On the Sunnyside of the Street

 

The exhibition space at Vital Arts Studios in Sunnyside, Queens will be featuring my oil paintings of the city along with handmade Borough of Queens-themed pillows through June 10th.

 

 

I've selected 21 pieces, both large and small scale works, featuring streetscapes, reflections and architectural details, subjects I revisit time and time again in my work.

 

Always nice to have an opportunity to exhibit my work and it is gratifying when people passing by take a moment to stop and view the artwork through the two large windows. I've gotten some wonderful feedback.

 

If you happen to find yourself on Skillman Avenue and 50th Street in Sunnyside, enjoy the exhibit!
 

 

A Chinatown Afternoon

 

Chinatown III
Oil on panel
12x12 inches

A colorful scene in New York's Chinatown caught my attention last Fall. Lanterns, flags, tenements and newer apartment buildings, fire escapes and a flying horse - lots of subject matter to work with. Having now completed 3 Chinatown-themed paintings I know there is still more subjects to explore and I look forward to capturing this vibrant and unique New York City neighborhood in paint once again.

Chinatown Balloons I and II

Chinatown Balloons II
Oil on panel
12x12 inches

 

Spent a delightful Fall 2022 afternoon wandering around Chinatown with two friends. The weather was perfect, great light and a terrific opportunity to take photographs. I ended up with 3 painting ideas and this is the 2nd of the 3 paintings I've planned to paint. The older buildings were brightened up with the green fire escapes and those bright yellow and green balloons.

In 2020 after the NYC lockdown due to the pandemic, Chinatown was a ghost town. A few years later I was glad to see that the streets and restaurants were once again busy, crowded and coming back to life.

And here is the first of the 3 Chinatown paintings. Just started working on the 3rd painting and look forward to sharing it here soon.

Chinatown Balloons I
Oil on panel
12x12 inches

A Tale of Two Bridges

 

Wall Street
Oil on canvas
28x52 inches
Sold

This first painting, Wall Street, depicts a downtown scene featuring the Brooklyn Bridge and was commissioned by an art dealer for a client back in 1983, 40 years ago! The other day I received an email inquiry from a gentleman who buys the contents of storage units and this painting was included in one of his recent purchases. Asking for information about this painting, I dug back into my files and provided the following information. Sold in 1983 to a company in North Carolina it remained there until the company relocated. It was sold to another collector who had it hanging in her son's room for many years. She wrote to me when she retired and relocated in 2007 asking for information. Fast forward to 2023, it was discovered safely stored in a storage unit and thankfully has found a new home. The gentleman who contacted  wrote: We find all types of things but this is 1 of the best items we have seen and will be in our personal collection, it is our pleasure and the painting is captivating! I'm very happy this painting has held up well and will continue to be enjoyed by this new collector.

Now on to the second painting, 59th Street Bridge Reflections II. Painted in 2014 it depicts reflections of the 59th Street Bridge (renamed the Ed Koch Bridge although most people still refer to it by its former name). After being exhibited in several gallery shows I listed it on the saatchiart.com site. Lo and behold, I received an email telling me the painting had just sold. Packed, shipped and received by a new collector in South Africa last week.

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

Once my paintings are sold and leave my studio they take on a life of their own. They might have one or more collectors and tend to travel far more than I do. I'm always happy when I hear about their whereabouts and know that many of them will live on long after I am gone. Hence, the tale of two bridges.

 

 

2022 Was an Artful Year

2022 was an artful year spent capturing the streetscapes, buildings, reflections and more of my hometown.

I had hoped to finish one more painting before years end but tested positive for Covid and have been lying on the sofa for the past week streaming PBS Passport foreign language series until it passes.

 

 Chinatown Balloons I
Oil on panel
12x12 inches.

I leave you with my last completed painting of the year. A vibrant and colorful scene on a beautiful October afternoon in NYC. Two more Chinatown scenes planned for the New Year. 

Wishing you all a safe, happy, peaceful, prosperous and HEALTHY 2023.

Trailer Park on 23rd

 

Trailer Park on 23rd
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

This being a cold, rainy and wintry day I thought it would be nice to share a recent fun painting. An unlikely joint in Manhattan's Chelsea district, this funky and distinctive bar/restaurant makes me smile whenever I pass by. The antique neon signage, an old beat up tire, some models lounging, taking in the city's hustle and bustle. It's always a treat finding one of these places as right next to it a new glass block long building is currently under construction. This place will be dwarfed by its new neighbor when completed but hopefully will stand proud and firm on 23rd Street. Wishing you all a peaceful, happy and safe holiday season.

LouLou on Eighth Avenue

 

LouLou on Eighth Avenue
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

On Eighth Avenue in Chelsea there is a corner restaurant festooned with multicolored blooms which change seasonally. This summer scene caught my eye and made for an interesting subject. Last year the restaurant had a fire and I was unsure if it would be re-opened. They did refurbish and re-open and whenever I pass by there is always a noisy crowd enjoying the food and atmosphere. Just might have to check it out one day.