Happy Holidays

Ho Ho Ho Bah Humbug

"Just Whistle"
Oil on canvas
30 x 36 inches

It's that time of year again, when I take a deep breath and wait until the holiday jingles and shopping ads cease. What I do enjoy about the holiday season is the opportunity it provides to visit with friends and family, the real gist of the season. The painting I share with you today was done several years ago and I always thought it would make for a nice card, but never had the opportunity to use it. This Tribeca scene was done during a hot summer and I chuckled when I saw the holiday decorations on the store window that had been left on display year-round. I found myself on a hot, humid, sticky NYC street, staring at Santa and his reindeer and decided to do a painting. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season and thanks for checking in on my blog to follow my work, both old and new.

The Bowery, The Bowery

Big changes downtown

Bowery Reflections
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches

Last night I watched a documentary about the Bowery examining the big changes that are taking place on what was once known as Skid Row. The New Museum recently opened, upscale restaurants and condos have been springing up and vestiges of the old downtown neighborhood are fast disappearing. The Bowery has long been known as the lighting district as well, and I wonder if that will remain the case with all that is currently going on. I always enjoy looking into the windows of lighting stores, so many interesting lamps, shapes and shadows, glowing lights and atmosphere. I did this painting a few years back, capturing a window on the Bowery that might or might not be around after the dust of renovation settles in the neighborhood.

Alwyn Court

Terra Cotta dreaming


"Alwyn Court"
Oil on canvas
30 x 36 inches

Today I share a new painting with you. I spent much of this past summer working on Alwyn Court, a wonderful building on the southeast corner of 58th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan and it ranks of one of my all time favorite buildings. Built in the early 1900's, the intricate details on the facade are amazing and were a real challenge to paint. Having done a painting of this building in the 80's, I decided to revist it with another take and it was a joy to work on. I also spotted some interesting reflections on the windows and this painting had it all, as far as I was concerned.

"Alwyn Court" is currently on view at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South in the 94th Annual Exhibition of The Allied Artists of America. I was very happy to learn that it has been awarded the Dr. Clifford Wheeler Mills Memorial Award for Oil. The exhibit is open to the public through December 10th, so if you're in the neighborhood, stop in.

141 Broadway

Here's yet another luxury condo conversion in NYC

"141-147"
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches

Yesterday I passed by this building on Broadway in the 20's that I had painted several years ago. There was the scaffolding that is seemingly surrounding so many of the older buildings these days. I noticed the "luxury condo" signage and had mixed feelings. I love the character of many of the older buildings in New York and I am so happy to see them renovated and saved as opposed to them being torn down and replaced by faceless, drab structures. However, another luxury condominium in our midst? I wonder who is buying these residences, certainly not anyone that I know, and that makes me sad. So little middle class housing is being built and that's a loss for New York. That being said, this is a beautiful building that will once again stand tall and proud on Broadway, once renovations are complete.

2 Group Shows

Getting the work out there...

"Vesey II"
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 inches

"Vesey II" will be on view in The American Artists Professional League's 79th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in NY, 47 Fifth Avenue from November 6-November 16th. Reception is on Sunday, November 11th from 2-5pm. This is the second painting I've done of this marvelous building on Vesey Street. Wonderful carved stone figures looking down at the ruckus on the streets below them, year after year after year...

I received a call on Monday morning telling me that my painting has won the "John Collins Memorial Award" for oil How nice!

Two other paintings of mine, "Vesey I" and "45th Street Reflections" are currently on view in an ONLINE exhibition, "Richeson 75: Landscapes and Exteriors". You can see the show at www.richeson75.com. Some really fine work can be seen here and a book has been published of the exhibit as well, which makes this experience expecially nice.

Mostly White - a group exhibition

4 Paintings in this group exhibit

Study for "NY Yacht Club"
Oil on canvas over wood panel
7 x 5 inches

Today I'm sharing a recent, small painting that will be on exhibit at the Franklin 54 Gallery, 181 Christopher Street, NYC from November 1, 2007 through January 6, 2008. The opening reception is on Saturday, November 10, 4-7 pm. The subject of this work, the home of the New York Yacht Club, is a fanciful, seafaring building on 44th Street - they don't build 'em like this anymore!

