Union Square Park

Greenery, art, produce, memorials, politics and more...


"Union Square"
Oil on canvas
24 x 24 inches

Something a little different today, a street scene. I recently completed this view of the southern end of Union Square Park, a major hub from 14th to 17th Street. A wonderful farmer's market takes place on the northern end several days a week with the southern end filled with tables and booths of crafts and the like. While I was working on this painting there was some discussion in city government circles about the possible need to limit the amount of street vendors/artists allowed to set up shop in this park as well as in other areas of the city. An ongoing debate. Union Square drew thousands of people together in protest during the Civil War and then again to memorialize and mourn just after 9/11. Back in the bad old 1970's, you were wise to steer clear of Union Square as it was a dirty and dangerous area. Today, the park and the surrounding streets are bustling all the time. I honestly believe that 14th Street between Fourth Avenue and University Place is congestion central. All those NYU students among others. But, it does make for a lively neighborhood to be sure, and I'm glad that Union Square Park has come through the dark times of former years to be a very pleasant place today.

NAWA at NAC

National Association of Women Artists 121st Annual Exhibition

"Flatiron - Bird's Eye View"
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 inches

The National Association of Women Artists is holding their 121st Annual Exhibition at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park and I received a call that my painting has won an award. Always nice to hear. The reception is on Thursday, June 17th, but I stopped in on my way home to check out the show the other day. I'm sorry to say that something went very wrong with this exhibit. Whoever installed this large show should never be allowed to wield a hammer and nails ever again. The work was hung haphazardly, some walls were chock full of paintings with little space between each work, other walls were bare or sparsely covered. No rhyme or reason for pieces hanging next to one another. A real disappointment for the artists in the show. I've been a member of this organization for many years and this is the first time this has ever happened. Artist-run organizations have their ups and downs to be sure, and a lot depends on the leadership and the volunteers involved. NAWA really dropped the ball on this one and I can only hope that things get sorted out by the time the 122nd Annual rolls around next year.

The Wrought Iron of Gramercy

Turn of the century

"Gramercy Park West"
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches

A new painting just off the easel. Work continues on the Gramercy/Flatiron theme for the upcoming October show. Today's scene is of a close-up section of a lovely row of homes on the west side facing Gramercy Park. Nice, decorative wrought ironwork. There is a challenge in painting these architectural details. Just really enjoy the feel of this area of the city. The hectic pace slows a bit when walking the streets around the park.

As for the upcoming show, I met with the two other artists last week and we're busy working on the layout of a small catalogue of the works in the show. Nice work! Emily Trueblood's linocuts and Susan Pyzow's paintings and etchings really capture the neighborhoods. Each of we three artists has her own unique style and it's fascinating to see how we've handled this subject. It was a real treat to see everyone's work and to try to decide how best to place the images. We're meeting again in a few weeks time and I think we're going to have a fantastic exhibit when all is said and done.