Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and New Year

The paints on my palette and I hope to create some beautiful new work in 2012.

For all of the followers of this blog, best wishes for a peaceful, healthy and happy holiday season. May the new year be a good one for us all.

What does "EP" stand for?

"Vesey I"
Oil on canvas
24 x 30 inches

That was the question I had since doing two paintings of the facade of 20 Vesey Street. I posted the question to Tom, writer of the daily blog, A Daytonian in Manhattan. He went into Sherlock Holmes mode and discovered a fascinating history behind the facade of this beautiful, Art Nouveau inspired architectural gem. For all of you architectural historians out there, click on this link to read all about it.


"Vesey II"
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 inches

And the initals EP on the iron work stand for the Evening Post, mystery solved. Thanks Tom for all of the research and an answer to my question.

The LIC Courthouse Studies

The Long Island City Courthouse is a Beaux Arts beauty in Long Island City, NY. Several years ago, I decided to take one building and really explore it from different angles. I painted a series of 5 small studies, oil on canvas panel, 5x5 inches each. I then went on to create 5 larger paintings, 10x10 inches each, oil on canvas.

This week I am offering 4 of the small studies for sale on eBay. If you would like to bid, just click on the links below.

Long Island City Portrait
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320808264359#ht_500wt_1355

Long Island City Tree
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320808260887?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_500wt_1355

Long Island City Roof
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320808258907?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_500wt_1355

Long Island City Flag
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320808262492?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_500wt_1355

Rooms with a view

"Studio View"
Oil on canvas
8x10 inches

In June I saw an exhibit of 19th century paintings, "Rooms With A View", depicting the scenes from artists studio windows. Some of the paintings not only included the outside view, but an interior view as well. That got me to thinking about my studio view, which I've been looking at for many years now, noting the changes through paintings. Last winter, when I glanced out of the window, I was taken with the huge plumes of steam coming from the stacks of "Big Allis", the plant that supplies steam heat to many New York households. My friend's husband works there, and when I noticed the plumes of steam I knew that he was hard at work.

Luckily, my studio view has not changed too much, in spite of the development rampant in LIC over the past ten years. I still have open sky and good light to work by. Sometimes the simple subjects are the most rewarding. Such was the case with this painting.

Artist Beware!

"Ansonia Detail"
Oil on canvas
30x24 inches
Sold

Today's post is a public service announcement of sorts. I chose this painting of a gargoyle head on the Ansonia glaring down at passersby to warn artists and others about art scammers. Many artists, myself included, have received email inquiries about our work with an offer to purchase. The writers often want to pay with a cashiers check, are usually in the process of moving overseas, want to handle shipping/pickup, and on and on. The grammar used in the emails is often suspect as well. I received yet another one this week that sounded legit but wasn't. These folks are getting better and better at what they do, so just be very careful if you receive an inquiry. There are several sites that you can check out, with lists of names that have been used, sample letters/emails that have been received, and tips on how to protect yourself and your artwork. Just google "art scams". We artists work too hard to be taken for a ride.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving holiday. I for one am very thankful for many things, especially for the fact that I am able to come to my studio and paint, paint, paint!

An architectural detail

"A Downtown Detail"
Oil on canvas
14 x 11 inches

Here is a recently completed painting. One day, while walking downtown, I happened to look up and this architectural detail caught my eye. The graceful curves and offset by the columns made for an interesting composition. It just goes to prove that there is beauty all around us, even in the most mundane of settings. The trick is to stop and take notice.

A reception, an award

The American Artists Professional League Exhibition



Yesterday I attended the reception for the American Artists Professional League's 83rd Grand National Exhibition at the venerable Salmagundi Club on Fifth Avenue. With over 200 works of realistic art in the exhibit, there was a lot to take in. What I especially like about this organization is that they award two scholarships to young artists, who were present. Always slightly surprised to realize I am no longer an "emerging" artist.

I find when I view a show like this one, I can go around the room once, twice, even three times, and still miss something. There were some really fine pieces to be seen, and it is always an honor to have a painting accepted. And, very nice to win an award, which my painting, Flatiron Bird's Eye View did accomplish. Surprisingly, the award was not the usual cash prize but two boxes of acrylic paints, even though my work was listed under oil paintings. I will find a worthy artist to take them off my hands, someone who will hopefully make good use of them.

