Temple of Aesculapius. Villa Borghese, Rome

I haven't posted in a while because of some good news. I have an exhibition tomorrow at Queens College. I've been busy with preparations and finishing new work that I wanted to include in the exhibition. I'll post the flyer after this but first a watercolor painting. I haven't posted anything in a while so I decided to post one of my favorite paintings, of one of my favorite places. This is the Temple of Aesculapius in the amazing Villa Borghese in Rome. The gardens in Villa Borghese are amazing and all the buildings you find nestled into the landscape are incredible. I am very happy with this painting.


-R

William G. Fricke House, 1901

I haven't been posting watercolor paintings or sketches lately because I haven't done much of them. As most of you know I mostly paint outdoors, but I have been so busy at university that I haven't been painting, especially not outside.
The good news is I still carry around my sketchbook and whenever I'm not writing papers or studying I doodle. As you might or might not have noticed I love architecture, and I love buildings and planning. So in this latest sketchbook I have been doing drawings of building that I really enjoy by architects I admire.


This is one of my favorite buildings by the very famous and important American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. I love the form, I think Wright is a genius and this is where it shows.
Watercolor paintings will make a comeback soon.

Thanks


-R

Karlsplatz Station. Vienna, Austria

Since I just posted a drawing of the Secession building in Vienna, I figured I might as well keep on with my theme. This is another beautiful building in Vienna, designed by the great Otto Wagner. This station was completed in 1899 and is in the same plaza as the impressive baroque Karlskirche. I miss Vienna.


-R

Viennese Secession Building

I don't post many drawings on this blog anymore. I paint watercolors all the time now, but drawing with a regular pen will always be my first love. Here is a drawing I did of Joseph Maria Olbrich's beautiful Vienna Secession building.


It's ball point pen on grey paper with white pen highlights. I couldn't help myself, I had to add a little blue watercolor to fill the sky in a little.
I had the pleasure of seeing this amazing building in person and hopefully I visit it again soon.

-R

Castello di Miramare, Trieste

This is a painting of the beautiful castello di Miramare in Trieste, Italy. It's perched up on a cliff on the Adriatic Sea. I was lucky enough to be able to visit Trieste and stay with a friend who had family there. The food is without a doubt delicious,the people nice, and the architecture amazing. The buildings are incredible and this one is no exception. I am excited about returning one day



-R

Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters

Last week I was invited to go to the Medieval Fair at Fort Tryon Park. I never went to a medieval fair, so I was curious and excited. A lot of people in costumes and lyre music, not to mention that it was at Fort Tryon Park, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful parks in NY.
The park is in Washington Heights and has an incredible view of the Hudson, and the GW Bridge. The park is also important because inside of it is the Cloisters museum.
The Cloisters museum is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it was built in the 1930's. The building is enormous and it's made up of several French abbey churches and monasteries all from the gothic period. These buildings were literally taken apart brick by brick and shipped over to NY and put back together. It's incredible that we have this in New York.
 I posted a painting I did from my last visit here. This time I painted it from outside the Cloisters, in the park.

-R

Flushing meadow park once again

Being back in NY feels good. I was meeting a friend of mine for dinner in Flushing. I was in the neighborhood early so I decided to make a stop in the park to paint.


These are some of the buildings that were made for the 1964 world's fair here in NY. I think they are very interesting, especially because of their location. I am happy with this painting and I'll continue painting these buildings from time to time.

-R

Painting at the marina in Newport

After walking around Bellevue street in Newport, I eventually made my way to the marina.

I sat down to paint, but I quickly realized I had a problem. I soaked the paper too much accidentally. I wasn't patient enough to wait for it to dry and I painted over an over, causing bleeds and unrated mixing. Besides that I am still happy with the outcome and I definitely learned not to get ahead of myself with the squirrel mop.


