18th Street Reflections
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
"One 57th Reflections"
Oil on canvas
24x24 inches
SOLD
Yesterday a locksmith came to the studio building to replace some locks. After he completed the work he came upstairs to receive payment. As he was passing by my studio he poked his head in and asked if he could look around. Seconds after stepping into my space his eyes alighted on this painting and it was a magic moment, he was drawn to this painting like a magnet. His eyes opened wide, a huge smile appeared and he stood transfixed in front of the painting. "Is this painting for sale, how much?" Yes, I replied and told him the price, thinking it was out of his price range and he'd continue looking around. I mentioned that I do offer a discount when selling work directly from my studio. "How much?" he asked. I came up with a price and not missing a beat said he wanted to buy the painting. This young man then showed me some of the photos he'd taken on his phone and I could see why this particular artwork resonated so strongly with him. We chatted about the background and inspiration of the painting and he was absolutely thrilled. Later that afternoon he picked up the painting and paid for his new acquisition.
Having sold many paintings over the years, I have to say that this buyer's reaction was so immediate it took me by surprise. His young age was an added bonus - the fact that he wanted to spend his hard earned money on a work of art was indeed special. Life is full of unforgettable moments in an artist's life and this was definitely one of them.
2021 Fall Small Works Sale
Three years ago this month I signed the papers that landed me a great and affordable apartment with marvelous north light. When NYC was locked down due to Covid and I was unable to travel to my studio, I purchased art supplies and set up a small easel on my kitchen table by a large, light filled window. Working on small 6x6 inch and 8x8 inch paintings I was able to continue painting, capturing my impressions of New York. Since returning to my studio, I’ve continued working small both there and at home for a variety of reasons. Being a working artist for over 40 years, I have studio shelves filled with beautiful paintings with little room to store more. These small and affordable artworks allow me to continue having an income from the sale of my art.
The 6x6 inch paintings are mounted on 8x8
inch black panels and the 8x8 inch paintings have been professionally
framed in a wood floater frame with either a silver or gold trim. Prices
range from $275.00 – $500.00 (shipping and applicable taxes included in
the price).
I invite you check out my small works, many created this past year, on my website sharonflorinart.com/small-works.html.
Feel free to contact me for information on availability and price as several of these paintings have been sold.
The sale continues. In addition to my small
paintings I am offering a selection of my quilted and fiber art projects
– pillows, wall hangings and quilted throws on my Etsy site, www.etsy.com/shop/sjfstudio. Learning to hand and machine sew several years ago this is yet another creative outlet. I liken it to painting with fabric and thoroughly enjoy this new adventure.
SoHo Construction
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
What does one see while walking around the city - construction workers of course! It doesn't matter what neighborhood you find yourself in, the city that is constantly tearing down and building up is filled with these workers, high atop scaffolding, drilling, hammering, lifting, building.
These two gents were working in SoHo one summer's day. Good to know the construction trades are doing okay in these times.
LIC Firehouse
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD
Another small fire house painting, this one in Long Island City located not far from my studio. I often hear the sirens ringing out as Engine 258, Ladder 115 rushes down the street answering yet another call.
I find the architecture of this particular firehouse especially interesting. Built in 1902-4 in the Dutch Renaissance Revival style, it stands out in the neighborhood as a beautiful and unique building.
Waiting for the Call-Engine 14
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD
So hard to believe that 20 years have passed since that beautiful, sunny day when unspeakable tragedy struck our nation and New York, my hometown. I still remember so vividly listening to the radio when the news suddenly shifted from the usual traffic reports and weather to the unbelievable event taking place downtown at the World Trade Center. This past week I've been thinking of my friends who worked or lived downtown and the stories they told of their experiences. I was at home and immediately called my friend Martha, told her to turn on her TV, and together we spoke and then watched as the second plane hit the second Tower.
Those brave men and women of the FDNY are much in my thoughts today. As people were trying to escape the Towers, New York's Bravest headed up the stairs carrying their loads, doing what they were trained to do, looking to save lives. Ultimately so many were lost that day who were at the WTC and vicinity. All the families and friends left behind, trying to comprehend what had happened and figuring out how to move on from this unspeakable tragedy.
New York has risen from the ashes time and time again. For all those who perished, we will never forget.