Two gems on 19th Street

"Irving Place Gargoyles"
Oil on canvas panel
6x6 inches

Thought I'd offer these two small paintings on eBay today. They are small studies of the Gramercy Park area. The apartment building on the corner of Irving Place and 19th Street is dotted with marvelous figures and gargoyles, fanciful and charming.



"19th Street Carriage House"
Oil on canvas panel
6x6 inches

The carriage house is a beautiful little building, very unique from it's neighbors and located on the rightly called "Block Beautiful." I remember when this building underwent its restoration and I just love it.

If you would like to bid on "19th Street Carriage House" click this link.

If you would like to bid on "Irving Place Gargoyles" click this link.

These paintings have been sold.

Reflections of Empire

"Empire Reflections II" (study)
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

This new painting is a study for a larger planned piece. Once again, the iconic Empire State Building is my subject of choice in this uncommon view. The top of the the building is reflected and abstracted on the facade of a nearby glass-faced building. I so enjoy coming upon these reflections, yet another way to look at the city.

Right now I'm busy blocking in a number of new paintings that will keep me busy for a few months to come. Several of the new paintings will be reflections, and this will be one of them.

I am offering this painting in an eBay auction. If you would like to bid, click this link.

This painting has been sold.

Court Square Diner

A neighborhood haunt of long standing

"Court Square Diner"
Oil on canvas
8 x 10 inchs

Thought I'd share a new painting of the interior of the Court Square Diner in Long island City. I've been painting diner and restaurant exteriors for years and have recently begun painting a few interiors as well. I have spent a lot of time eating in diners, first as a child growing up in New York with a working mother who rarely cooked a meal, and then as a busy artist with few culinary skills. The atmosphere of diners, the bustle, the shiny surfaces, the huge selection on the oversized menus, the clatter or dishes - music to my ears. Sliding into a booth to share a meal with friends is one of life's great pleasures.

Zig Zagging up Broadway

"Zig Zag Broadway"
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

This small study of a stretch on Broadway was part of a body of work I created of the Gramcery/ Flatiron districts of New York. The building on the left was an early location of Lord & Taylor and there is a lot of architectural history to be found in this location.

I'm offering this painting in an eBay auction. If you would like to bid on this piece, click on this link.

This painting has been SOLD.

A reflection in Long Island City

"Court Square Reflections"
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

Today's painting depicts a reflection in the window of the Court Square Diner in Long Island City. A young man is heading to the #7 train, at the first elevated stop in Queens. I've walked on this street thousands of times but one day the light was shining on the window of the diner and I was taken with the colors and composition. I came back with my camera and took several photos. This is a small study for a larger and more involved painting that I am planning. Still painting the LIC neighborhood as I always seem to find inspiration here.

I am offering this painting on an eBay auction. If you would like to bid, please click this link.

This painting has been sold.

The Players Club

Fabled haunt on Gramercy Park

"The Players Club"
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

A haunt of folks in the arts, the Players Club has a long and illustrious history. Nesteld on 20th Street facing Gramercy Park, it's rooms have seen the likes of well-known figures in the world of theater, art, literature and more. In need of some repair, its faded glory still sits proudly in this historic neighborhood of New York.

This sis the third small painting being offered in an eBay auction. To bid please click this link.

The Paramount of Times Square

"Paramount Reflections II" (study)
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

Here is the second in the group of small paintings that I will be offering on eBay. This painting is of the Paramount Building on 43rd Street and 7th Avenue in the Times Square area. The rooftop clock and globe are a well-known sight. This building has a rich history and the theater hosted many well-known acts over the years. I've painted this building in the past and decided a return visit was in order.

Reflections of buildings in other buildings is an ongoing subject of choice and I'm very happy with this small study. Planning on doing a larger painting in the future.

If you would like to bid on this painting, click here.

This painting has been SOLD.

The Metropolitan Museum

A favorite NYC haunt

"Saturday Met"
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches

I have been working on a number of small-scale paintings over the past few months and will be offering a some of them on eBay auctions in the coming weeks.Curious to see what results, if any, occur and I hope you'll take a look.

Today's painting is a small study of the interior of one of my favorite places, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was looking down on the main lobby which was alive with people and color. This small study might become a larger painting at some point.

If you would like to bid on this painting, click this link.

10th Anniversary of 9/11

One week and fast approaching...


