SATURDAY: Sketch the Hispanic Society

Saturday January 2, 2016

An Undiscovered Gem.

The Hispanic Society of America is a museum and reference library for the study of the arts and cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

 I think everyone who visits is surprised how many old masters are on display. It houses a really impressive collection of Spanish paintings and decorative arts, including multiple paintings by masters like Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez and El Greco.  The collection also includes the Vespucci Map of the World

For me the major hit is the Sorolla Room which displays 14 ten-foot-tall panels.  To quote Suma one of our sketchers:  The "Vision of Spain" murals by Joaquin Sorolla alone are worth the visit -- they fill an entire octagonal room and are luminous, larger-than-life, drenched with color. If you like Sargent, these are a must-see

The Society is in a Beaux-Arts building that dates from 1908.  Weather permitting the Society has a very sketchable courtyard.

Admission is free although they ask for a donation.  (Personally on my last visit I felt more inclined towards generosity than I usually do at the NYC tourist mega- museums.)


DETAILS

When:  Starting at 10 AM when the museum opens. If you're less insanely passionate about sketching, ...  or more in need of sleep, come anyway - we're there for the day.  It'll be easy to find us.

Where:  The Hispanic Society of America.  613 West 155th Street, on Audubon Terrace, Broadway between 155 and 156 Streets (see map below)

How:  By Subway:
-  The #1 Train Stops at 157th Street - one block away (Best choice)
-  The A & C Train stops at 155th Street and is a longer walk 2 Avenues away

Lunch: 12:30 Directly across the street at the Restaurante La Libertad, 3764 Broadway.  Great fresh food, reasonably priced -  Latino/Salvadoran/Modern Cuisine.

Afternoon:  Back to the Museum for more sketching

Show and Tell: 3:15 off to At the Wallace, at 3612 Broadway (between W 148 and 149th) to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.

(Click to Enlarge)

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.