Boo!

A glimpse of Halloween past

"Halloween"
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 inches

Well, the "Trick or Treat" day is coming up fast and I thought I'd share this painting with you. Rubenstein's was a neat old store that sold all kinds of holiday and party goods. They were housed in a wonderful building on Broadway with lovely detailing on the window trim and facade. As with so many places in the city, they relocated several years ago. Another "lost" bit of NYC. This Halloween-decorated window caught my eye as the sun was shining on the building and casting interesting shadows on the windows. I'm planning on taking some photographs at the annual Halloween Parade on 6th Avenue this year and there might be another "Halloween" painting in my future. Enjoy the holiday!

Oh What a Night

Springsteen and the E Street Band rock the Garden - and I was there!

30 Years!
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 inches

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rolled into NYC last night and I was up on my feet singing and rockin' along with the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. Sitting up in the nosebleed section, behind the stage no less, I was able to see and hear just fine. Another memorable concert for this long-time fan. Heard new songs from the new release and a bunch of old favorites as well, a great mix of music.

When "Born to Run" celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2005, I decided to do a painting, and found these flyers pasted onto scaffolding on Lexington Avenue, in front of the Armory. A little Bruce, a little New York scenery, a fun painting to work on. If you ever have the opportunity to see this great performer live, I guarantee you'll not be disappointed, the man and the band know how to put on an amazing show. So, I thought I'd share this painting with you today while I relive last night's concert - what a show!

Hair today, gone tomorow?

A neighborhood barbershop

"Barbershop"
Oil on canvas panel
5 x 4 inches
Sold

I'm sitting in front of the computer with my hair falling in my eyes, realizing I'm way overdue for a haircut. So, today I thought I'd share a small painting that I did of an old-fashioned barbershop, and I'm happy to see that they are still to be found in the city, amid all of the newer upscale hair "salons". Hair and how it looks is a big topic and a "bad hair day" isn't fun. So, it's nice to know that the old striped barber poles are still twirling.

Thinking pink

CLWAC 111th Annual Exhibit

"Holiday Bait"
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches

Here is a recent painting of Live Bait, a restaurant on 23rd Street. Passing by last winter, I was enchanted by the shimmery, sparkly, pinky holiday-decorated window - it had a good feel. "Holiday Bait" will be on view at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park from October 2-26 in the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 111th Annual Exhibition. A benefit reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be held on Friday, October 12 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The show is open to the public so if you're in this historic neighborhood, stop in. Some trivia - the show is held in the main ballroom, the setting of the dance scene in Martin Scorcese's movie "Age of Innocence".

A Works on Paper Show

A wonderful building on the LES

Eldridge Street Synagogue
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 in.

I did a painting of the Eldridge Street Synagogue several years ago when an extensive rehabilitation project was first begun. The work on the building is nearing completion, and it is truly one of the most beautiful buildings on the Lower East Side. A giclee of this painting is on view as well as several other prints of some of my reflection paintings in a gallery show. The press release is posted below.

For Immediate Release: September 15th, 2007

POWERFUL PAPERS

September 13th – October 25th, 2007

Franklin 54 Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of works on paper by select gallery artists. Paper is an amazing and magical surface – it can be drawn, printed or written on; shred, torn, dunked or wet into a ball of mush. It can have a rough textural or sleek surface to lend to the artist. Whatever its use or the techniques in this show, these artists greatly respect it with their process, completed visual images or the meanings behind them.

Mary Felton’s black and white charcoal drawings grab every tooth on the paper in her bold renderings and variations of the medium; “Order Up” is crisp and clear and 2 new Iris drawings are becoming more abstract with extremes of contrast. Laura Duggan’s pastel portraits grab the paper in a different warm soft way providing an easy balance. Katherine Radcliffe respects her paper in a number of ways, one being she has been an expert marbler for years creating incredibly beautiful designs that draw the viewer in deeper and deeper. These are the backdrops for her new works of acrylic paintings on her hand-marbled paper resulting in heavenly imagery.

