Some Washington Square Photos

We were joined late in the day my Anne Smith's parents.  They seemed to enjoy being with us and fit right in.  I wasn't aware that Jeffrey was busy snapping pictures.   Here are a couple that in my opinion stood out :

The last is my favorite.  It's such an Urban Sketching shot!  She's right there in the middle of the action busy drawing.  Thanks for sharing Jeffrey.

Sketching in Washington Square Park

Sketching in Washington Square Park on Saturday for the 49th World Wide SketchCrawl was great! There was something going on everywhere you looked with the protesters, the police, the normal musicians and entertainers...and our group of nearly 30 sketchers. It was a madhouse at times! I think we added to the entertainment too.

I sketched the arch early in the day. Of course in the time it took me to sketch it, the scene changed as the bagpipe players came along and then all the protesters with their signs. I only included a few people.

Looking in the opposite direction I was able to see the Freedom Tower peeking through the trees which were really starting to pop with color.

After lunch I wanted to do a sketch of some of the protesters and thought I had the right spot because they were all lined up with their signs. But as soon as I started sketching they were off marching to somewhere else in the city...so I only caught a few of them and a police officer too.

My last sketch was of the fountain and some of the activity around it.

Our group got really into sketching as you can see in the photos below.

Ladies who paint.

Sketching the musicians.

Getting down the details with a water brush.

Sketchers enjoying the cold day.

"Show and Tell" is always a fun part of the day...we were lucky to fit into the bar this time since I think 20 of us showed up at the end of the day. lol We welcomed some new sketchers and Thomas Thorspecken visiting from Orlando. Seeing the other sketches and sharing information, materials, and in formation is a perfect finish to a day of sketching.

A small part of the group.

Thomas Thorspecken sharing one of his sketches.

Hugo shows us his markers.

CHANGE to SUNDAY

Very sorry to switch things.  The weekend sketch will be held on SUNDAY, instead of the date originally planned.   The weekend train schedule remains the same.  The Sunday weather promises to be slightly better (warmer).

Should still be a great day.  Hope to see you there!

New Date - SUNDAY

SUNDAY November 1,  2015

This Special Sketch Event is hosted by John Dunn

Cold Spring is located 50 miles north of Manhattan at a scenic on the Hudson River.  It is a rural area steeped in history and rich in visual sketchable scenes.  Its a far cry from the hustle and bustle of NYC and a complete contrast to last week's sketching at Washington Square Park.  You'll see incredible peaceful river views, scenic streets with antique shops, clothing stores, coffee houses and so much more.  Our host and guide for the day, John Dunn has lived in this town for years

Our visit to Cold Spring a year and half ago was one of the best reviewed events we've ever done.  However this is not NYC.  We'll need to get there using the Hudson Division trains at Grand Central or by driving. Details on costs and timing are below.

Morning:  John will pick a sketchable stretch of Main Street that you'll enjoy.  Main Street is about five blocks long and features numerous buildings, many of them dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Lunch:  11:45 to 1:00. You can bring lunch or buy from any of the  numerous eateries on Main Street as well as a deli.  Weather permitting we will have picnic lunch at John's house. The Dunn's house is in the waterfront area and has a lovely side yard and - best of all - a bathroom.

Afternoon:  We'll enjoy the warmest part of the day by the river.  You will have a 360 degree view of the Hudson River north and south, the north end of West Point, the waterfront itself, the marina and the streets and buildings that flank the waterfront.

Sketched by Joan Tavolott

Sketch by Susan T.

DETAILS:

When:  Timing things to arrive about 10 AM (see train details below)

Where:  Cold Spring, NY - on the Hudson River.  Arrive by train at the station or drive and park at or near the marina.

How:
  Origin Station: GRAND CENTRAL
  Destination Station: COLD SPRING
  Leaves NYC - 8:48 AM - Arrives at Cold Spring 10:08 AM
  Get there Early to Buy Tickets!
     80 MINUTES - THROUGH TRAIN
     Off-peak for travel to/from Manhattan; save 25% off the regular one-way peak fare.
     OFF-PEAK - Tickets Available at the Station or via Web
       Round Trip Off-Peak $28.00 $28.00
       Round Trip Off Peak Senior/Disabled/Medicare $18.50 $18.50
       You can't purchase tickets on-board the train.

  Return trains take 90 minutes
  Trains for NYC leave Cold Spring at 2:16, 3:16, 4:14 and 5:16

NOTES:
-   Bring a stool if you have one
-   Dress warmly in layers
-   I am traveling by car, look for one another on the train.  Hold your sketchbook so you can be easily identified as an Urban Sketcher

If you arrive late, or take a car and can't find us:

Call John at 914-523-8694, or Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.