"Union Square Memorial #1"
Oil on canvas
24 x 36 inches

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 fast approaching, the work of artists who created work will be on view in many venues, big and small. Here are just a few with links for more information.

My 3 memorial paintings of 9/11 will be on view in a comprehensive exhibition hosted by the University of Pennsylvania at Berks in Reading, PA. The Freyberger Gallery, the Yocoum Institute of Arts Education and the Jewish Federation of Reading will each have one of these artworks. The 40 artists selected work in a variety of mediums and the exhibition is sure to evoke many memories and feelings about that fateful event. Here is a link for some more info.


9/11 Memorial Block for "Embodied Light: 9-11 in 2011" at the Educational Alliance, Sept. 9 - Nov. 23, 2011.

Another exhibition of interest created by my studio mate and friend Tobi Kahn is Embodied Light: 9-11 in 2011 at the Educational Alliance in downtown Manhattan, not far from Ground Zero. Tobi has created a sculptural installation of memorial lamps, shrines, a floor installation and charity boxes. In addition he handed out 220 blocks to people that he knew - artists, writers, friends and others - and asked them to share their memories of 9/11. These 220 blocks, a block for each of the 110 floors in the two buildings, create a powerful statement. I watched as they arrived at the studio and was fascinated by their variety and feeling. When I was given my block I knew I wanted to honor the memory of artist Andy Jurinko, who passed away this year. His loft on Cedar Street was in the closest residential building to the Twin Towers and pieces of the planes landed in his home. He and his wife Pat escaped and spent months reclaiming their home, dressed in hazmat suits and exposed to lord knows what. The blocks will be moved around and stacked, constantly changing by those who view them. A book accompanies the exhibition and a Facebook page has been created where you can see more of the blocks at the Embodied Light page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Embodied-Light-9-11-in-2011/225177864182820

My friend and fellow artist Donna Levinstone's powerful pastel work created in the aftermath of 9/11 is featured in BORO Magazine. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Embodied-Light-9-11-in-2011/225177864182820

This upcoming week will be a week of media deluge of the events and aftermath of 9/11. Some New Yorker's are fleeing town, not wanting to be here on the anniversary. I want to be here, the city of my birth, to remember and reflect on this unforgettable event in my city's history.

Up on the roof in LIC

Clouds galore

"LIC Rooftop 2011"
Oil on canvas
9 x 12 inches

Every so often I head up to the roof of the studio to check out the change in the landscape in Long Island City. When I first arrived in 1980 I had a clear view to the East River and the skyscrapers of Manhattan. With all the development in the intervening years, I now see only glimpses of that view, in between the condos and rentals that now dot the waterside. If you look closely a bit of the U.N. building is visible. Work is being done on the facade now and it's interesting to watch the progress. I loved the sky the day I took this photo and hurried up to the roof with my camera. This painting is the result.

The streets radiating away from the river still retain many of the small scale homes and commercial and manufacturing buildings the neighborhood is known for. Every so often though, in the middle of a block, a new 3 or 4 story building has sprung up. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright believed a building should fit seamlessly in with the environment surrounding it. With the exception of the Guggenheim Museum, I think he followed that credo with magnificent results. Can't say that is what is happening in Long Island City these days though.

Union Square in cooler climes

Snowy thoughts on a summer's day

"Union Square Snow"
Oil on linen
14 x 11 inches

It is a hot, sultry and steamy summer's day in the baked apple so I thought I'd share this "cool" painting with you. It is a new one, recently off the easel. I was looking north from 14th Street. The iconic towers of the Met Life building and Empire State building can be seen in the distance, along with the charming 17th Street Barnes & Noble building. The dark tower on 23rd Street is new construction that has run into some trouble and is sitting vacant, its future uncertain in these uncertain times.

In the foreground is Union Square Park, decked out in inches of snowfall. Lot's of folks out enjoying the winter wonderland. I have to admit, I'd much prefer being bundled up and traipsing through a snowy park today instead of swealtering in the summer's heat and humidity. But, winter will come soon enough and then I know I'll be wishing for warmer days.

Stay cool, wherever you are.

