View from Kenmare

View from Kenmare
Oil on canvas
15x30 in.

A new painting fresh off the easel. This is a view from a downtown rooftop on Kenmare Street. Looking north, several of the city's iconic buildings stand majestically dotting the skyline amid the older, smaller scale buildings. This view has changed a bit since I took the photograph that I worked from and I'm sure several towering glass buildings can now be seen from this vantage point.

Holiday Painting Sale 2016

Every year around the holiday season I offer several small works for sale. These six NYC-themed paintings feature subjects ranging from the artist sculpture on the facade of the Cafe des Artistes, The Met Life building at night flooded with white light on Veteran's Day, LIC's Palace Chicken and the L.I.C. Cafe, a beautifully embellished building on 14th Street and a Chinatown view are just a few of the subjects that caught my eye and paintbrush.

All paintings are oils on canvas panels, a 6x6 inch image mounted on an 8x8 inch panel painted brushed silver or gold. The price is $250.00 per painting with discounts for multiple sales. Feel free to email me at sjfstudio@aol.com for more information and payment options.

Hope your holiday season will be peaceful and happy.

Sold

New York Artists Equity Members Invitational

59th Street Bridge Reflections II
Oil on canvas
24x42 inches

I was delighted to be one of 11 artists chosen for the upcoming New York Artists Equity Members Invitational, December 9, 2016-January 14, 2017.

Equity Gallery
245 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002
(between Orchard and Ludlow Streets)
Phone: +1-212-542-0292

The gallery is located on the Lower East Side, not far from Allen Street where my Dad was born. I spent many a Sunday afternoon with my family having lunch at Ratner's and other long gone restaurants, then shopping on Orchard and surrounding streets. Whenever I am in that neighborhood, I'm flooded with so many memories.

One 57th Reflections

One 57th
Oil on canvas
24x24 inches

Just finished this painting of the VERY TALL building on 57th Street, scene of the collapsed crane after Hurricane Sandy fame.

The lower facade of the building sports metal ribbon-like structures which do create some interesting reflective surfaces. One late summer afternoon, as the sun was setting in the west, the metal ribbons caught the golden light which prompted me to grab my camera and take several photos. The older building across the street reflected on the facade was built as an artists building, graced with tall north facing windows.

Once again the new and the old, captured on canvas.

"The Painter Who Puts Tme in its Place"

This article was published today in the Huffington Post blog. The writer, Nancy Ruhling, has extended her scope past Astoria to include Long Island City characters :-).

Sharon Florin stars in “Astoria Characters: The Painter Who Puts Time in its Place.”

http://huff.to/2cYDPr1

Link to article

Among the photos accompanying the article is a painting on my easel that I had just started working on over the summer. The finished painting is of the old Stern Brothers Department store, now a Home Depot, located on 23rd Street off Sixth Avenue, steps away from the bomb explosion last Saturday evening. So many of the buildings and places I've painted have disappeared, glad this was not one of them. Capturing my city as it changes and disappears, either deliberately or due to a random act, has guided my artistic journey.

PS: This will also appear in the print and digital versions of the Long Island City Journal, a free weekly that comes out on Wednesday afternoon/Thursday morning. Link to article.

Bruce in New York/New Jersey 2016

Bruce #1_2016
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

Bruce #2_2016
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

This is a BIG month for Mr. Springsteen - record-breaking concerts, an upcoming article in Vanity Fair, yet another birthday and the long awaited autobiography, "Born To Run". Many people have been forwarding me articles as they know I'm a long-time fan :-).

I've been reading about the 4-hour long concerts in New Jersey opening with New York Serenade, the first Springsteen song I'd ever heard. It was 1975 and I was listening to Allison Steele, the Nightbird on WNEW-FM. I've been a fan ever since.

In honor of all the Bruce news I'm sharing two new paintings that are fresh off the easel, each 8x8 inches, oil on panel. A good friend of mine goes to many concerts in the New York, New Jersey area, and he kindly tells me all about them along with sharing some of his photos. There is really no way to capture the excitement of the live show, a truly amazing experience. I had to content myself with playing the music while painting and I look forward to reading the upcoming book. Long live the man and his music.

SB on 23rd Street

SB on 23rd Street
Oil on canvas
24x24 inches

Just finished this painting of the former Stern Brothers Department store on 23rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Manhattan. The area between 23rd and 14th Streets was known as the "Ladies Miles" once and was the destination for shoppers. A Home Depot now occupies the space.

I was drawn to this subject as it had the wonderful Beaux Arts architectural details I so enjoy along with some really interesting reflections in the beautiful arched windows.

