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

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

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

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

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

Another visit to Montauk

I made another trip to the end of Long Island. Here is a painting of the beautiful beach in Montauk.


-R

Oceanside at sunset

Oceanside long island at sunset.


-R

The Montauk Lighthouse

Today I visited the famous Montauk lighthouse at the very end of Long Island. I went with two friends and fellow artists, we decided to head out to do some watercolor painting and sketching. As soon as we arrived I started to paint right away, while my friends went to explore. I got about 3 minutes into my painting and then the freezing cold weather didn't allow me to continue. I sat and as soon as I mixed a color it would literally freeze and turn into ice, colored ice. So, frustrated and freezing I put my watercolors away and walked around with a sketchbook and a pencil. I did about 10 quick sketches of the light house, the beach the sand bluffs..etc.
I eventually met back up with my friends and walked around a little more drawing here and there. Eventually we returned to the car and then drove to the original spot in front of the lighthouse where I started my painting. Only this time I was in the safety and warmth of a car with heat. I got to finish my painting, and here it is... The Montauk lighthouse in watercolors.. plen-air.


-R

Nassau County Museum of Art

As most of you know I love this museum. So here's a watercolor of the front of the building.


It's much looser than how I normally paint, but I like the final result.

-R

Goya at NCMA

I had the opportunity to visit the Nassau County Museum of Art over the weekend to see the Goya exhibit. Goya's "Los Caprichos" a set of of 80 etchings were on display. I am very familiar with Goya and his work, but I never had the chance to see these etchings in person. They are very delicate, dark and very ominous in certain aspects. Goya made these etchings as a social commentary on Spain, specifically on the monarchy and the clergy. I took notes and did some drawings copying some of his etchings. This is one of the most well known images from the group, and also one of my favorite. This is plate number 43, it's titled: El Sueño de la Razon Produce Monstruos.

Besides the wonderful Goya etchings, the grounds at the NCMA are beautiful, the property is enormous. The weather allowed for us to walk around and explore a little. The museums used to be the house of W.C. Bryant, and it's a very well designed American Beaux-Arte mansion.

If you're ever in Long Island you should attempt to visit this under-rated museum. They always have interesting exhibitions and you get to see a beautiful garden, and the property is littered with interesting sculptures.

-R

Powdermaker Hall

Powdermaker Hall, CUNY Queens College.


I apologize for the lack of posts, but it's midterm season.


-R