The art of the self-portrait

Self-Portrait
Oil on canvas
6x6 inches
2011
I've been working on small-scaled paintings this summer that are very detailed. Having finished one recently, I couldn't just jump into the next one so I took a break and headed over to one of New York's greatest treasures, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Spending an afternoon strolling through the galleries, I revisited some of my favorite paintings. One artist's work I wanted to see more than anything was Rembrandt's self-portraits. I don't know what it is, but his work takes my breath away. There is such soul in his work, aside from his mastery of paint, brush and light. When I got back to the studio the next day, I set up a small panel and mirror on my easel and once again attempted a self-portrait.

I have used myself as a subject, as many artists have, with varying degrees of success. This painting was the result and I think I did manage to capture a likeness. I admire those who paint portraits and although I attempt them every now and again, I am by no means a portrait painter. After finishing this piece I thought it would be interesting to pull out some older self-portraits, just to see how they have changed over the years.



Self-Portrait
Oil on canvas
2006
I think this is my favorite of the self-portraits I've done. Being fascinated with reflections I captured my reflection in a window display on Madison Avenue. I like the abstraction, yet this is me, artist with camera.



Self-Portrait
Oil on canvas
1980's
Traveling back to the 1980's, this self-portrait is done in the style of my Art Student League days. I studied with several instructors over the years, and David Leffel's class was the last one I attended. He was a student of Frank Mason, and the approach was classical, the light hitting the side of the face. Now you can see why I admire Rembrandt? He WAS the master of chiaroscuro painting, that capturing of light and dark and creating the feel of three dimensions with paint.


Self-Portrait
Oil on canvas
Early 1970's
This last painting was done in the early 1970's while in college. An early attempt at self-portrait. I've come a long way since then. I know I have digressed from this blog's main subject, so now back to painting portraits of New York!

Storytime - recap of the show at Gallery 705

Back from the Poconos. Gallery 705 is a terrific space in which to exhibit and Ed Evans installed the work on the various walls wonderfully well. It was pretty hot up in the mountains as well as everywhere else which might account for the small reception turnout, but those who did brave the heat and come by were an interesting assortment of people.

One woman has traveled the world and had tales to tell. Another woman described herself as an "art groupie" and was friends with such artists as Robert Motherwell, Mark Rothko, Phillip Guston and others. Visitors shared their memories of New York with me, and as that is my subject matter I loved hearing their recollections. The most interesting question I was asked was by a young man who shyly came forward and asked if my paintings were always so "optimistic." I had to stop and think about that one for a minute and had to agree that they did exude a feeling of optimism. Perhaps it is because of my use of color? My subject matter? The composition? Or perhaps it was just the overall feel of the paintings. One woman said they just made her happy. I liked that young man's observation very much.



When viewing one of the restaurant paintings, one woman asked "but did I paint Pete's Tavern?" Well I surely did and brought her over to see the painting which brought back a lot of memories for her.



Thanks again to Connie and Ed Evans for hosting the reception and exhibiting my work in their gallery. A blurb and photo appeared in the Weekend section of the Pocono Record. Here's the link.

"New York Reflections" opens July 23rd

Heading to the mountains

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

Today is a steamy summer day and my paintings are being picked up and heading for Gallery 705 in the Poconos later this afternoon. This painting of a Gramercy Park townhouse stoop on 20th Street in the snow might be an image to help cool things down. I've chosen a variety of work for this show - reflection paintings, LIC paintings, Gramercy Park paintings and assorted others. It's nice to have the opportunity to "curate" this exhibit.



"A Guy, A Beer, A Juke"
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 inches

I thought it would be interesting to include some older paintings and this one, in particular, brings back a whiff of old New York. This gent was sitting in a bar on Mulberry Street, sipping a beer and listening to the songs on the jukebox in this pressed-tin hangout in what is left of Little Italy. An image reminiscent of an older time, although I know that there still exist many of these types of neighborhood hangouts all around town. You just have to keep your eyes open.

If you find yourself in the Poconos, stop in to meet Ed and Connie Evans and see the show. The reception is Saturday, July 23rd from 4-7 pm and I will be there along with some family and friends. Hopefully things will be a bit cooler in the mountains than they are in the city.

For information on Gallery 705, here is a link.

A Summer Solo Show

Art in the mountains of Pennsylvania

"Puck Building" study
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches

Last summer some of my paintings left steamy NYC for the lovely island of Martha's Vineyard for an exhibition. This summer 30 of my small to mid-sized paintings will be heading to the Pocono mountains in Pennsylvania. I've been invited to exibit at Gallery 705, an intimate and inviting gallery in Stroudsburg. When choosing the work for the show I decided the space lent itself well to my smaller-scaled paintings so I selected a nice range of work from recent pieces to several older ones. This study of the Puck Building on the corner of Lafayette and Houston Streets is in the show of streetscapes, architectural details and reflection paintings.