Carl Posey’s photograph of rows and rows of tobacco leaves is worthy of any paper and here he has chosen modern technology with a digital archival print from a high resolution for his image. The texture of each leaf shows well here like skin or the linings of a membrane – a still and powerful image. James LoParo adds 2 Poetry Works “Enchantment” and “Transgression” that are a combination of his smooth flowing words embossed on heavy paper and visual constructions that are strong and honest on handsome paper that reflects the show’s title.

Louis Kunsch combines ink and watercolors on paper that transform out of his layering process into wonderful surprises; Sharon Florin’s giclee’s of Fifth Avenue Reflections and the Eldridge Street Synagogue are a print version of her skillful yet varied architectural paintings and Ann Woodward’s collage pieces are intricate incorporating various papers & drawing. Siri Berg gives us 2 of her pulp paintings that bring us back to the beginning – though made through a difficult process, they are monotone and uncomplicated in their finish – they show us the strength of the paper with little embellishment.

The exhibition will be on view through October 25th, 2007
FRANKLIN 54 GALLERY
181 Christopher Street
(between Washington & West Side Highway)
(#1 train to Christopher St/Sheridan Square)
New York, NY 10014
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11-6
212.627.8690 franklin541@verizon.net
www.artnet.com/franklin54.html

A painting in a show

Audobon Artists 65th Annual Exhbition

Holiday at Carmine's"
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 in.

Walking in the theater district on a cold winter's night, I saw this welcoming window of Carmine's Restaurant and the thought of warmth, soft lights and pasta was more than a little inviting. This painting is currently on view at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, through September 28th in a juried exhibition of the Audubon Artists. I will have a number of paintings on exhibit in several juried shows during the next several months and will post them on the blog, so keep checking in!

9/11 Remembered

Six years on

Union Square Memorial #2
Oil on canvas
36 x 30 in.

Hard to believe that six years have passed since the tragic events of 9/11. Like so many New Yorker's, I found myself drawn to the makeshift memorials and the community of mourner's who congregated at Union Square Park in the days and nights following 9/11. As an artist I needed to paint something and found the memorials an expression of what I was feeling. This painting is the second of three that I completed. The events of 9/11 will not be forgotten.

A quiet little spot on 6th Avenue

Behind the gate

"Milligan Place"
Oil on canvas
7 x 5 in.

Amid the noise and traffic on 6th Avenue there is a quiet little mews behind a wrought iron fence. Located in Greenwich Village, so easy to pass by. Looking inside one sees small apartments and flowers and trees, a little oasis indeed and a stark contrast to the big, boxlike, indisguishable buildings going up everywhere these days.

A little winter at the end of summer

Thinking cool thoughts on a hot summer's day

"Central Park Winter"
Photograph
Injet print on archival paper
Unframed size: 6.7 x 10 in.
Framed size: 10 x 14 in.

Today I share a photograph of mine instead of a painting, and here's the scoop. In 2005/2006 I was involved in a digital photography workshop through the Creative Center, where 25 cancer survivors documented survivorship for self-advocacy and social change. A book, "Still Life: Documenting Cancer Suvivorship" was published by Umbrage Books in April, 2007 and an exhibition of selected photographs is traveling to many venues throughout the country. Several of the participants in this project, decided to continue to meet throughout this past year and work on a new photographic theme, the four seasons, and now it's showtime, with over 50 photographs on view!

"The Four Seasons: Documenting a Year"
The Creative Center, Arts in Healthcare and The University Settlement are pleased to announce the inaugural exhibit of the new community gallery space at The Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery, corner of Houston Street. The Four Seasons showcases photography by Creative Center participants, all cancer survivors. Show is open from August 30 - November 19, 2007, daily 9am - 8pm. Opening reception, Thursday, September 20, 6-8pm. For more info www.thecreativecenter.org, 646-465-5313. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

More reflections of the city

Facade on 45th Street

"45th Street Reflections"
Oil on canvas
36 x 24 in.

This new painting features a corner on 5th Avenue and is a favorite of mine due to the wonderful reflections cast on the facade of the building on the northwest corner. The building across the street undulates and abstracts and is just another way of looking at the architecture of the city.

Brruuuccceeee!!!