-R

The Newport Tower

Rhode Island is beautiful. Providence has amazing buildings and a great museum and other places like Newport have incredible seafood restaurants and marinas. I can't complain. My trip was great and I got to paint so I'm happy.


This is the Newport Tower, which I've read is a source of mystery in Rhode Island. Many people claim to be in the dark about how old it is. I did some research and found several answers, most claim the Newport Tower is from the early 17th century, making it a colonial tower. Wether it's colonial or not its still interesting an I enjoyed painting it

-R

Weybosset bridge, Rhode Island

I am in beautiful Rhode Island. I got to visit the RISD museum as well as tour the RISD campus. I took a break to paint the Providence River and the Weybosset Bridge.


-R

Groton, Connecticut

Groton is the city where the Avery point lighthouse. This sketch was done quickly before a storm arrived.


It was a great experience painting in Connecticut, hopefully I can return soon to explore and paint a little more.


-R

The A train in Far Rockaway

I drove around my old neighborhood, Inwood and eventually ended up in Far Rockaway. My favorite thing about Far Rockaway is the elevated platform. So I decided to stop and paint it.


I think it's quite simple, but I like that about this painting. The train finally passed by and became a last minute addition.

-R

Lyndhurst Mansion

Over the weekend I visited some amazing places in NY. The Hudson Valley is full of beautiful mansions and properties. I got to visit the home of FDR, the Vanderbilt's mansion, Boscobel, Lyndhurst and a few others. I will post some photos of these places soon.

One of my favorite places was the Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, NY. It is a beautiful gothic-revival mansion started in 1838. It was designed by the famous Alexander Jackson Davis, who designed many other impressive private homes in NY.

It was somewhat daunting to paint this place, since gothic architecture is so ornate, but I attempted to paint it anyway.


I walked over to the east side of the building and set up on the foot of a hill and tried again. I like the second painting a little better,but I'll post it next time.

-R

Roslyn and WC Bryant

William Cullen Bryant building in Roslyn. I would write some more but I have to do some research on this area before I write about it. Anyway this beautiful building is across the street from the NCMA and I plan on making my regular painting visits so be prepared for more Frick, Bryant building paintings.


-R

Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring is a very nice small town that the Hudson river runs through. This is a painting I did after walking around and having a cup of coffee.


-R

Boscobel Manor

Yesterday I got a chance to visit Boscobel Manor in Cold Springs, NY. Boscobel is a domestic Federal style building constructed in the very beginning of the 19th century.
It sits on a large piece of property looking over the Hudson River. On the property there is an herb garden, a rose garden and other interesting buildings. There are also sculptures throughout the property.

This is a quick sketch of the main facade:


I did a couple of sketches besides the facade, this one is the east side of the house with some of the foliage:


I also walked around the town of Cold Springs visiting the antique shops. I stopped and did a sketch or two, I'll try to post one later on today.

All in all the Bosobel trip was fun. I will definitely return for more painting and exploring.


-R

A sketch from Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Flushing Meadows Park is one of the largest parks in NY city. I have been visiting this park with my family since I was a kid. It's nice to explore it as an adult walking around with my sketchbook. There are so many things I remember and so many that I don't. This is an interesting scene from the park.


Expect more paintings from Flushing Meadows. It's relaxing and comfortable to paint there, I am definitely going to make it a normal painting spot.

-R

A small piece of the NCMA

Here is one of the three paintings I did while visiting the Nassau County Museum of Art.


-R

Painting the home of William Cullen Bryant

I decided to take a short painting trip on Long Island. I know there are a lot of nice places to paint, but I decided on the Nassau County Museum or Art. If you follow this blog you know that I go there often, I go to the exhibitions and I also enjoy painting there. The main building is a beautiful American Beaux-arte piece of architecture and the grounds are huge and filled with sculptures. The property also has  hiking trails, an art studio a beautiful garden and pond. So it's jam packed with things to paint. I brought my lightweight easel and my travel painting supplies. I did about three paintings, although I wish I had painted more, but time didn't allow it. The paintings aren't the best I've done, but anytime you paint outside it's worth it. I gain so much from painting plein-air, it teaches you to think more about your color choices and it really pushes you to react to what you see in front of you. I'll attempt to paint at the NCMA again next week again.