This recent small painting is of Engine 14 on 18th Street in Manhattan. Another beautiful, sunny day, waiting for the call.
"Reflections in the '30's III"
Oil on canvas
24x18 inches
Yesterday a friend and I stopped in to see the 108th exhibition of the Allied Artists of America installed in the beautiful and regal Salmagundi Club on Fifth Avenue. I'm always delighted to show my work surrounded by many fine, primarily realistic works in this annual exhibition.
This painting of reflections on a glass facade on Madison Avenue caught my eye as I walked to and from the east side Ferry during the Covid pandemic as NYC was first coming out of lock down. Vivid and abstract, I've painted several versions of these reflections and just love coming across these views unexpectedly.
The exhibition is free and open to the public through September 19th.
Central Park from Above
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD
Several years ago a friend invited me to house-sit in her amazing high-rise apartment while she was on vacation, suggesting I would be able to take photos of the incredible view at all different times of day and night. Needless to say, I took her up on the offer and have many, many photos of those views. Going through photos recently, I thought this would make for an interesting small painting. Looking north toward Central Park and beyond, playing fields are seen surrounded by dense foliage with the city buildings rising once again from the northernmost border of the park and beyond.
In the years since, a new, super tall skyscraper was constructed across the street, blocking this magnificent view, an occurrence not uncommon in a city constantly tearing down and building up.
Midtown Abstract
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
While walking around midtown in the theater district, I looked up and noticed these interesting geometric abstractions reflected in a newly constructed glass building. This small painting captures the stark black grids that nicely offset the colorful abstracted buildings nearby.
View of the Plaza
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD
A small painting of the venerable Plaza Hotel in Manhattan surrounded by its towering neighbors along with the greenery of Central Park.
Empire Fireworks 2021
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
The fireworks display on July 4th in NYC this year were pretty spectacular. Although I didn't see the pyrotechnics on the East River up close, I checked out the television coverage. The best part though was having a great view of the Empire State Building's fantastic display - shimmering lights, fireworks and excitement in the air, woohoo! The much loved iconic landmark went all out to celebrate the glorious 4th and having a bird's eye view was wonderful. Knew this was a great subject for a painting as I watched the fireworks lighting up the night sky and here is the result.
Westside Sunset
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
One early evening I was waiting for friends outside a theater on the far West Side of Manhattan and happened to notice the orangey golden light bathing the buildings. An urban pyramid came to mind. Old buildings next to newer high rise structures made for an interesting composition. No iconic buildings in this small scene, just a small take on the New York urban landscape.
Just Another Dog Day Afternoon
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
Well, the heat wave has hit NYC with temps in the real feel area of over 100 degrees. Hazy, Hot and Humid, not my favorite weather combination.
This new painting captures a summer in the city scene. A storefront festooned with blooms, beautifying a restaurant facade on 23rd Street. A guy taking a break, sitting at an outdoor table checking his messages on his phone. His dog taking a breather on the sidewalk. I think this painting just about sums things up.
Trying to stay cool, staying put with the A/C on as I wait for a break in the weather. Stay safe everyone, stay hydrated and we'll get through this.
Blooming on Fifth
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
Walking around the city this Spring I found myself noticing how many storefronts and restaurant outdoor seating areas had added the touch of beautiful, flowering plants and blooms to their facades. It certainly made for a colorful season of hope and renewal after the gray and dreary days of a NYC during a pandemic.
These windows stopped me in my tracks when I saw them on Fifth Avenue and immediately brought a smile to my face. Spreading a little cheer with this colorful and happy NYC streetscape.
View from 14th Street
Oil on canvas
12x9 inches
This is a big election year for New York City with a host of candidates running for mayor and various offices in city government. A new twist has been added - ranked choice voting - where voters can rank their candidates in order of preference. We'll have to see how that all works out.
A public service campaign has used the work of artists to help get the word out. Delighted my painting was used in this effort. I never know where my paintings will end up, part of the thrill of getting the work out there.
For more information: Link
#FYEYERCV, @f.y.eye_ny
Brunch at Chez Josephine
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
Chez Josephine is a delightful eatery on 42nd Street's Theater Row where friends and I have gathered to enjoy celebratory and leisurely birthday brunches. The restaurant was founded by one of Josephine Baker's children and continues on with another family member and former busboy. The interior is splendid. Paintings, photographs and various ephemera depicting the iconic Josephine adorn the multicolored walls, a piano sits in the middle of the space, chandelier's and wall scones cast warm glows all to create a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy the attentive service and very tasty food.
