Long Island City Clock Tower

The Bank of Manhattan building also known as the Long Island City Clock Tower. This is one of the most iconic buildings in Queens. It was constructed in 1927 by architect Morrell Smith. It has neo-gothic elements in its design as well as a beautiful clock on the crown. This building is in danger of being destroyed because of its recent sale. The clock tower is being considered for the title of Historic Landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. This would of course mean the building would survive for out future generations. Please sign the petition to save this building by clicking HERE ......Thank you.

San Miniato al Monte

The last of the series (for now). This is San Miniato al Monte, a Romanesque church in Florence. This church is perhaps my favorite building in Italy. Along with the Florentine baptistry, I believe this building is an influence on early Renaissance buildings like Santa Maria Novella and architects like Leon Battista Alberti.

Battistero di San Giovanni, Firenze

Continuing the with some drawings of Romanesque/Renaissance buildings, this is an 11th century building in Florence. It is perhaps one of the most important buildings in the city, it sits in front of the cathedral with the famous red cupola.

The baptistry of Saint John is a beautiful example of a Tuscan Romanesque architectural style that can be compared in its construction and aesthetic appeal to San Miniato al Monte (another Romanesque building in Florence) and eventually to even Renaissance buildings like Santa Maria Novella (facade).

Santa Maria della Carceri and Graduate School.

As you may or may not know, I am a graduate student. I am getting my masters in art history from CUNY Queens College. I only mention this because I know that I haven't been posting much, and I have to admit that schoolwork is the biggest reason for the lack of posts.

With that being said I haven't been drawing/painting as much as I would like to. 

My concentration is Renaissance architecture, but I'm particularly interested in later Romanesque/Early Renaissance churches in Florence. I am slowly preparing my thesis and looking at some buildings I will perhaps be writing about. I had a slow week as far as studying and assignments due so I drew a few of these buildings  and did some light watercolor washes on them. 

This is the first; Giuliano da Sangallo's Santa Maria della Carceri in Prato, Italy. Late 15th Century. 

A drawing from the Met

This is a drawing of a sculpture by Janet Scudder. This sculpture is actually part of a fountain in the American Wing. It's called Frog Fountain and was sculpted in 1906. It's a bronze sculpture which made drawing it a little complicated, but definitely fun.


I have a few other drawings from that day which I'll post later on. This one is especially important because it is the last page of my sketchbook! It always feels nice to complete a sketchbook, now I have to look for a new one.

-R

Apse, St. John the Divine

This Romanesque/Gothic revival church is found on West 113 street uptown Manhattan. It's one of the largest Anglican cathedrals in the world and it is definitely worth a visit.

This is the drawing I did of the church's apse,next time I'll try to sit and draw the facade. I found this view interesting and challenging.



-R

Church in Montclair, NJ

I went to NJ and hung out in Montclair for the day. It's one of my favorite places. There are a lot of nice mom and pop shops and churches. I did a few drawings but this was my favorite. It was a little cold, but I wanted to finish so I had to tough it out. I'm glad I did.



-R