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.