A magical fall

"Rockin' at the Garden
Oil on canvas
24 x 36 in.

It's offical, Springsteen otherwise known as "The Boss" and the E Street Band will be back in October with a new release, "Magic", and an upcoming tour - wahoo! Ever since I heard the song "New York Serenade" while listening to Alison Steele, "The Nightbird" on WNEW-FM in '75, I've been a fan. Most of my friends aren't though, and some go so far as to turn off the radio when one of his songs air, but I know I'm in good company with the millions of fans out there who love the music as much as I do. A few years back I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see the show that reunited Bruce and the E Street Band at Madison Square Garden, and the concert was subsquently released as "Live In New York". I was up on my feet through most of the show, and it was really a "magical" experience, especially when Bruce dusted off and played "New York Seranade" once again. As a result, I did this painting while listening to the cd and reliving the great musical night that was. Looking forward to October and some new, great, rockin' music - YES!

Oh, those NYC subways!

First the rain, then...

#7 Flushing Line
Oil on canvas
24 x 36 in.

Being a native New Yorker, I love my city and it has provided the inspiration for my paintings. But some days, man oh man. The heavy rains yesterday brought the subway system to a grinding halt and instead of getting to my studio to paint, I spent a hot summer's day indoors with the ac and a good book. Since subways have been on my mind, I thought I'd share this painting of the old "redbirds" of the Flushing Line that were retired several years ago. They first came onboard for the 1964-65 World's Fair and are now acting as landfill somewhere. This was an unusual painting for me in that it is a diptych. While I was going through my photos, these two seemed to fit - one view is of the eastbound train, the other is heading west. This painting is currently on view at Art-O-Mat in Long Island City, a great little artists shop and gallery on Vernon Blvd. Glad the trains are back to normal today, but more rain is predicted so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Tower Records Remembered

Another "lost" NYC icon

"Tower Records"
Oil on canvas
9 x 12 in.

"Tower Records" is a brand spanking new painting. It commemorates the former Tower Records Store on West 4th St. in Greenwich Village, a destination beloved by music lovers in the days before iTunes and downloading.

Summer in LIC

5 Pointz - always changing

Yellow Factory Revisited
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches
Sold

An old yellow factory building not far from my studio has been a haven for graffiti artists for the past several years. Known as "5 Pointz", folks are given a space on the walls to "do their thing". The images stay up for awhile and then are painted over by other artists, so the images are always changing. I did a painting of this building in the 80's when it was just a peeling yellow facade and revisited the same site in the painting last year and painted it again, this time adorned with graffiti. Passed by the building a few days ago and my "painting" image has changed yet again. So like New York, here one day, gone the next.

I Do Windows!

A new painting

Chinatown Window
Oil on canvas
12 x 12 inches

I'd like to share a new painting with you of a reflection in a round window on a wooden Chinatown doorway. Sometimes the most everyday scenes make the most interesting paintings. This painting, as well as several new paintings, can be viewed on my updated website, sharonflorin.com.

The Glorious Fourth

Wishing you a Happy 4th of July

Pozzo-9th Ave.
Oil on canvas
36 x 30 in.

As I walk around the city, I always notice the stars and stripes hanging from poles, on windows, in storefronts and in other places. In this painting, Old Glory was proudly hanging from this fire escape on 9th Avenue during a street fair.

Evening Sparkle

Night in the city

City Night
Oil
3 x 5 in.
Sold

A blanket of bright lights cover the city as far as the eye can see from a point in midtown.

Reflections in Tribeca

Lighting up the street

Franklin Street Reflections
Oil
18 x 24 in.

I'm drawn to stores featuring lighting fixtures - especially those with a lot of sparkle. This shop on Franklin Street intriqued me because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the various lamps in the window, along with the reflections of the building across the street. "Franklin Street Reflections" will be on view at The Butler Institute for American Art this summer in Youngstown, OH.

New York to Ohio

A bit of downtown

Vesey #I
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 in.

A "sentinel in stone" on a building near the World Trade Center on Vesey Street. It is one of two paintings chosen for the 71st Midyear Exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, OH, July 15-August 26.

It's Ninth Avenue Food Festival Time!

