Friday, August 31, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

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

Sunday, August 26, 2012

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

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

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

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

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

Friday, August 10, 2012

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