Art Deco and Rockefeller Center

On Saturday Susan and I headed into Manhattan on the subway. There are always some models if the train isn't too crowded. The woman on the left got off at the first stop (the nerve of her) so I moved on to sketch the second woman who was a bit more cooperative.

This woman was directly across from me. She alternated between being half asleep with her head all the way back, looking straight ahead, or putting on makeup.

When we got to Rockefeller Center the Christmas tree was standing up and the workmen were putting scaffolding around the tree so that it could be decorated. We just HAD to do a sketch of that! I still don't understand how they keep the tree from now until the beginning of January without it losing it's needles. When we had fresh Christmas trees as a kid the needles started falling off the tree as we were bringing it home. lol

I found a spot in the middle of the promenade that leads from 5th Avenue all the way to the skating rink. There were art deco designs over the doorway, but I was also interested in sketching the workers who were planting the tall trees that would be decorated and will stand in the middle of all the lit angels that are put up every Christmas season. By this time I was starting to get cold. My body was warm enough in my down jacket, but my feet and hands were cold. I did have fingerless (and regular) gloves that helped my hands but I couldn't do anything about my feet.

Then I walked down 49th Street a half a block and sketched the NBC Studio marquis. It had some art deco elements too...and I was in the sunshine for a short while. Then it was time for lunch...and we were able to warm up indoors. Yay!!!

After lunch I sat on 5th Avenue right in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral facing across 5th Ave where  the bronze Atlas is supporting on his shoulders, not the earth, but a representation of the heavens (or so says the brochure about Rockefeller Center). This is the largest sculpture in the Center...he stands 15 feet tall on a 9 foot high pedestal. I happen to have worked in this building when I was in college and passed this statue just about every day. Who knew he wasn't holding up the earth?

Since it now gets dark so early and it was so cold, we headed indoors to share our sketches before most of the group headed home. A few of us hung out a bit longer at a local restaurant bar, but only Mark sketched there...on matchbooks no less. It was a good day...but a bit too cold to be sitting around. lol I'm sure it was much warmer if you were moving around like most of the tourists.

Grand Central Terminal

SATURDAY - Art Deco at Rockefeller Center

Saturday November 8, 2014

Rockefeller Center

One of the most influential design periods that spanned the 20's, 30's and 40's. Everything from architecture, interior design, industrial design, fashion, jewelry, electronics, textiles, advertising, typography, even automobiles were influenced by this design movement.

Fabulous Art Deco Details

Rockefeller Center spans from W 48th St to W 51st St , and from 5th Ave to 6th Ave. It includes Radio City Music Hall, The International Building, The French Building, The British Empire Building, and several others.  The lobbies of many of the buildings have commissioned pieces of art. Sculptures, murals, and bas relief are wherever you look. If buildings and art aren't your thing, you might try sketching people in and Art Deco style.

Art Deco Details  - wherever you look

Dress warmly. It is supposed to be sunny, but 49.

DETAILS:

Where and When: 10:00 AM we will meet at the Rockefeller Center Promenade which connects Fifth Avenue with the Skating Rink (located between 49th and 50th Streets)

Lunch: 12:15  lunch at Hale & Hearty in the Concourse Level at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This is also known as the GE Building and is directly behind Prometheus( the gold reclining figure where the tree is set up).

Afternoon: 1:15-3:30 PM  Back out to do more sketching in the area.

Show and Tell: 3:30 we will meet back up in the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. 

Suggestion #1 - Pick up a walking tour guide in the lobby to read the fascinating history of the Center.

Suggestion #2 - Now that it is getting dark early, if there are any brave souls willing, we can do an evening sketch with all the lights and action!

Can't find us?  

Call Mark - 973-809-9128

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

WEEKDAY URBAN SKETCHERS IN CHELSEA MARKET

With rain in the forecast for Thursday we will be going indoors in the Chelsea Market (and possibly the Apple Store on 14th Street) 

LOCATION:  75 9th Avenue NY 10011 at 15th Street

                         We will meet in front of Manhattan Fruit Exchange

TIME:  11AM to 3 PM

TRANSPORTATION: A, C, E, L Line to 14th Street Station  or any subway to 14th St and then the cross town bus. 

Can't find us? Call Raylie at 201-978-6387

Chelsea Market offers a variety of sketching opportunities with produce, products and people in abundance plus interesting architectural elements throughout the venue.  If the weather clears we can move out to 14th Street Park or the plaza in front of the Apple Store (or inside the Apple Store).  One benefit is not having to search for a place for lunch! 

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel: raylie@verizon.net

Grand Central Station

 

What a great location for sketching! Something for everyone. Not enough time to sketch everything I wanted.

Starting the day at the clock.

There was a large State Police presence due to the marathon this weekend.

Crowds at the Apple Store and tourists with their cameras.

The Backup Turns out to be a Winner

The weather for our Saturday Sketch turned out, just as forecasted, to be a miserable day.  Susan had a great day planned sketching iconic Art Deco buildings, but the rain and wind made that impossible.  
(Stay tuned - we're not giving up on that idea.)

Grand Central Station became our home for the day.  It's an entire world with non-stop activity if you're standing still to see it all.

There were three separate wedding parties in full regalia doing photo shoots to commemorate the event.  There were at least three reports of people in Super Hero customs passing through the terminal.  We chatted with the security people, the police and troopers in the terminal and got to watch a number of people who seemed to be way-off their meds acting out their quiet or noisy scenarios.

It is a building with staggering, enveloping height and drama.  I believe I'm right in saying - a good time was had by all.

The Grand Central Station Apple Store - with hordes waiting in lines

Sketching at the NYC Marathon

Yesterday my niece, Beth ran the NYC Marathon. I brought along my sketchbook because I wanted to do a sketch of runners which will be a surprise gift for her. I will definitely work on the figures to make them more in proportion, and make one of them look like her running. lol Then I'll add the watercolor and ink. It was so windy and cold sketching! Brrrr!!!