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

A small piece of the NCMA

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


-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

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 lake in Southampton

Southampton, Long Island.


-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

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

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