Hello, Sailor!

It was the culmination of Fleet Week in New York City and a finer day could not be had-sunny,
glorious Memorial Day on the Hudson River. The big ships had made their passage and now, thousands of people jammed the piers to celebrate those who serve and have served. This drawing of the Intrepid is one of so many that I have made over the years, but each and every time, I do get a kind of chill that overcomes me when I think of the reason that this beauty comes to sit practically in my back yard. We thought that we would see so many sailors, but they must have been out and about enjoying what NYC has to offer a sailor on leave….:) 

The Intrepid is a NYC landmark and this drawing will be part of a show 

at the Society of Illustrators about NYC landmarks.

UPDATE: I have learned that this is one of twelve pieces selected for the calendar
that will be reproduced from the show.

The Beach in Any Season

I set out with a friend for a short, albeit indulgent, trip to the beach a few weekends ago in February. Yes, the beach saves, no matter the season. Off we piled into the infamous Jitney on an early, cold, Saturday morning, layered up, anticipating the expansive, stark sky and the drama of the ocean, unfurling those waves that seem to crash louder and colder in the off season. We also imagined luxuriating in the plushy seats of the bus, lolling us to sleep as we passed through the city, further out on Long Island, with the hint of small town America appearing further and further east. WRONG. How did we not know that we were heading out in the heat of the summer rental house-hunting season?! The bus was crowded beyond anything that we could have imagined, and we were surrounded by twenty something girls, (mostly) twirling their hair incessantly and speaking much louder than necessary about who is rooming with who and how could he date her when he is living with them?! The nerve! Well, after the short shock value, it did become kind of comical, and I suppose we were rewarded, as we were upgraded to a two bedroom suite with wrap around windows when we arrived- and a major snowstorm to boot! So, there we were, literally on the beach, with the snow swirling and the waves crashing, the weeds dancing outside the windows- so close we were swaying with them.
Just one night took my breath away for days.

They Let The Dogs Out

Today in New York would have been a very bad hair for the pampered pooches that descended on Pier 55 and MSG for the annual Westminister Dog Show. What a kick to see them rolled up, blown out and combed incessantly. Their silky tresses pranced around the ring, strutting their stuff. They looked incredible. The female handlers- not so much- they really need a fashion make-over. I think that puffed sleeves and short boxy jacket suits left when the 80's did. C'mon girls- catch up with your four-legged divas!

Not Everything Stays in Vegas

When a friend told me that she was going to Vegas for a conference, I jumped at the chance to meet her there. I had never been and it was too good to pass up. It was a quickie turnaround, and though I am not sure that anyone needs more than a couple of days there, I think that I might go back if it was just me and my sketchbook. For that, there are endless characters and casinos, expressions and exaltations, and bling, bling, bling, wherever you look.

              

Hats On!

This past summer, Elaine Stone, a very beloved professor at FIT passed away at age 85. She sent her last academic email two days before she left us- working until the end. She was well known for her ubiquitous presence at school, her generosity of spirit and of student centeredness, her outrageous sense of humor and her work ethic. But above all, she was known and beloved for wearing a hat each and every day. So much so, that it had been decades since there had been a sighting without a hat- and that came only once. Oh, she was coiffed from head to toe, matching ribbons and brims of all sizes, patterns, solids, summer, winter- you get the picture.  A few days ago, we had a memorial for Elaine, Hats on For Elaine, where everyone brought out their millinery best to honor a great lady and a great mentor to me-hats and otherwise...

Well, I gotta admit, it sometimes takes a plane ticket to get me to leave the UWS- but getting to draw with the NYC USk folk in Red Hook was too good to pass up. So, I went to the other end of the NYC universe and hopped the ferry and had an incredible day! 

Fun times, good stuff to draw and even a treat from the mayor of the Yacht Club!

Sweet Ceret and Back to BCN

I did not have the heart to leave the South of France, so after some cajoling, we decided to wing our way back to Barcelona by way of Ceret. Oh, how I loved this town! It was so endearing, and seeing the Picasso ceramics was, well, the cherry on top.

One last day in Barcelona, so much to do and see! After a high speed drive by tour of all things Gaudi left to see, and a souvenir spending spree, we managed to get to Mercado Boqueria just before it closed. I so wish that I had been able to take Ea's and Marina's workshop, but I can see why everyone loved being there. I love being in any market, and this was no exception. A few quickies, and back to reality.