Hudson Yards A'Building

 

Hudson Yards Ironworkers
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on
8x8 inch panel
SOLD

One of the small studies in my end of year sale that has headed to its new home. Hudson Yards which I see daily is still a construction zone, rising on Manhattan's west side. Lots of cranes, ironworkers and general hubbub in the area. A friend whose windows face the Yards consider these new buildings her urban mountain range and marvels at how much the scene keeps changing as each new building rises. With the advent of Covid, the tourists and visitors have pretty much disappeared and the high-end retail isn't doing much business these days. It remains to be seen what the future holds for this major real estate development project in the months and years to come.

 

End of Year Small Works Sale

 

For a larger view of each painting visit small works page on my website http://sharonflorinart.com/small-works.html

 

What a year it has been! Living through the triple whammy of the Covid pandemic, never-ending election coverage and the economy roller coaster has definitely been a challenge. How to survive as an artist? When New York City locked down last March, I had no art supplies at home so spent a good amount of time firing up the sewing machine and working on quilting and fiber art projects. 

 

In addition, with the help of my friend Sandy, I created the book, Sharon Florin’s New York-A Retrospective, highlighting several paintings from each of the 40 years I’ve been working in my LIC studio. The book is $25.00 which includes shipping and a limited amount of copies are still available.

 

When NYC began to slowly open up again, I purchased a small tabletop easel and art supplies to keep on hand at home and have since created many small “kitchen table” paintings, often working on the week-end as I’ve been able to get back to my studio most days. This has been a year of working small.

 

The oil on panels are 6x6 and 8x8 inches. The 6x6 inch paintings are mounted on 8x8 inch panels and are easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or can be displayed on a small stand or easel.

 

These small studies are affordably priced at $225.00 - $400.00 which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. Payment can be made by check or PayPal. Please feel free to contact me for information on availability and pricing of this new selection of small works.

 

As we’re nearing the end of this truly unforgettable year I want to thank all those who’ve purchased a copy of my book and/or added a “Florin” to their collections. Your support during this turbulent year has been so gratifying and very much appreciated.I would so love to find good homes for them.

 

 

 

 

 

City Cherubs

 

Cherubs Uptown
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
mounted on an 8x8 inch panel
SOLD

Another small study of some wonderful architectural details - cherubs, rams heads, aristocratic ladies, etc. Always enjoy the finding these gems on the facades of the older buildings in the city.

This painting will be included in an end of year small works sale, info to be posted soon. During this age of Covid, I've been working on these small studies with plans to one day paint larger paintings of some of these subjects.

Sylvan Terrace

 

Sylvan Terrace Study
Oil on 6x6 inch panel
mounted on an 8x8 inch panel

Up in Washington Heights I stumbled upon Sylvan Terrace - a mews right out of the 1800's while exploring Harlem and Washington Heights with a friend on a sunny Saturday. Colorful green wooden shutters, hobbit sized street level doors, old street lamps, a cobblestone street. So unexpected to see this charming relic from an earlier time in New York City architecture.

MoMA P.S. 1 Afternoon Sunlight

 

MoMA P.S. 1 Afternoon Sunlight
Oil on panel
6x6 inches

Today is dreary, gray and rainy so I'm posting a bright painting - a small study of sunlight hitting the side of an old building in Long Island City, MoMA P.S. 1. This former school - the first public school in Queens, NY - became an art institution in the 1970's. The museum is currently a venue for MoMA's new and cutting edge exhibitions and the former classrooms have become artists studios for international artists. I pass by this building daily and in the late afternoon the sunlight hits the old red brick creating a glowing, warm and beautiful building facade. 

The Artist and Selfie Painting Competition 2020

 

Tobi Painting
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD

Something a little different today. I decided to enter this competition and created a new painting of Tobi Kahn, one of the hardest working artists I know, painting in his NY studio. This competition is primarily geared to academic realism, not exactly how I paint, but decided to give it a whirl. Looking forward to seeing the entries submitted, especially the People's Choice section.
#artcall

A Chelsea Rainbow

 

A Chelsea Rainbow
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on an 8x8 inch panel

There were some mighty rainstorms this past summer resulting in beautiful rainbows across the city. Looked out my window as the sky was clearing after one and saw a beautiful sight. Grabbed my phone, took a photo, set up the small easel on the kitchen table and proceeded to paint this small study.

Audobon Ballroom Terracotta

 

Audobon Ballroom Terracotta
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD

One summer day pre-Covid, my friend Debbie and I went on an art stroll in Harlem and Washington Heights. All of a sudden I spotted this facade from across the street on Broadway and West 165th Street. Wow, what a fabulous facade. I hurried across to the island on the middle of Broadway and started taking photos of the building from all different angles. Just love coming upon these architectural details and this terracotta beauty is spectacular. Decided to do a painting and here is the result, another in my "kitchen table series of small works". A LOT of detail on a small scale panel. So happy the building was not torn down but restored and is still in use today.

