributed work for this fundraiser, and I submitted a painting this time around. The word to best describe the show is - DIVERSE. There will be an auction of the work on Sunday, May 19th, for more info here's a link.

Also checked out the "Gimme Shelter" photography exhibit at InSite Design Studio, curated by Oretes Gonzalez. Some very fine black and white photography.

Headed over to the Diego Salazar Gallery to see another DIVERSE group exhibition and was delighted to find that both of my LIC-themed paintings were hanging next to the work of Dennis D'Amelio, a long time LIC artist whose work I always enjoy seeing. The show was elegantly installed by another one of my favorite LIC artist's, Elinore Schnurr.

The fun continues and this evening I'm heading over to the Queens Plaza area. There is so much to see during this 4 day event. Check out the brochure for a complete listing of events.

2013 LIC Arts Open

It's that time of year again. The LIC Arts Open will be kicking off next week and there are many events planned for this annual arts fest.



I will have 2 paintings on view in the group exhibition at the Diego Salazar Gallery. It is a VERY diverse show, with many styles, mediums and ideas on view. A very nice gallery space!

Speaking of open studios, I will open my studio space on Saturday, May 18th, from 12-5. If you'd like to stop by and need directions, just send me an email and let me know.

Just want to give a plug to one of my favorite collectors, Dan Dougherty, who with his brother Shaun is opening a new restaurant, Crescent Grill in Long Island City. They will be having an open house May 17-19, gearing up for their grand opening in a few more weeks time. In addition to what I expect will be great food by chef Shaun, Dan is managing a gallery in the restaurant where he will be showing and selling the works of local artists. Of course, some of my work will be on view as well.

For a listing of all that is happening, when and where, here is a link to the online LIC Arts Open Brochure. Here's hoping the weather is nice and the trains are running.

Happy 100th Birthday Woolworth Building!

"Woolworth Fragment 1"
"Woolworth Fragment 2"
"Woolworth Fragment 3"
Oil on canvas
Each painting measures 6 x 8 inches
Sold

The magnificent Woolworth Building turns 100 today. Quite a beauty and it wears its age well. Several years ago I took photographs and decided to take one photo and divide it into 3 fragments. Each small painting holds it's own, but makes for an interesting way to view some of the architectural details on a facade loaded with carvings.


Here's a photo taken in 2006
Long may this wonderful building stand tall and proud gracing the NYC skyline.

Historic LIC

"LIC/Historic Red and Green"
Oil on panel
6x6 inches

There is one historic block in Long Island City not far from my studio. I love walking down that street and looking at the stately homes where the once powerful leaders in Queens lived. It is a quiet, tree lined block, very different from the industrial blocks dotted with manufacturing buildings surrounding it.

Three adjacent buildings were restored and redesigned by an architect/photographer several years ago and fit in nicely with their neighbors. I really like the charming green accents. These homes exude a warm and welcoming facade, so unlike the newer glassy boxes sprouting up all around the neighborhood.

Just another slice of little ole LIC.

Gargoyles of City College, Number 3

CCNY Gargoyle III (study)
Oil on panel
6 x 6 inches

I've just completed another study in the gargoyles of City College series and thought I'd share it with you on this rainy Friday afternoon. Many of these gargoyles adorn the buildings around the city and were produced like crazy during the late 1800's-early 1900's building boom. So many of them are uniquely individual, and I never tire of discovering them on my walks around town.

Another view of LIC

"LIC Looking Northwest"
Oil on canvas
11 x 14 inches

The painting has been going slowly for awhile. It happens every so often in the lives of many artists. We eventually bounce back to painting like gangbusters, but every so often things slow down.

I just completed this painting, another view of Long Island City as seen from the terrace of some collectors of my work. I particularly chose this subject as the small scale buildings off Vernon Blvd. are portrayed along with the more well-known P.S. 1 and the 5Pointz yellow graffiti building (rumored to be torn down soon to make way for a new high rise structure). Since taking this photo last spring, new construction has begun and this view has been altered by the steel skeleton of a new building rising in the west. This painting, a "snapshot in time" will remain of LIC circa 2012.

Happy 100th Birthday Grand Central Station

"GST Centennial Reflection"
Oil on canvas
10 x 20 inches

I finished this painting, in addition to the centennial quilt recently posted, just in time to celebrate the Centennial Celebration of Grand Central Station. This reflection features the statue of Cornelius Vanderbuilt and is not generally seen unless driving along Park Avenue, up and around the terminal.

Today I was at GST bright and early, waiting online to get my first day cancellation commemorative stamp.

The joint was jumping with people, music, speakers, lines and activity.

100 on the east facing windows.

An image circa 1914 of the interior of Grand Central Station, which I included on my quilt.

An image circa February 1, 2013.

I also bought a copy of the new book, "Grand Central Terminal: 100 Years of a New York Landmark" by the NY Transit Museum and Anthony W. Robins. Can't wait to start reading this one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GST!