Keep looking up as you walk around the city, you'll never know what you might find.

LIC Palace Chicken

LIC Palace Chicken
Oil on panel
6x6 inches

A new addition to my ongoing LIC series. This small study is of a busy corner in LIC, 21st Street and 44th Road. The train station and bus stops converge here and a school is just down the block. The light in the late afternoon is usually quite dramatic and when I took the photograph I used for this painting the sky was a deep shade of slate blue with bright sunshine bathing the orange exterior of the restaurant. Just a corner.

Chocolate Galor in Times Square

Chocolate Times Square Reflections
Oil on canvas
12x12 inches

A few years ago when cousins were visiting New York, we ended up in the Times Square area more than once. The reflections of the Hershey's Chocolate World store caught my eye and I snapped a photograph. We did stop in and my cousins bought some treats. I thought my photo might make for an interesting painting one day and it finally has.

Growing up there was always a lot of chocolate goodies in my home as my mom had a real sweet tooth. When I visited my grandma in Brooklyn on Saturdays, she always had a box of Hershey's chocolate bars stored in her credenza for me. In high school, I often picked up a box of chocolate covered cherries on my way home. I was a chocolate lover as so many are but I also suffered from migraines. As an adult I learned that chocolate is one of the main triggers for migraines, so sadly, I said good-bye to the sweet stuff and haven't had a bite in years. The headaches subsided as well.

But, chocolate lovers abound and the Hershey's store in Times Square is always crowded and doing a booming business.

My Macy's

Macy's
Oil on canvas
36x48

I was relieved to hear on the radio this morning that a strike at Macy's flagship store on 34th Street and Herald Square had been averted. This is my go to destination whenever I need to shop for clothing and has been for years. Often I go as a "hunter gatherer" as my friend Lois would say, but sometimes with friends for some "retail therapy." It is fun and looking for bargains and using coupons never fails to get me some nice new duds.

This painting is an early one, painted back in 1979. It is the way the main floor looked back then. Soft lighting, crystal chandeliers, floral bouquets, and crowds of shoppers. The crowds haven't disappeared but the main floor went through an extensive renovation not to long ago and is now gleaming, shiny white surfaces with high-end retailers commanding the space. I always head upstairs to the more affordable merchandise and I have to admit that I miss the old look and feel of the store. Glad that some of the original wooden escalators are still in service, a reminder of an older time.

I love this painting and it has been hanging in my home since it was completed. It has never been exhibited, maybe one day it will.

Central Park's Bethesda Fountain (study)

Bethesda Fountain (study)
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD

This new small painting is a scene in Central Park, where it seems everyone who visits the park gathers at one time or another. An oasis in the heart of bustling Manhattan, the park is indeed one of New York's crown jewels.

On another note, a terrific exhibition of contemporary printmakers is now on view at The Old Print Shop on Lexington Avenue and 30th Street. Lot's of New York City scenes are included. Here is a link to the online exhibit.

One last note, last week-end I attended the Alumni Art Exhibit at Adelphi University, my alma mater. Four of my paintings were selected and were installed nicely in the new performing arts building. I hadn't returned since I graduated many moons ago and there were numerous changes to the campus. Two friends joined me and it was an interesting day spent revisiting old haunts and memories.

On 45th Road in LIC

Continuing my exploration and documentation of LIC, I painted this small study of Long Island City resident Jeffrey and his dog Sarah in front of the brownstone they share on 45th Road. So much of LIC is changing and disappearing that I cherish those older buildings that still remain.

Jeffrey is an artist and gallery owner and I've exhibited my work in his various spaces over the years. I thought this painting would be a nice memento of his time spent living in LIC and he agreed.

Jeffrey and Sarah (study)
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD

LIC Open Studio recap 2016

Last week-end's LIC Arts Festival was hectic and fun. I visited several art installations and artist studios. Really enjoyed discovering the Eleventh Street Arts space featuring work of the Grand Central Atelier. Brought back memories of my time spent at the Art Students League. Sunday's open studio event went well despite the cloudy day and it was nice to see friends and collectors along with some new faces. Sold several paintings and a few of my original pillows. Now it's time to get back to work.

A corner in my studio

LIC Open Studio, Sunday May 22nd

Original pillow
Machine pieced

Getting the studio ready for an open studio on Sunday, May 22nd from 12-5pm. In addition to my paintings, I will also have a number of original Queens and LIC-themed pillows available.