"Madison Reflections II"
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 inches

For more information about the gallery, here is a link

I plan to spend the summer trying to keep my cool and to keep on painting.

The Butler Institute of American Art

75th National Midyear Exhibition 2011

"Scheffel Hall"
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 inches

My painting of Scheffel Hall, a wonderful building on 17th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan is currently on view in this annual exhibition in Youngstown, OH. Curated by artist Gary T. Erbe, the show runs from June 26 - August 28. A museum dedicated to American art, it is always an honor to be accepted into the annual exhibit.

This building has been a favorite of architecture buffs (and me) for quite awhile and I finally did a painting. A google search will lead you to the history of this site. It was designated a NYC landmark, thankfully, and stands out from all the rest.

If you're strolling in the neighborhood one day, look up and and enjoy the view.

Up on the Roof on Fifth

"Fifth Avenue Rooftop"
Oil on canvas
8 x 10 inches

I always love the opportunity to find some great rooftop views whenever the chance arises. During an Open House New York week-end a few years ago, I found myself up on the roof of an architect's office on Fifth Avenue somewhere in the '20's. The city looks so different high up off the street and so many things can be seen that are otherwise invisible. This new painting is the result of an afternoon spent exploring on high.

Here is a view contrasting the old with the new - an ongoing theme in my work. The ornate dome in the foreground and the classical frieze on a near-by building stand against the backdrop of new, glassy and somewhat bland office and condo towers. Throw in a few water towers, a factory and some brickwork and there you have it, my kind of New York scene.

The Original West Village

Book-signing event

"Exploring the Original West Village"
by Alfred Pommer and
Eleanor Winters
Published by The History Press, Charleston, SC
Cover image, "Abingdon Square" oil painting by Leendert van der Pool

Last fall, during the "Triple Play" exhibit of which I was a part, New York City Licensed Tour Guide Alfred Pommer, www.nycwalk.com, spent several hours on a Saturday afternoon conducting a "walking tour" of sorts in the gallery, using the paintings and prints to highlight his talk. He has been exploring the city and leading walking tours focusing on history and architecture for over 20 years. Now Alfred is a published author as well. Collaborating with the artist Eleanor Winters, www.eleanorwinters.com, a delightful new book has just arrived hot off the presses, focusing on the West Village. I have begun reading my copy and it's been a wonderful journey through a neighborhood I'd passed through many times, but am now learning so much about. Lots of interesting facts about the buildings and the people who have lived there can be found within the pages, along with photographs and maps. For those of you interested in NYC history and architecture, this will be a terrific addition to your reading list.

The book will be available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble and several upcoming events are being planned around town.

The first of these events takes place this Thursday, June 23rd from 6-9 pm, where there will be a book-signing by the authors at the Franklin 54 Gallery, 526 West 26th Street, #403, in Chelsea.


"The White Restaurant"
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches

Artwork by several artists will adorn the walls of the gallery for the event, including my painting of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame restaurant on Hudson Street. For more info, contact the gallery at 917-821-0753.

The passing of two of my favorite artists

Paying my respects


I received a phone call this morning informing me that my friend and fellow artist, Louis Kunsch, had passed away. Lou was the first artist that I met when I found my studio in Long Island City in May of 1980. I had come by to check out the space on a Saturday morning and Lou had the first of five studios making up the space and was the only one working on the week-end. He showed me around and we chatted awhile. I met the other artists later that week and was given the ok to rent the studio I had seen (and I believe that Lou gave me a thumbs up which led to the other's approval).

As I had to pass through Lou's space to get to my own I was always intrigued to see what he was working on. Here was an eclectic artist, always exploring many different forms and media. I loved his very classical still life paintings of fruits and vegetables (I own two paintings) along with his large oils of fantastic imagery. Lou often used found objects creating sculptures, did some printmaking and in his later years explored ink and watercolor collage abstract pieces.