As everyone is aware, the theater district was very hard hit due to the pandemic with theater's closed and restaurants in the area struggling to survive and hold on until the day when the show must go on. I'm hopeful that Chez Josephine can weather the hard times and continue to be a mainstay in the theater district and where I can continue to meet with friends for future celebrations.
Waiting at the New Penn
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
A new small study of one of the waiting areas in the new Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Station's newest addition. Definitely one of my more "Hopperesque" paintings. I tried to capture the feeling of waiting, in this case for a train. The new waiting area is a very pleasant place to wait with nice light from the tall windows, comfortable seating arrangements and plenty of space. Not sure how long this will stay as nice as it is now, but it is definitely a step up from most of the waiting rooms I've seen.
A SoHo Facade
8x8 inches
Oil on panel
This new painting captures the facade of a venerable former SoHo building on Mercer Street. Once a busy factory it is now home to exclusive loft dwellings and high-end retail. The warm red brick and aging Rosenbluth Bros. sign along with high windows (with reflections of course) make for an inviting glimpse into the neighborhood's past.
Back in the 1980's and early 90's I was a member of the NoHo Gallery on Mercer Street. An artist's cooperative gallery, one of the many galleries that populated the area back then, it was a busy and exciting area. Lot's of art and artists, restaurants, shopping, close to subways - a bustling place. These days I rarely find myself wandering around the area as it has become a destination for wealthy shoppers with many exclusive stores. Most of the galleries have moved on, many relocating to Chelsea and now migrating once again, this time to Tribeca and the Lower East Side. Neighborhoods keep changing, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Still, I am always happy to see the older buildings rehabbed and finding new ways to stay viable and avoiding the wrecking ball.
Penn Station Impressions I
6x6 inches
Oil on panel
The new Moynihan Pennsylvania Station opened to the public several months ago after many years of back and forth debates and construction. Although it will never replace the beautiful and iconic McKim, Mead and White Pennsylvania Station that was so thoughtlessly demolished in the 1960's, it is a welcome and much improved addition to the existing Penn Station complex.
McKim, Mead and White Pennsylvania Station
What struck me most on entering was the light-filled space with many types of surfaces and reflections creating a welcoming and airy transit hub. The Farley Post Office which occupies a section of the building is now under much needed restoration as well.
This small painting study strives to capture my initial impression of the new station and I plan to continue exploring this architecturally exciting space in several more paintings.
New York City Center (study)
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
SOLD
New York City Center is a Moorish Revival eye-catcher located on 55th Street in Manhattan. The decorative flourishes both on the exterior and interior of the performing arts space are quite unique and beautiful.
Having been fortunate enough to have attended several wonderful music and theatrical productions in this massive space I'm looking forward to the day when this venue, like so many other performing arts spaces, will once again be open to the public and putting on the great shows they are known for.
This small study does not do justice to the magnificent and detailed surfaces and I hope one day to create a larger painting capturing more of the detail up close.
Macy's Ladies II
Oil on panel
8x8 inches
SOLD
I decided to revisit this old favorite, Macy's on Herald Square. The beautiful Beaux Arts architectural details always catch my eye and make me smile. Built in 1902, this building is a familiar sight to many during the annual Thanksgiving Day parade, but not usually from this viewpoint.
Macy's remains my favorite place to shop as so many of the grand department stores I knew growing up have disappeared. Abraham and Strauss. B. Altman's, Klein's, Korvette's, Alexander's, Martin's, Mays, Gertz, Orbachs, just to name a few. There is something wonderful about going into a brightly lit department store and browsing the racks. Even more wonderful is finding just the right piece of clothing that fits perfectly and enjoying some amazing sales.
Back in 1979, I created this painting of the softly golden lit main floor interior. It has hung in my home ever since.
Macy's 1979
Oil on canvas
35x48 inches
With so many brick and mortar store closures, especially as the buying habits have shifted to online shopping, I remain hopeful that Macy's on 34th Street will stand proud for many years to come, continuing to offer great retail therapy excursions.
