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!

Still Thrilled- and Chilled!

I missed going out on the night that he was elected and have been regretting it ever since.
So, in spite of the freeze in NY,
I layered up and headed down to Times Square.
I stuttered through this drawing and a few others, but still, wanted to try to share some of the excitement-
and a little body heat that I felt that day. It was pretty magical, I must say.

I need to try to make sense of some other drawings before I post again...

A Day for Celebration?

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in Cuba and created a communist state.
Some are saying that Cuba is celebrating, albeit, in a subdued fashion.
In lieu of offering a personal opinion about it, I will, instead, post this painting that I made on location while in Havana in 2003.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to an art school there to record their fashion show. I was official- permission from our government, a stamp on my passport and cigars as token souvenirs.
More memorable was the poignant atmosphere that I recall-
Havana is beautiful pastel mix of European architecture amidst breezy palm trees and the 1950's cars and neon signs that often symbolize life there. A hint of arabic tile works peeks out from doorways and windows where altars and rosary beads line the walls.
There is in the air a mix of passion and pride, along with a veil of unease and at times, envy, as you can see from this young boy.
Though there for just but a week, I will not soon forget it.