IW 1035
Ink and Watercolor on paper
©Louis Kunsch

Eventually, Lou moved to another, much larger studio space in LIC, and we continued to keep in touch over the years. As a long-time employee at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lou worked in a number of departments over the years. On Mondays, when the museum is closed, employees can invite guests in to see the exhibits and I was very happy to be invited by Lou to see some of the big blockbuster shows when there weren't hundreds of people standing between me and the artwork. A rare treat indeed. He was also one of the early artists with a studio space, in a bathroom, in P.S. 1 in the 1970's. He lived a long and varied life as an artist and worked as long as he was able. Although he did have several exhibitions over the years, Lou did not receive the attention he richly deserved for his work and now that he is gone, it is uncertain what will happen to the studio full of artwork that remains.

Another artist passed away on June 4th, one who was widely acclaimed in his lifetime. The New York Times ran an article on Sunday that the artist Claudio Bravo had died. An AMAZING artist whose hyperrealism left me in awe. I made it a point to see his exhibitions at the Marlborough Gallery whenever his work was on view in New York. If you are not familiar with his work, definitely check it out. A masterful and powerful painter.

Two artists, passing away in their '70's, one renowned, one obscure. Claudio Bravo's work will live on as it should, for future generations to admire and enjoy. What will happen to Lou's art is anyone's guess.

Afternoon at the Gramercy Diner

"Afternoon at the Gramercy Diner"
Oil on canvas
8 x 10 inches

An ongoing project that I am working on with several other artists is capturing interiors and exteriors of diners and restaurants that we've eaten in over the years. Eventually, we will gather our work together and find a place to have an exhibit. So, in the spirit of the project, I have painted an interior as a change of pace from my usual exterior views. The Gramercy Diner, located on 17th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan is your usual place, with a huge menu featuring everything and then some. I found myself here with two friends one mid-afternoon last winter. It had just snowed heavily and we decided to meet up and explore the neighborhood with our cameras. But first, of course, we had to be those "ladies who lunch." It was mid-afternoon and the place wasn't too busy, with a lone customer sitting at the counter. The ceiling of this diner is painted to evoke the sky and there are all kinds of lights and reflections bouncing off the various surfaces.

Since one cannot walk a block in many neighborhoods of Manhattan without encountering one eatery or another this theme will lend itself to countless ideas for paintings to come. And hopefully a few good meals too.

The Court Square Diner all shiny and bright

"Court Square Diner Reflections"
Oil on canvas
6 x 6 inches

A long-established Long Island City spot, the Court Square Diner, went through a big renovation a few years back, keeping up with all of the development and face-lifting the old neighborhood is undergoing. My eye caught the reflections of some of the older buildings on 45th Road bouncing off the shiny windows, surrounded by chrome accents. This is a recent small painting. I've been working on a smaller scale for the past few months for a variety of reasons, but this is one painting I'm thinking of working up into a larger piece at some point. Not all reflections become abstract but they do become reversed which I find fascinating. The interior of the diner is all shiny and new too, and I'm thinking of painting an interior scene of this place in the future. Now that the summer season has unofficially kicked off, and the natural light in the studio keeps me painting later, I'm hoping to turn out some good work in the next few months.

Kids Art Rocks! And So Does Bob Dylan-Happy 70th Birthday

"LIC/P.S. 78 Wall"
Oil on canvas
6 x 6 inches

I have been invited several times by Erica, the art teacher at P.S. 78, to speak to her art class about what it is like to be a working artist, and having a studio in Long Island City. I've enjoyed my visits immensely, as the kids were really interested and had lots of good questions. They even asked me to autograph their sketch pads.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending Erica and Mike's wedding. When I first received the invite, I decided to do this painting as a wedding gift. This wall blocks some of the construction that is currently taking place along the waterfront and is the work of kids in Erica's art classes. The skyscrapers of the east side of Manhattan loom across the river on this tranquil and pleasant area. The wedding was a blast.

On another note, I can't let the day go by without saying "Happy Birthday Bob Dylan!" I remember the day when I first heard his music. I was a kid visiting my friend when her mom came home carrying his first album. "Girls, you HAVE to listen to this!" She put the record on the turntable and a nasal voice twanged out. EEWWWW, was my first response on hearing Dylan's singing. That soon changed though, and I've been an avid listener and fan for oh so many years now. His music has always been on my turntable, on my cassette player, on my radio and on my cd's and many of the paintings you have seen posted on this blog were painted while listening to his songs. I have WAY too many favorites to list here, but one of the opening lines I really like is "...she's got everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look back...".