-R

Flushing Meadows Park

Long overdue sketch of a place I visit often.



-R

Sagtikos Manor in ink

This is a black ink drawing of the Sagtikos Manor. This house was constructed in the late 17th century and throughout the years received many additions, this is what it looks like today.


An interesting fact, George Washington actually stayed here during his tour of Long Island.


-R

Sagtikos Manor

Today was a good day to paint. I decided to head to Sagtikos Manor in West Islip, Long Island. They had a special plein-air painting event where artists were allowed to set up easels all over the property and paint. There was a registration and with said registration you could attempt to sell your work at an auction held in the main building. Sadly I missed the registration, but I went to paint anyway.


I didn't get to bring my easel, but I always carry my sketchbook and a travel watercolor set. This is the carriage house, which is on the property along with a garden, sculptures etc.

It was a nice day of painting perhaps I'll return tomorrow for the last day of the event, I might even bring my easel.

-R

A red barn somewhere in Middletown

Before I arrived in Woodstock I made a few pit stops to paint. I have two or three other paintings, which I might share from my road trip. This happens to be one of the paintings which I liked best. I live no where near a barn, so whenever I bump into one i'm pretty excited to paint it.


This barn just appeared on a random country road. I thought it would be fun to paint a country scene with a nice red barn.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." -Leonardo DaVinci

-R

A nice church in Woodstock

I got to visit Woodstock, NY for an entire day. If I had to choose a word to describe Woodstock, I think it would have to be relaxing. Everyone is very laid back. The town is clean and very friendly.

I had a good time walking around and going to all the mom & pop shops. I even found a well stocked art store called Catskill Art & Office Supply. I bought a sketchbook I never saw before and I also invested in a wooden brush case for some new brushes I bought myself for my birthday. So all in all Woodstock was great, I would love to go back again.

Besides shopping, walking around I got a little painting done. This is a church that's on Tinker street. I sat and painted for a little before going to eat some delicious mexican food down the block. As usual the photo doesn't do the actual colors justice, but you get a pretty good idea. I'm happy with this sketch.


Thank you Woodstock.

-R

The Arch of Titus, Roma.

This is the beautiful Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum. I did a sketch or two when I was in Rome and I decided to do a small painting.


The color looks a little off, but I'm also taking the photos for this blog with my iPhone instead of scanning.

I'm pleased with the outcome in person.

-R

Somewhere in Glen Spey NY

It's been a long summer for me. I have been painting here and there, but due to my work schedule and work load it's always forced. Finally the other day I felt confident about a painting.


This is a nice old barn in Glen Spey NY, it was a nice sunny day and an inviting scene. I'm happy with the end result.
I'm going to try to paint more often and be more invested in my paintings. Please be patient, I'll try to upload more work soon.

Thank you,

-R

Wellington, West Palm

Wellington is a nice and quiet part of West Palm, Florida. I like painting here and I spend quite a lot of time in Wellington.The photo I took with my iPhone didn't really pick up the blue in the water for some reason, perhaps i'll scan it when I get home.


-R

Sanibel island

After getting caught in a rainstorm in Fort Myers we decided to drive to Sanibel Island. Much to our dismay we got caught out in the rain again, but we didn't mind.
I did get to sneak in a couple of paintings between the showers. This one is the lighthouse in Sanibel. I must admit It isn't the most attractive lighthouse, but the island itself makes up for it. Sanibel is beautiful and serene even when there are tourists on her.


-R

Fort Myers

One of the nicer places I visited was Fort Myers. The beach is amazing, the sand feels like flour and the people are friendly. This is a painting of some of the houses on the beach. It started raining not too long after I finished this painting but I stayed on the beach anyway.