WEEKDAY SKETCHERS ALERT

Change of Venue for Wednesday  

The forecast for Wednesday October 28 is for rain all day.  Weekday Urban Sketcher will move indoors at St. Paul's Chapel.  If the weather clears we can walk over to the South Street Seaport. If not we can stay in the Chapel and then decide where to move next. Possibilities include Trinity Church, The Fulton Metro Rotunda and the Museum of the American Indian.  If the weather clears we can go to the figure drawing if it is held.

MEET UP LOCATION:  St Pauls Chapel on Broadway between Fulton and Vessey St.  

TIME: 10:30 AM

TRANSPORTATION: So many subway lines converge at the Fulton Metro Interchange.  Take any line that takes you to the World Trade Center, Fulton St, Cortland St, etc.

Looking for us? Call Raylie at 201-978-6387

SATURDAY: Sketch Cold Spring, NY

SATURDAY October 31, 2015

This Special Sketch Event is hosted by John Dunn

Cold Spring is located 50 miles north of Manhattan at a scenic on the Hudson River.  It is a rural area steeped in history and rich in visual sketchable scenes.  Its a far cry from the hustle and bustle of NYC and a complete contrast to last week's sketching at Washington Square Park.  You'll see incredible peaceful river views, scenic streets with antique shops, clothing stores, coffee houses and so much more.  Our host and guide for the day, John Dunn has lived in this town for years

Our visit to Cold Spring a year and half ago was one of the best reviewed events we've ever done.  However this is not NYC.  We'll need to get there using the Hudson Division trains at Grand Central or by driving. Details on costs and timing are below.

Morning:  John will pick a sketchable stretch of Main Street that you'll enjoy.  Main Street is about five blocks long and features numerous buildings, many of them dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Lunch:  11:45 to 1:00. You can bring lunch or buy from any of the  numerous eateries on Main Street as well as a deli.  Weather permitting we will have picnic lunch at John's house. The Dunn's house is in the waterfront area and has a lovely side yard and - best of all - a bathroom.

Afternoon:  We'll enjoy the warmest part of the day by the river.  You will have a 360 degree view of the Hudson River north and south, the north end of West Point, the waterfront itself, the marina and the streets and buildings that flank the waterfront.

Sketched by Joan Tavolott

Sketch by Susan T.

DETAILS:

When:  Timing things to arrive about 10 AM (see train details below)

Where:  Cold Spring, NY - on the Hudson River.  Arrive by train at the station or drive and park at or near the marina.

How:
  Origin Station: GRAND CENTRAL
  Destination Station: COLD SPRING
  Leaves NYC - 8:48 AM - Arrives at Cold Spring 10:08 AM
  Get there Early to Buy Tickets!
     80 MINUTES - THROUGH TRAIN
     Off-peak for travel to/from Manhattan; save 25% off the regular one-way peak fare.
     OFF-PEAK - Tickets Available at the Station or via Web
       Round Trip Off-Peak $28.00 $28.00
       Round Trip Off Peak Senior/Disabled/Medicare $18.50 $18.50
       You can't purchase tickets on-board the train.

  Return trains take 90 minutes
  Trains for NYC leave Cold Spring at 2:16, 3:16, 4:14 and 5:16

NOTES:
-   Bring a stool if you have one
-   Dress warmly in layers
-   If Saturday is raining we will default to Sunday.  I'll send an email blast to everyone
-   I am traveling by car, look for one another on the train.  Hold your sketchbook so you can be easily identified as an Urban Sketcher

If you arrive late, or take a car and can't find us:

Call John at 914-523-8694, or Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.

Weekday Urban Sketchers in South Street Seaport

Cobbled streets, stone buildings, sailed ships in the harbor make for lovely sketches.  Join us for a step back in time as we sketch the street scene at South Street Seaport in the morning.  In the afternoon we will move to the last figure drawing session in Battery Park City from 2:30 to 4:30.

DATE: WEDNESDAY October 28, 2015

TIME: 10:30 AM 

TRANSPORTATION:  2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z to Fulton Street station; walk east towards river

LOCATION: Meet at the little lighthouse on the corner of Fulton and Water Streets.   If it is raining we will meet inside the South Street Seaport Museum at 12 Fulton Street. 

Titanic Memorial Lighthouse

 

12 Fulton Street

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us, call Raylie 201-978-6387

NOTE: Starting in November the Weekday Sketchers will meet on Thursdays. Since we have spent so many days downtown this summer and fall, we will be spending time uptown and in some of the outer boroughs as we move into the winter months. 

Urban Sketchers Visit Washington Square Park

The cold overcast day did not stop the NY Urban Sketchers who turned out in force this past Saturday in Washington Square Park - a crossroads of the world for all types of humanity.  I warmed up with a pencil sketch of Larry the Bird Man surrounded by his feathered friends.

