Before the Ball Drops

This is a drive-by drawing of Times Square yesterday, the day before the ball drops. I was on a bus- stalled for a few minutes in traffic, unknowingly, by the bomb scare. The feeling of anticipation was palpable and now I know that most of these folks, like me, had not a clue what was going on besides the set-up of lights and stages, etc. Happy and Safe New Year to all!

A New Meaning to Ms. November

I've posted this drawing before, when it was originally requested and donated to the Manifest Hope Exhibit at the Democratic National Convention. Now, The Obama Wave: Change on Main Street, been selected to represent November in the 2010 Social Justice Calendar. The calendar is a collaboration of the Evolutionary Media Group and SEIU, Service Employees International Union. Draw what you love and it keeps giving back.

Got The Call

Follow your heart. After many years of being a bystander to the annual shows, but an SI supporter nonetheless, I doggedly submitted what I love best to illustrate: reportage. This year, two of my pieces were accepted into the Institutional Category as part of the Society of Illustrators 52nd Annual. They are part of the project that I recently posted, A Sneak Peek. The chop in the corner represents the interpretation of my name, and translated, means "sing." Fitting since, when I draw on location, I do feel like I am singing to the world!

Thanksgiving Post-It People

Wall to wall travelers on the LIRR this weekend makes for just a few notes on this installment of Post-It People.

Behind The Scenes

I had a fleeting chance to capture some behind the scene drawings at Fashion Forward, the fundraising Fashion Show for GMHC.
The real drawing stars were seven of my students, who really rocked the cocktail hour by drawing everyone at the party and then, we donated our drawings for sale- raising over $500!!!!

To Honor This Day

It is Veteran's Day in America, but why not pause the world over to think of all who serve their countries?
About a year ago, I had the chance to be imbedded with the US Air Force on live fire training exercises. If these brave young men and women thought for a minute "what was this round woman with graphite pencils doing climbing into their "truck"?!, they did not skip a beat as they welcomed me and included me in the training. For all the in-between joking and answering my unfailing barrage of questions, it took but a nano-second for them to get serious when they needed to. Their fresh faces and keen minds took me through what they experience day in and day out, on bases on our continent, and of course, in lands afar. It matters little what your political stance is- these are young people whose families are without them this day. I salute them, one and all.

Sneak Peek

I am in the final stages of finishing a body of work that is being produced as part of a grant. I was sent to China last year to be the documentary artist that recorded the FIT factory visits in Hong Kong and mainland China. NO photos allowed, and so, it was up to me to keep apace with the groups, the tour guides and the translators- who barely stopped to take a breath. The machines were whirring away, up the stairs, down the stairs, on with masks, off with masks, cutting, folding, pressing, drying, dyeing.
It was terribly exciting and my hand was moving like crazy trying to capture it all.

When Vacation Seems So Far Away...

it's good to bring it back. It's been some time since I posted. School is keeping very busy in a very good way. My classes this semester are just great and have once, again, reminded me how much I love drawing. I took a little trip back to South Africa in my mind today- the crisp air and the beautiful blue sky brought me right back there...

Out of and back from (South) Africa

It is a land of big skies and purple mountains. It is a coast with the
turquoise Indian Ocean crashing its shores. The air of traditional cultures,
struggle, and renewal hugs the mountains, the villages-and the malls. So much
to see and to hear and to eat and to drink in. Three weeks in South Africa
have left me with a sense of awe and curiosity, wanting even more. I am just now beginning to digest all of what I experienced and drew. My first posts here represent what struck me most- that people walked- from the early hours
of the morning, through the day. Their silhouettes dotted the landscape as the fiery sun set; wrapped in their winter clothing, determined to make life good for themselves and their families for another day. They walked the highways, through the sugar cane, out of the townships, the cities, down from the mountains.

I Broke Even

Last weekend, I earned the good soul award by traveling to Atlantic City on a community (not mine) bus trip. Well, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't get a kick out of a good run or two at the slots, but truth be told, I would have been more of winner if I had spent the whole time drawing!

The Art of Conversation

Sometimes the art is not only on the wall. During a recent trip to the Met with my friend Tony, the Bacon show proved to be provocative for those attending, and a great opportunity for me to capture the characters that flock and comment.

Sunny, Southern California-NOT!

When I was asked to be one of a panel of judges for the Arts in Fashion competition in LA, it didn't take me but a minute to say "when do I leave?!" With visions of palm trees, surf and sun, I took off, only to spend a grey, cool weekend in LA. No sun, no star sightings, and it was cold... The competition yielded amazing talent, wonderful colleagues and a dinner at a great restaurant, LOUIE, where I spent a few meals, fascinated by the open kitchen and the little army of chefs.

Say It, Tell It, Feel It, Hear It

When drawing with a group of students in Bryant Park a few days ago, I heard voices. Rhythmic, powerful, pounding and passionate. I followed the voices and found myself compelled to stop, to listen, to absorb, to applaud these beautiful young urban poets.
My drawings hardly do justice to the messages that they were sending through the spring breeze. Alive, exciting, meaningful-it was a real treat.

A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

With an unexpected 90 degree weekend bestowed upon the Northeast, they swarmed in droves to the ocean, moi included. And like most on that fine beach day- low humidity, sweet breeze, crisp air, cold, cold, water that just did your soul good, smelling it for the first time, I brought out the sunscreen and slathered up on skin that had not seen the light of day since last July. Beach balls, beach blankets and bikinis.(not me!) But some could not help themselves and the April temps had just not given them those extra weeks toning up to be ready for the season. All in good fun, it was packed- and glorious. Sometimes the urban in sketching is getting away from the urban.

Spring Thaw

A recent spring day brought me to the flea market- always fun and after poking around and finding some goodies, I sat down to draw. It was late afternoon and the strong sun cast its lovely shadows on old furniture and the die-hards left marketing.

Word On The Street

The end of Fashion Week in NY has brought out all the pundits about the
latest trends in color and length, sleeves or strapless, one shoulder or two,
and how our First Lady now has the added responsibility of leading the pack.
Though I would have lots to say, apparently this CNN reporter did not think that I was fashion forward enough to comment- that's ok, it gave me time to document her.

Gone To The Dogs...

and other clichés, as in dogs look like their owners or the other way around.
I can't remember. But after visiting the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at MSG in NYC, I do believe that it is true!