-R

House in Delray

House in Delray across the street from the beach. I wish it was mine.


-R

Of course Delray beach

Honestly this place is magical for me. I've done so many paintings here and the beach scenes in Delray allowed me to be fruitful in my work. It would be terrible if I didn't visit and paint them again.
Here are some of the boats on the beach I love to paint. The sky is always amazing and it's so different every time.


-R

A little more West Palm

West Palm is beautiful and the houses are nice and bright. There are a lot of lakes and ponds. This is a house in Wellington.


-R

West Palm

I'm back in Florida and I'm painting a much as I can. This is a nice boat in downtown West Palm, I painted this quickly, but it felt good.


I'm going back to one of my favorite places to paint tomorrow so I hope I have more sketches to share.


-R

One last painting from Southampton

This is the last of the paintings I did from my excursion to Suffolk county, Long Island. I had to take advantage of the beautiful view.


-R

A small piece of the Southampton courthouse

This is a small corner of the courthouse in Southampton. I was waiting for a friend to pay a ticket, and while I waited I decided to paint a little.


-R

A lake in Southampton

Southampton, Long Island.


-R

French cloister in NY

This is the Cuxa Cloister, part of the Cloister garden and museum in upper Manhattan.


I uploaded one of the drawings on my sketch blog: The Black Sketchbook Society

-R

More beach and boats

Here is another beach/boat painting from Delray beach. Some places just inspire you to paint and this particular beach had that effect on me.


-R

Delray beach once again

Here is a second painting from Delray beach. I had some technical difficulties on this painting. I accidentally spilled my water container on my paper. I tried to work through it an in the end I'm happy with the results.


-R

Boats at Delray Beach

One of the things I did the most during my spring break is sleep on the beach. So whenever I was awake I tried to paint a little. This is a painting I did while visiting my favorite place in Florida, Delray beach.


-R

Wellington, West Palm.

I'm back in NY now, but I still have a lot of work from my trip to Florida. Here is a painting of West Palm.


-R

Spring break?

It's spring break and a couple of friends and I decided to drive down to Florida. I have been painting daily and I have no reason for not posting.
So here goes the first of many watercolor paintings. This is a house in beautiful West Palm.


-R

Jefferson Hall, Queens College

Another painting done outside, done instead of working in my studio. The sun won't allow me to work indoors.


-R

Rosenthal library, Queens College

It's been beautiful outside lately, which makes working in my studio really difficult. When the sun is shining I go outside and paint on campus. This is the library at Queens College.


The opening reception for my show was a huge success. I'll post some photos soon.

-R

Book of watercolor paintings on sale now !!!!!

I realize now that there are so many things one must do to prepare for a solo exhibition. One of the more fun things I did was design and make a book. I wanted to make a nice hardcover book of some of the watercolors to be displayed at the shop. The book came out looking incredible and I love it, actually everyone I have showed the book to really enjoyed it. Several people have told me that they wanted a copy, but I only had one book, so with that being said, I made a version of the book available for anyone who is interested in purchasing it. It is a 20 page book in full color with premium matte paper. It comes in paper back, hardcover with a dusk jacket, or hardcover with an image wrap. The book was organized by me, and I picked the pieces that I think would give a sense of the work I produced.

So finally here is the link: MY BOOK !

Once again thank you all for your continued support.

-R

Showing a series of plein-air watercolor paintings

I'm showing about 20-25 watercolor paintings that I did while I was in Italy. If you can stop by during the reception, that would be great. If not the paintings will be up on display for a month. So get some delicious coffee and look at some delicious watercolor paintings.


-R

Kala Mulcahy

Portrait of my friend Kala in graphite.


-R

Victor Honigsfeld

A pencil portrait of my good friend and fellow artist Victor Honigsfeld.



-R

Self portrait in my studio

Watercolor self portrait done in my studio. I was looking at a mirror placed in front of my easel. 10x14"


-R