Then went to the fountain where I set up my tripod and watercolor set, and did a sketch of the Justice for Freddy Gray and Black Lives demonstration.  A man by the name of Richard Agudelo took my picture while painting and was kind enough to send it to me.

The inking was rendered with a bamboo stick that was soaked in water for an hour, a trick an Urban Sketcher taught me.  It really helps even out the flow of ink.

I sketched a new sketcher named Kim, who had an amazing level of concentration and didn't move for a very long time.  Very convenient for sketching!  Also rendered with a soaked bamboo stick and India ink.

Here is Svetlana, Kim, Susan, and Masako, another new sketcher.  I had the time to do another, but was getting very cold.  I promised Susan I would make her look beautiful which wasn't that difficult.

I am always impressed with Susan's masterpieces:

Finally I did a quickie of a guy at the Prayer Station.  He wanted me to pray and I explained that drawing is my way of prayer.

We ended up at the Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor, where we downed a few and admired the work. 

So Sketchers, it was a crisp and wonderful Fall day in Greenwich Village.  A good time was had, and many beautiful sketches were produced.  It was great seeing new faces in the group!  We even had a guest appearance by Thomas Thorspecken, who wrote one of my favorite guides to Urban Sketching.  Thanks Mark, for doing the organizing, and I will see you all next time… Meanwhile, happy sketching!

You can follow me on Instagram @jlevinemd.

Jeff

SATURDAY: Sketch Washington Square Park

World Wide SketchCrawl #49

This is a special day, we'll be joined sketching by people all over the world.  

Be sure to follow the sketching fun on Social Media.

Saturday October 24, 2015

Washington Square Park  One of the top people-watching spots in all of NYC, there’s a never-ending parade of street musicians, performance artists, students, and tourists. The fountain, the arch, and the curves in the road are all images that will stay etched into your memory.

Chess under the Trees  Pass through the SW corner of Washington Square Park on any given afternoon and you can hear a pin drop. Old timers are busy plotting their next moves on the board while surrounding onlookers cheer them on. And while you may not equate "trees" with “Manhattan,” the city  is filled with them. In this park alone, several trees are hundreds of years old, including "The Hanging Tree," an English Elm located near the chess players. Towering over the park at 110 feet high, it’s the oldest known tree in NYC.

(Descriptions written by Urban Sketcher Shawne Cooper)

DETAILS:
When:   Meet at 10 AM under the arch.  Coming late is no problem - we'll be there the entire day.

 Look for your friends sketching.

Where:  Washington Square Park.  Meeting place under the arch at 5th Avenue and Waverly Place (AKA - Washington Square North)

How:   WSP is easy to reach by subway.  The closest choices include:
-   West 4th Street - A, C, D, E, F and M Subway
-   Astor Place #6 Subway
-   Bleeker St #6 Subway
-   8th STreet NYU N, R Subway
-   Christopher - Sheridan Square #1 Subway


Lunch: 12 - Noon:  Meet again under the arch.  Bring your own or buy lunch from the many vendors and stores in the area.  We'll find a good spot to eat together.

Afternoon: After lunch we're back continuing capturing Washington Square in all it's glory on a brilliant autumn day

Show and Tell:  3:30 We'll walk up McDougal Street to 8th Street to the Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor, 26 W 8th St,  to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.

NOTE:
-   If you have a folding stool or chair - bring it.

-   Save next Saturday (October 31st) - we're returning to Cold Spring, NY on the Hudson.  Working with Urban Sketcher - John Dunn who lives in the town, we have a great day planned.

If you can’t find us 

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.

Fort Tryon and Fall Festivities

Although it is mid-October the leaves have hardly started to turn, but that has not stopped fall festivities.  During our weekend outing with the NYC Urban Sketchers, a Fall Harvest Fest was under way.  Since I brought my 7 year old, Ben, we anxiously awaited the opening of the festivities, and were eyeing the pumpkin patch.  There is just something about those orange pumpkins.  While we waited for the festival to begin we both sketched and painted the beautiful grounds.

 

 

The New Leaf Café building was our meeting location, and I think most of us were able to get some of it. I loved all the dogs and dog walkers, and I could have devoted a page to that. However, I did manage to add in a quick sketch of a Russian Wolf Hound.  This huge dog added some splashes of water to my picture above as he said hello while I drew on. 

 

This area had a lot of low shrubs and Ben was inspired by the activity. He really liked the sparrows and low plants. Yes, he named his sketch.

After we were sufficiently frozen, the Festival began!

And we did even more art involving pumpkin painting, cupcake decorating and birds nest building.  It was fun to sketch the kids doing crafts, as they were very still.  A very rare moment, to see children still.  And of course all the costumes were a blast too sketch too.