Sketch 100 People in One Week Challenge

A dear friend asked me today if I will participate in the annual event that will start on Monday, March 9. Not sure what my reply was but I've already participated in it more than once before. To be honest, it always feels intense especially when the desired outcome (100 people sketches) isn't met.  I think I skipped it last year for that very reason and most likely it will be the same this time.  No new pressure to add to my already hectic schedule.  At today's NYC Urban Sketchers meet-up at Chelsea Market, I did some people sketches for fun and practice.  If you are reading this, know that I tried my best to get a good likeness of you in this sketch.  It's always nice to see you in our weekend sketch outing and thanks for being my muse.

The Lady on the Train to NYC

I think she was half-awake most of the time that morning.  It seem to me that she was more asleep by the time when I got to sketch her face.  Her snow boots first captured my interest then worked my way up from that starting point.  Here I'm trying to learn to punch up certain areas with line weight and density. I think that helps add to the composition.  

After the Blizzard of 2026

The combination of a blizzard and Nor'easter started coming on Sunday evening.  By Monday morning, we received at least 15" of wet, heavy snow on the ground.  Most of the snow fell overnight with some strong winds, too.  Glad I can work from home.  After clearing the snow off my car, I went back into the apartment building and checked the mail room.  Through the window, I saw a young boy sledding down to his waiting mother just below the slope at the corporate offices across the road from us.  I had to sketch the scene!  They also happen to live in the same apartment building as ours.

  

The Met Exhibit

On Valentine's Day,  Anne and I went to the Met Museum to see the Paintings of Helen Schjerfbeck after our lunch date at Saperavi UES.  Her paintings are so inspiring!  When Anne told me she saw some other artists making a study, I had to get my sketchbook and try it out for myself.  I chose this "Portrait of a Man, 1880"

Sketching at MoMa PS 1

Last Saturday, the NYC Urban Sketchers went sketching at MoMa PS 1 museum in Astoria, Queens.  It was my second time to visit there in two years.  The boiler room I wanted to sketch this time was closed off to the public due to weather related issues.  There were other exhibits but it didn't capture my interest.  I like the first sketch I did in the coffee shop when I first got there.

Jenny making a sketch of Len.  I sketched them both,

The Bridge way in Grand Central Terminal

I’m always on the lookout for something new to sketch inside this very iconic building that is the Grand Central Terminal. This was one of those instances.  It was an accidental sighting once I looked up over my left shoulder.  Originally, I wanted to do a sketch of the Oyster Bar as seen from the walkway window on the lower level concourse. It’s the big window to the right in this picture.  I saw three silhouettes on the bridge that was just right to include in the sketch.

The Essex Market Sketch meet

The NYC Urban Sketchers event last weekend was held in Essex Market but I still remember last year's event hosted by Tina and Josh.  I came in late to the event last Saturday so I just focused on getting something done before the throw down.  I was trying to figure out the composition from where I was seated and decided the pizza place would be it.  Finished adding the colors at home.