The NYC USk sketch location was at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. I've always wanted to sketch the architectural beauty of the main entrance to the cemetery. Near the entrance, you can hear the loud green parrots that took residence on the upper reaches of the entrance towers. On that beautiful autumn like day, I could have easily driven my car to Brooklyn but I opted to use the public transportation. As always, it was a fun outing with the NYC Urban Sketchers.
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It was one of those mornings when I have the two seater row to myself. One row over, another passenger got the three seater to himself, too. All I could spy was part of his legs, maybe the hands on the phone, but mostly the fairly new black Timberland work boots. And that was what I sketched on that trip to work.
It was a scene I couldn’t resist sketching after work last Wednesday and I know it wouldn't be there for another day. Con-Edison workers at the corner of 5th Ave and 38th Street in Manhattan. The bright orange cones drew my interest. Added pen colors at home.
A sketch of The Charging Bull sculpture from last Sunday's NYC USk outing in the Financial District. There wasn't a line of people yet when I got there before 10am. Took as selfie before positioning myself in between the stalls of nearby street sidewalk souvenir vendors. Soon the tourists came and I start filling my sketch with fun figures.
Went sketching at the Financial District in Manhattan with the NYC USk group last Sunday. After lunch, I headed out to the pier at Battery Park where I saw this young fellow with a Burmese Albino Python pet hanging around his neck like an 80 lbs necklace. I would later learn Michael is the owner of "Willy" the Python.
Each time a ferry start docking to unload passengers, Michael would enthusiastically call the tourist's attention with raised hands, shouting "Do NOT be afraid, Do NOT be afraid!", "Put them on you!", "It looks good on me, it looks BETTER on you!" "Who's next?, Who's next?" I've seen several tourists line up to get their chance for a picture with Willy hanging over their neck at $10 a pop.
I don't know what sketch will develop once I board my train but I first note down the car number, date and time. Yesterday morning, I started this sketch with her partially visible elbow, hoping to make it down to her shiny black rubber rain boots, until she shifted out of view. The man behind her seat came into focus as I noticed his weathered brown boots. And it just grew from there until I ran out of space on this page.
Friday night, I made a stop at the Bryant Park Picnic Performance before catching the 7:36 PM train home. Featured last Friday was the New York City Opera - "Rigoletto" I started this new sketchbook (a gift from a friend) and was able to draw parts of the orchestra rehearsal, the gentleman in khaki jacket, and a stage scene. This is what I like about working in the city. There are many things to capture in a sketch. If only there's more time....
There weren't many passengers on Car 9362 on the return trip home from work last Monday. Thus my sketch choice was limited to the legs as seen from where I was seated. He elevated and propped both knees against the back of the seat in front of him. Then he crossed his legs. I realized his boat shoes look interesting enough to be sketched.
Yesterday's commuter sketch was about things. A lady commuter secured the upright electric scooter next to her seat with the helmet straps anchoring it in place. This to prevent tipping over when the locomotive car sway from time to time. On the return trip home, a tactical military style backpack was an interesting subject in place. Happy news: I finished that sketchbook... on to a new one!