May 19-20, 9th Ave., 37-57th Streets

"9th Ave. Food Festival"
Oil on canvas
22 x 26 in.

This painting, done in 1978, changed my approach to my work. When I saw the photo I had taken with my first 35mm camera, I immediately wanted to paint the image - and thus began my process of painting from my photos, which I continue to this day. There have been many paintings inspired by the festival in the years since. The music, the colors, the neighborhood, and of course, the food - a great New York fair.

Monday morning reflections

Great reflections on Madison Avenue


Madison Avenue Reflections #2
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 in.

I've been busy taking photographs for future reflection paintings and thought I'd share one of my favorites with you. This is one of several paintings of mine currently on view at Galleria Modenarte in Boca Raton, FL, infousa@modenarte.com.

Dining in the city

A bite to eat


Manhattan Bistro
Oil on canvas
8 x 12 in.
After attending an art reception where several photographer friends had work on exhibit, I took a 40-block stroll home last night and noticed a lot of people eating out - as usual. Painting New York's restaurants is a subject I never tire of.

Cherry Blossom Time

They are blooming at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

BBG Cherry Walk
Oil on canvas
36 x 30 in.

Cherry blossom time in Brooklyn - an oasis of serenity and beauty in the heart of a bustling city. I wanted to share this older painting with you today as this week-end is the height of the cherry blossom season at the Garden - enjoy!

A Doorway

A little whimsey on 7th Avenue


Seventh Avenue Doorway
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 in.

Passed by this recessed doorway on 7th Avenue and was taken by the playfulness of the architectural details. There are so many hidden treasures in the city and I love coming upon one when I least expect to.

A Library Lion

"Patience"


Library Lion
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 in.
Sold

The New York Public Library is a great pile of stone on Fifth Avenue. The lions that proudly guard the entrance are a real landmark in this town. "Patience" sits proudly watching the countless throngs pass by, day in and day out.

Silent auction continued

One of two paintings in a silent auction at Franklin 54 Gallery


Study in White
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 in.
Sold

A quiet street, sun hitting the side of the building, a lone figure walking by, a study in white. This painting is in the silent auction at Franklin 54 Gallery to benefit the organization Equality Now. Closing reception Thursday, April 26, 6-9 pm. Nice work on display! Contact franklin541@verizon.net

Gone but not forgotten

A little architectual detail



Pandora Arcade
Oil on canvas
11 x 16 in.

Having attended a Broadway show last week-end, I walked around the theater district, marveling at the ever-changing scene. This painting of an architectural detail on a 42nd Street theater is no more. I love finding and painting these details before they're gone, preserving a bit of a lost New York.

A painting in an auction

A month-long exhibition


Jefferson Market #2
Oil on canvas
7 x 5 in.
Sold

This small scale painting of the Jefferson Market building on 10th Street and 6th Avenue is a real standout in the neighborhood. Built in the late 1880's, it is a prime example of High Victorian Gothic architecture and a wonderful building when seen from all angles. A silent art auction is being held at the Franklin 54 Gallery to benefit the organization Equality Now, The exhibit is on view from April 4-26, 2007. For more info e-mail franklin541@verizon.net

April Fool's - Not Really!

Two more small works today.



Looking North
Oil on canvas
8 x 6 in.
Sold


This painting screams New York City with a view of the New York Life tower and the Empire State Building - sans Kong - looking northward from the East 20's.





Sherry Netherland #1
Oil on canvas
7 x 5 in.


Here is an eagle's eye view of the famous Fifth Avenue hotel as viewed from a spectacular vantage point on the west side.

Welcome to my new blog

Enjoy viewing my paintings of New York's urban landscape.



Holiday Met
Oil on canvas panel
5 x 4 in.
Sold


The tower of the Met Life Building on 23rd Street in Manhattan is always lit and is a beautiful highight to the NYC skyline.





Midtown Artist
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 in.


This building, located in the 40's in Manhattan, features wonderful architectural figures on its facade. Being an artist, I was drawn to this view.




Jefferson Market View
Oil on canvas panel
4 x 5 in.
Sold


The vista from this wonderful building on 6th Avenue and 10th Street a rare view of the West Village in Manhattan.