The Audobon Ballroom was built in 1912 by Thomas W. Lamb as a theater. Here is some information about the building from Wikipedia.

Architect Thomas Lamb, who later would design the nearby eclectic United Palace, was an advocate of the use of ornamentation and color on his building's exteriors. He would write: ""Exotic ornaments, colors and scenes are particularly effective in creating an atmosphere in which the mind is free to frolic and becomes receptive to entertainment."^[10] In line with this philosophy, the facade of the Audubon Ballroom presents terra-cotta glazed polychromy, encrustations and cornices.^[11] Its ornamentations include brown foxes between the windows on the second floor, intended to flatter Fox,^[3] and, most prominently, a colorful protruding three-dimensional statue of Neptune on a ship.^[1]

Alterations to the building in 1996 were made by the architecture firm of Davis Brody Bond, who also designed Columbia University's new building, while the restoration of the facade was handled by preservation specialist Jan Hird Pokorny.^[11] 

Chrysler Reflections Revisited

 

Chrysler Reflections Revisited
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD

The Chrysler Building is truly a one of a kind architectural gem and I never tire of finding new vantage points of viewing and painting this NYC treasure. This view is from 42nd Street, west of the building. There is nothing else like the crown that adorns this always recognizable and beloved building. One day this small study might become the basis for a larger painting.

Two for the Oculus

 

"Two for the Oculus"
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
mounted on an 8x8 inch panel

The Occulus located in downtown Manhattan is a a very unusual building, unlike the architecture surrounding it. Reminds me of a bird about to take flight. The interior is light filled and is part of the memorial to 9/11. So much of lower Manhattan has been reimagined and rebuilt since the tragic events that took place 19 years ago this coming Friday, hard to believe and still a painful memory.

I saw these two people having a quiet conversation on the outside of the building on a sunny afternoon and thought this might be a good subject for a small painting.

Here is photo of the Occulus looking head on.

LIC's Lost Union Hall

 

LIC's Lost Union Hall
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD

Recently completed this small study of a former Union Hall located in Long Island City. I always admired the beautiful brickwork and terracotta detailing. When a developer bought this property and was about to tear it down to make way for new construction a number of neighborhood people protested, hoping to save this lovely historic building but it was not to be. It was sad to see the ram's heads stripped from the facade during the demolition. A shiny new glass building now stands on the site. Another piece of a lost New York.

Hot off the presses: Sharon Florin's New York: a retrospective

 

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of my studio space in Long Island City, Queens, I had planned several celebratory events which have been put on hold, postponed until sometime next year.

Happily, one of the projects, Sharon Florin’s New York: a retrospective, has been completed. This 48-page softcover book contains a selection of over 100 paintings, year by year, with photos of the studio and works in progress. Subjects include street scenes and cityscapes, NYC architectural treasures and details, the ongoing reflections series and scenes of Long Island City. The cost is $25.00 payable by check or PayPal. If you would like a copy, please email sjfstudio@aol.com and we'll work out the details.

The Always Majestic Flatiron Building

 The Flatiron (study)
Oil panel
8x8 inches
SOLD

This small study is currently on my tabletop easel. Never tire of painting some of New York's iconic buildings and the Flatiron is a real favorite, one of the city's  first skyscrapers.  I highly recommend a wonderful book, The Flatiron: The New York Landmark and the Incomparable City That Rose With It by Alice Sparberg Alexiou if you are interested in reading about the making and the history of the Flatiron building.

 

A rainbow on the Upper West Side

Upper West Side Rainbow

Oil on panel

6x6 inches
SOLD

There have been some strong thunderstorms rumbling through NYC this summer. A friend on the Upper West Side shared his photo with me of a beautiful rainbow over the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This study might become a larger painting one day but for now, this is my year of working small, often at my kitchen table.

Midnight Blue ESB

Midnight Blue ESB
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD

Life these past months have been far from the usual routine. On the days I am unable to get to my studio, I've set up a small easel on my kitchen table and have been working on small scale paintings. This painting, the Empire State Building, standing majestically against a midnight blue sky, is the first of the "kitchen table series" that I'll probably be working on until the day the Covid pandemic is under control and traveling on the subway becomes part of my regular routine once more. To get to LIC, I've been walking several miles to and from the ferry on the East River. Getting some exercise and it is great to be able to get to the studio on the days that the weather cooperates. Not always the case during these hazy, hot, humid and thunderstorm filled summer days. Taking it day to day which is all any of us can do. Where there is a will, there is a way, and so far, this solution seems to be working. Stay safe and well and wear those masks and social distance. It seems that is the best we can do during this very unprecedented and difficult time in our history.

