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
SOLD

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.