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 :-).

Thoughts on New York and Hurricane Sandy

No paintings to post today. Have not been able to get to my studio due to the lack of subway service and lack of power in my neighborhood.

Yep, things are kind of crazy around here. No power south of 34th Street. A Con Ed station on 14th Street was flooded and housed many of the transformers to various parts of the city. It was built to withstand 11 ft. of storm surge, but this time the surge exceeded 12 ft. Who said there is no such thing as global warming?

I've stocked up with canned goods as power might not be back for 3-4 days - I hope it WILL be back by then!!!

NO subway service. A lot of flooding, especially in the tunnels under the river. Not sure when I will see my studio again :-(. The stock exchange was closed for 2 days, but reopened today.

It really is a tale of two cities. Once you head north, things seem almost normal. Lights, traffic signals, stores are open, etc. I don't think people in the unaffected areas realize how widespread this really is. Really scary and sad stuff happening in my old stomping grounds of the Rockaways and the shoreline. The Jersey Shore was decimated, my thoughts are with my Jersey friends. As with my friends living on Long Island.

All the young folk are lined up around Starbucks trying to get cell signals. Phone service has been problematical. I kept my landline and have been able to get and make phone calls. Have a battery powered radio, so at least I can keep up with the news.

So many stories will be told about this Hurricane.

I hiked up to my friend Martha's today, on the Upper West Side, about 60 blocks or so, for a hot shower and to recharge my phone. Bus service is back and was free today. But, I made better time walking, as you can imagine if you've ever taken a NYC bus.

Let's hope things are back to normal sooooooon.

A Lower Eastside Shul

"LES #1"
Oil on canvas panel
6x6 inches
Sold

Continuing to work on small studies for future paintings. This painting depicts what I suspect was a former shul on the Lower Eastside, judging from the architectural details. The head of a rabbi perhaps with Mogen David's below, carved in stone.

I have many memories of visiting on Sundays when I was a child, to shop and eat in this old tenement neighborhood of New York. My Dad was born on Allen Street and he used to love to take us to Katz's for lunch and then of course my mom enjoyed finding bargains while shopping on Orchard Street. We came home with pickles, halavah, clothes for camp, winter coats and assorted tchotkes.

The area has been greatly gentrified since I was a kid, with lots of hipsters and high-rents changing what had been one of New York's first "shopping malls". Such is the pattern of this ever-changing city.