Final Round 40th Studio Anniversary Small Works Sale

Here is the 5th and final installment of the May 40th Studio Anniversary Small Works Sale. It continues to be great hearing from so many of you and watching these small works finding new homes.

I’ve saved these last three paintings of the Long Island City Courthouse to close out this studio anniversary sale. Walking by this elegant Beaux Arts beauty - red brick, copper roofed and architecturally embellished building for the past 40 years, I’ve found it a compelling subject to paint more than once and revisited this subject last year, painting the reflection of the courthouse in the many new glass facades that now surround it. Each 5x5-inch oil painting is mounted on an 8x8 inch panel and is specially priced at $225.00, which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. These three hang beautifully as a triptych and the special purchase price for all three is $475.00 Easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or can be displayed on a small stand. Payment can be made by check or PayPal to sjfstudio@aol.com.

As we’ve reached the end of this special May sale I want to thank all those who’ve added a “Florin” to their collections and hope you’ll consider adding one to yours. Feel free to contact me for more information.

LIC Courthouse Roof Study

LIC Portrait Study

LIC Tree

LIC Courthouse Reflections
SOLD

Round 4 - 40th Studio Anniversary Small Works Sale

Here is the 4th installment of the May 40th Studio Anniversary Small Works Sale. It continues to be great hearing from so many of you and watching these small works finding new homes.

Today’s 3 small-scale paintings feature a sunny streetscape in Chelsea, a now gone downtown site that featured sales of rescued ornate architectural details and the terracotta façade of the former Child’s restaurant on the Coney Island boardwalk. Each 6x6-inch oil painting is mounted on an 8x8 inch panel and is specially priced at $225.00, which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. Easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or can be displayed on a small stand. Payment can be made by check or PayPal to sjfstudio@aol.com.

This is the next to last mailing during the May sale. I hope you’ll consider adding one or more to your collection. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, support and sales!

In the Pink in Chelsea
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel
SOLD

Downtown Relics
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel

Coney Island Child's
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel

Round 3 - 40th Studio Anniversary Sale

The May 40th Studio Anniversary Small Works Sale continues. It has been wonderful hearing from many of you. Thanks so much for taking the time to read these mailings and keeping in touch, so welcome while sheltering in place during these uncertain times.

Today’s 3 small-scale paintings feature an ornate building façade on 14th Street, a CCNY Gargoyle and another LIC-themed painting. Each 6x6-inch oil painting is mounted on an 8x8 inch panel and is specially priced at $225.00, which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. Easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or can be displayed on a small stand. Payment can be made by check or PayPal to sjfstudio@aol.com.

I hope you’ll consider adding one or more to your collection. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, support and sales!

14th Street Fancy
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
8x8 inched mounted
SOLD

CCNY Gargoyle III
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
8x8 inched mounted

Zoe at LIC Corner Cafe
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
8x8 inched mounted

Round 2 - 40th Anniversary Studio Sale

A great response, all three paintings posted on May 8th have been sold. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support, it is and remains much appreciated.

During the month of May I will be offering small-scale paintings for sale. Each 5x5 or 6x6-inch oil painting is mounted on an 8x8 inch panel and is specially priced at $225.00, which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. Easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or can be displayed on a small stand. Payment can be made by check or PayPal. If interested please email sjfstudio@aol.com for details.

Below are three more small “Florins” and I hope you’ll consider adding one or more to your collection.

I’m still waiting for the day when I can finally return to my studio to paint. Looking like June might see this COVID-19 pandemic subside enough for New Yorkers to no longer have to shelter in place full time.

View from Chinatown
Oil on panel

6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel

SOLD

LIC Sun Dappled Historic
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel

LIC Palace Chicken
Oil on panel
6x6 inches mounted on 8x8 inch panel
SOLD

40th Year Studio Anniversary Sale

Your support of my work throughout these 40 years is much appreciated. Hard to believe that in May of 1980 I found my studio in Long Island City, NY. I was immediately impressed by the skylight along with the large north light window - perfect for a painter working with natural light. This place is where I come to paint, a sanctuary, a space to create - my studio.

To celebrate, I have several ideas in the works, one of which is a forthcoming book Sharon Florin's New York: a retrospective. During the month of May, I will be offering 20 small-scale paintings for sale. Each 5x5 or 6x6-inch oil painting is mounted on a 8x8 inch panel and is specially priced at $225.00, which includes shipping and handling and applicable taxes. Each is easy to hang from the keyhole on the back or they can be displayed on a small stand. Payment can be made by check or PayPal to sjfstudio@aol.com

I hope you will check out these small "Florins" and consider adding one or more to your collection. Here are the first 3, more to following in the days ahead. Feel free to contact me for more information.

