Another view of LIC

"LIC Looking Northwest"
Oil on canvas
11 x 14 inches
SOLD

The painting has been going slowly for awhile. It happens every so often in the lives of many artists. We eventually bounce back to painting like gangbusters, but every so often things slow down.

I just completed this painting, another view of Long Island City as seen from the terrace of some collectors of my work. I particularly chose this subject as the small scale buildings off Vernon Blvd. are portrayed along with the more well-known P.S. 1 and the 5Pointz yellow graffiti building (rumored to be torn down soon to make way for a new high rise structure). Since taking this photo last spring, new construction has begun and this view has been altered by the steel skeleton of a new building rising in the west. This painting, a "snapshot in time" will remain of LIC circa 2012.

Happy 100th Birthday Grand Central Station

"GST Centennial Reflection"
Oil on canvas
10 x 20 inches

I finished this painting, in addition to the centennial quilt recently posted, just in time to celebrate the Centennial Celebration of Grand Central Station. This reflection features the statue of Cornelius Vanderbuilt and is not generally seen unless driving along Park Avenue, up and around the terminal.

Today I was at GST bright and early, waiting online to get my first day cancellation commemorative stamp.

The joint was jumping with people, music, speakers, lines and activity.

100 on the east facing windows.

An image circa 1914 of the interior of Grand Central Station, which I included on my quilt.

An image circa February 1, 2013.

I also bought a copy of the new book, "Grand Central Terminal: 100 Years of a New York Landmark" by the NY Transit Museum and Anthony W. Robins. Can't wait to start reading this one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GST!

Grand Central Centennial!

"Grand Central Centennial"
Machine pieced quilted wall hanging
2012-2013

On February 1st, there will be big-doings at Grand Central Terminal. The kick-off for the year long centennial celebration will be underway and I will definitely be there to check it out.

In honor of the 100th birthday of GST, I created this machine pieced quilted wall hanging. I started off with a logo on an old shopping bag that I had at the studio. I then found a wonderful rotogravure book of old New York buildings and places, published in 1914, and used the 2 images of the exterior and interior of Grand Central when it was newly built. Adding to the mix is an image of the New York Central train - the whole reason for GST in the first place. Included also is the new logo that was designed for the centennial. And lastly, I added one of my photographs of the majestic sculpture crowning the top of this grand edifice.

When it came to choosing the fabrics, I had a lot of fun thinking and then finding just the right ones. There is the blue-aqua of the ceiling with gold flecks, the black of the trains, a wonderful William Morris print that captured the beige marble tones as well as other interesting patterned fabrics.

I am so grateful that Grand Central did not meet the same fate as the original Pennyslvania Station and was spared the wrecking ball. This beautiful beaux arts building with its wonderful flourishes and architectural detailing, houses the pulse and energy of the arriving and departing trains along with the hordes of commuters it serves daily. It is indeed a treasure of New York City. Happy 100th Birthday Grand Central!

Empire City Iron Works

"ECIW II"
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches
Sold

One last painting to share for 2012.

I was commissioned to paint this Long Island City building after my May exhibit. A 3rd generation business, a manufacturer that can still be found in a Long Island City neighborhood where so many small manufacturing concerns have moved away. Since the development of the neighborhood continues at a brisk pace, the owner thought having a painting of his family's long established business would be appropriate.

I enjoyed painting the brickwork and detail in this painting and I'm happy to say that the owner was pleased with the result.

Looking forward to seeing what comes off my easel in 2013.

One more time

I've been selling some paintings on eBay and have decided to relist this painting. A scene on busy 14th Street in Manhattan.

"DSW Reflections (study)"
Oil on panel
6x6 inches
Click here for eBay listing

New and Noteworthy and on eBay!

"CCNY Gargoyle #1"
Oil on canvas panel
6 x 6 inches
Sold

The holidays are fast approaching, and I am taking this opportunity to offer six small paintings on eBay. For anyone who's ever wanted to own an original "Florin," these studies are eminently affordable. Below are the links to each of the paintings. The auctions run seven days, so please take a look.

Click below to view:

CCNY Gargoyle #1

CCNY Gargoyle #2

D's Brooklyn View

DSW Reflections

Golden Astor Reflections

14th Street Deco

Fanciful 14th Street

"14th Street Fancy"
Oil on panel
6 x 6 inches

Back to the studio and painting after the upheaval of Hurricane Sandy.

Took the opportunity to paint this small study of a faded beauty of a building I've long had my eye on. Located on a bustling corner of 14th Street and Sixth Avenue it is still scene of commerce. Cast your eyes up and wonderful terra cotta embellishments abound on the facade. This kind of fanciful ornamentation seems to be a thing of the past, so when I come upon one of these architectural detailed gems I rejoice.

Oops, think this is on the corner of 7th Avenue, not 6th :-).