My Open Studio

LIC Arts Open May 14-22

Photo of a corner of my studio

The LIC Arts Open is well underway. I attended several events on Saturday and Sunday. Of special interest: Photographs by noted photographer Tony Vaccaro of Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and others (loved the b&w of a young Leonard Cohen) on view at Matted on Vernon Blvd. Stopped in to Krypton Neon LLC on 47th Avenue to see Kenny Greenberg and the neon signs and objects he restores and creates. This upcoming Sunday, Kenny will be doing demonstrations throughout the day. Also enjoyed the exhibit W&G: Heads and Grids by husband and wife team William Garrett and Beth Williams at Ten10Studios. That exhibit was a short one and will be replaced by a new photography exhibit in time for the Open Studios week-end, May 21 and 22. Also popped in to the real estate office of Modern Spaces on Vernon Blvd. to see the photo exhibit on view there.

Of course, the highlight of the week-end was attending the opening reception for the group exhibition "Made In Long Island City" where I am represented by 5 of my LIC-themed paintings. Friends and collectors stopped by and I had the opportunity to meet a number of folks who enjoyed my take on the neighborhood. Capped the evening off with a nice dinner at Manducati's restaurant, one of the older established eatery's in LIC.

Next week-end is the big one, with over 250 artists opening their studios to the public. After some thought, I've decided to open my studio on Sunday, May 22nd from 12-4pm as well. For more information on the LIC Arts Open and the open studios here is a link

"Made in Long Island City" Group Exhibition Opening Sunday, May 15, 2-7 pm

LIC artists strut their stuff

I will be one of 13 artists participating in this group exhibition at the Jeffrey Leder Gallery in Long Island City. The art on the walls will be far-ranging, chosen to display the diversity of the artistic community working in this neighborhood. I delivered several of my LIC-themed paintings last week and a bunch of them will be on view. I'm looking forward to seeing the other artists represented in this exhibit, paintings, drawings, sculpture, mosiac, the whole shebang.



It is a busy time in the nabe as the LIC Arts Open will be taking place from May 14th-May 22nd. If you'd like to find out more of what is being planned check out this link. Lots of art, with an open studios event the week-end of May 21-22. Two of my artist friends, Elinore Schnurr and Donna Levinstone will be participating and their work is wonderful, so if you do decide visit some artist studios, definitely put them on your list. I'm considering opening my studio for a few hours on Sunday, May 22nd. If you would like to stop by, just send me an email and I'll give you more info on the when, where and how to get there.

The East Village

Another changing neighborhood

"13th Street"
Oil on canvas
48 x 36 inches
Sold

This rainy morning found me heading over to Utrecht to pick up some art supplies. I headed south on 2nd Avenue and turned up 13th Street. I passed by a building that I had been commissioned to paint back in the rock 'n roll '80's by a collector who was in real estate and owned this apartment building. As I passed by I noticed that the site is still very much as it was back then, the only difference being that several new stores occupy the commercial spaces on the street level. With so many changes in the city over the years, I'm glad to see some buildings standing just as they were when I painted them.


"2nd Avenue"
Oil on canvas
24 x 30 inches
Sold

2nd Avenue in the East Village has gone through many changes over the years. So many great places, lot's of mom and pop stores to be found. The 2nd Avenue Deli, Love Saves the Day and Kiev, a restaurant profiled in Jeremiah's Vanishing New York blog, were personal favorites and I miss them. Here is a painting I did in the early '80's. A little nostalgia on a rainy Wednesday in May.

Professional Artist Magazine, May 2011

"Alwyn Court"
Oil on canvas
30 x 36 inches

The May issue of Professional Artist magazine contains an article "Alternative Spaces in Manhattan," pp. 22-25, by Renée Phillips. Among the venues discussed is the Durst Corporation's lobby spaces. I had an exhibit in one of their buildings several years ago and it was a wonderful experience.


"59th Street Bridge Reflections"
Oil on canvas
36 x 30 inches
Sold

The article mentions my show as well reproductions of two of the paintings that appeared in the exhibit. I was delighted to receive a call from an artist friend telling me she had gotten the magazine and lo and behold, there were my paintings. Nice publicity and I'll be curious to see if anyone gets in touch with me as a result of the article. You never know.