It would have been great to spend this anniversary month in my studio and I look forward to the day when I can finally get back to painting, once this COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

View from MoMA
SOLD

Washington Square Arch
SOLD

LIC Corner Cafe
SOLD

Quilted Broadway

Playbill 2
Quilted throw
40x30 inches

A newly finished quilt, Playbill2, 40x30 inches, features the much missed Broadway theater experience. Felt I was in need of something BRIGHT and CHEERFUL while sheltering in place and listening to the ongoing COVID-19 news. Just let loose and had a good time using scraps left over from other projects. This quilt is is machine pieced and I sent it out to a long-arm quilter, Quilting by David, choosing a pattern of circles and stars. Putting the finishing touches on 3 more quilts and looking forward to working on many more projects, and very glad to have something to keep me creative and busy while not being able to get to the studio to paint.

Moon Over Chelsea

Moon Over Chelsea
Oil on panel

6x6 inches

SOLD

A painting I completed shortly before COVID-19 hurtled into NYC in a big way. This is a night scene in the Chelsea district of Manhattan with a big old moon shining down benevolently on the city that was soon to be utterly changed, for what I fear will be years to come. The governor of New York has stepped up to the plate and has done a great job getting the news out and giving one the sense that someone is in charge in leading us through this pandemic. Hunkered down at home and not painting these days. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.

I have my sewing machine fired up though, and have been busy working on some fiber art projects. Painting with fabric.

NYC themed pillow
Machine pieced
16x16 in.

Playbill theme quilt
Machined pieced and quilted

Watching Over Harlem

Watching Over Harlem (study)
Oil on panel

6x6 inches

SOLD

Last summer my friend Debbie and I walked around Harlem and I took a bunch of photos, excited to do a few paintings of that neighborhood. I just completed this new study of some wonderful ornamentation on the facade of this Harlem apartment building. I never tire of looking up and seeing what's up there, always a surprise. With so many glass towers being constructed these days, whimsical ornamentation is a thing of the past, more's the pity.

LIC Sun Dappled Historic (study)

LIC Sun Dappled Historic
6x6 inches
Oil on panel

A new small study of sun washed facades highlighting Long Island City's historic block of homes. Tall trees cast marvelous shadows when the sun is bright and shining. A nice respite from the ongoing construction and development surrounding this one tranquil block.

LIC Red Door Historic

LIC Red Door Historic
Oil on panel

6x6 inches

SOLD

A new small study of a bright red door on the sunny side of the street of LIC's historic block. I always enjoy strolling down this street and looking at the stately homes built over 100 years ago.

This painting is one in a series of small studies I've been working on recently and hope to have 40 completed by May. Why that month you ask? This May will mark the 40th anniversary of my studio in Long Island City. Hard to believe so many years have passed, so many paintings created in my wonderful studio.

To celebrate, I'm planning several events to mark the occasion, one of which is this series of 40 small paintings (or as many as are completed by then). More information to come in upcoming posts.

An Award - CLWAC 123rd Annual Exhibition

Reflections Along the West Fifties
Oil on canvas
24x18 in.

I attended the reception for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Clubs 123rd Annual Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park on Friday evening and was delighted to learn that my painting had received one of the painting awards. The exhibit is open to the public and will be on view through January 31st. This large salon style exhibit has many wonderful works on view.

Study_Two Gentlemen in LIC

Two Genglemen in LIC
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

I have been painting the places and people in Long Island City, Queens, NY since the 1980's.

This small scale painting is the newest addition to my ongoing series.

These two gents, an architect/photographer and an artist/teacher live in a beautifully designed home on the one historic block in the area and are both very involved with the artistic community of LIC. And yes, people do still sit on their stoops in the neighborhood on those homes that still have stoops. The rampant new development rarely if ever incorporates this architectural feature, sad to say. I happened to be passing by one morning on my way to my studio and stopped for a friendly chat and a few photos. Never know when one might become a painting and this is the result.

Art from the Boros VII Exhibition 2020

Columbus Circle Reflections
Oil on canvas
24x18 inches

This Columbus Circle area scene is included in this years ART FROM THE BOROS annual exhibition in Chelsea's Denise Bibro Fine Art, 529 West 20th Street, 4W, New York, NY 10011. Exhibition is on view from January 9-February 8 with a reception on Thursday, January 9 from 5-8pm. The exhibit features artwork in a wide variety of media and styles.