LIC Short Triangle
Oil on canvas
15x30 inches

This scene in this painting has changed dramatically since it was created in 2008. So much of LIC has changed and there is no end in sight. I keep on painting the neighborhood where I've had my studio since 1980 as a way to document what is here today that might be gone tomorrow.


For more information on the LIC Arts Open here is a link.

Save the date. LIC Arts Open May 18-22

LIC Gantry III
Oil on canvas
24 x 24 inches

A new painting of the LIC Gantry, looking across the East River towards Manhattan. I had done a small study of this subject some time ago and felt it warranted another look on a larger scale. Iconic LIC. I will have it on view during my upcoming Open Studio event on Sunday, May 22nd from 12-5pm. There will be a whole host of art-related exhibits and events during the festival. In addition, I will also have work on view in a group exhibition nearby, more to come as the date gets closer.

Let me know if you'd like to visit my studio to see where the magic takes place and I'll send you directions.

For more information on the LIC Arts Open here is a link.

The American Radiator Building

Radiator Building Reflections
Oil on canvas
12x9 inches

I've had my eye on the Radiator building, located on 40th Street, facing Bryant Park for years and have taken many photographs of it. A big, gothic-inspired mass with wonderful architectural details. One day I hope to really do justice to this building in paint, but I decided to tackle the reflections of this building onto a nearly glass facade on Sixth Avenue. This small-scale painting packs a lot of punch and might become a larger painting one day.

Crain's article "How to make it as an artist in New York"

I thought this article was worth sharing as there are many insightful observations on life as an artist in New York to be found here. Having been at it for over 40 years, I can attest first-hand to the difficulties faced by those wishing to live the creative life. Making art is not the challenge most artists face, it's the BUSINESS of art, the finding affordable live/work spaces, finding opportunities to exhibit and finally selling the work in order to keep doing it. Ah, the life of an artist.

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20160320/ARTS/160319833/how-to-make-it-as-an-artist-in-new-york

NYC Gone But Not Forgotten

Remembering the Bottom Line
Oil on canvas
24x30 inches
Sold

Ah, the Bottom Line, a wonderful music venue where I saw some amazing performances. Gone. So many sites have disappeared and continue to do so. I've painted many places during my painting career, some I still really miss. In this spirit, a new page has been added to my website of buildings and places that once were and are no longer part of the New York City urban landscape. I've selected a few of my favorite paintings and hope you'll take a look.

Here is a link.
http://sharonflorinart.com/gone-but-not-forgotten.html

Café Des Artistes

Café Des Artistes
Oil on panel
6x6 inches

A small study of the facade of the building that once housed the Café Des Artistes. This building on West 67th Street was designed to house artists with living spaces facing south and studio spaces facing north. Oh, to have affordable buildings like that in Manhattan available to working artists today! The apartments are very pricey these days and I'm pretty sure there are not many artists living in the building as was first envisioned when it was built. The cafe on the ground floor provided meals to the residents and later became an upscale dining spot for the public. Renowned artist Howard Chandler Christy, a resident, painted the murals that hung in the cafe. I did have an opportunity to eat at the cafe during Restaurant Week several years ago, before it closed in 2009.

The facade of the buildings features images of artists, a subject close to my heart.

Kiehl's

Kiehl's on Third Avenue
Oil on canvas
11x14 inches

Just completed this painting of Kiehl's on Third Avenue, a wonderful shop that has been around since 1851. The interior is lit by glittering chandeliers (you might almost imagine yourself in a lighting store on the Bowery) and vintage motorcycles are displayed within. The real draw are the cosmetics and potions that line the shelves and tabletops. A helpful staff in white coats can advise and answer questions and find just the right product for you. I stopped in recently looking for a good hand cream as my fingertips crack in the cold weather and the tube I purchased is helping immensely.

As so many of these small "shops" are disappearing from the New York urban landscape, it is a real pleasure that Kiehl's is still around on their corner of Third Avenue. I caught this scene one evening during the holiday season. The lights from across the street caught my eye and as I am always looking for interesting night scenes, this one fit the bill.

Studio Wall

Various small paintings
Oil on canvas panels
5x5 and 6x6 inch paintings
mounted on 8x8 inch panels

Thought I'd share this installation of small paintings on panels that are currently hanging in my studio. I really enjoy working on these small studies as several eventually become large scale paintings. Mounting them on larger panels makes for a nice display.

A Chinatown View

View from Chinatown
Oil on panel
6x6 inches

A small study to start off the new year. This view is from Mott Street in Chinatown and I was struck, once again, by the juxtaposition between the old tenement and fire escape and the new, in this case, Freedom Tower. Whichever way you turn, the old and the new live side by side in this city.