Tax Preparation Help

The AARP offers a free tax-filing services at the local library so I went there to get mine done today.  There were nine others already on the list at 9:30am when I got there.  However, I came prepared with a mini sketchbook to keep me occupied, while waiting, until they were ready to help me file my taxes.

The Vault by Nespresso

After that one day fashion show event last week, they tore down the props and cleared the Vanderbilt Hall for another type of event.  The Vault by Nespresso opened a three day promo event showcasing a new selection of coffee pods you can try for free!  I made a point to stop and sketch last Wednesday morning before going to work and in the process, was able to meet some Nespresso people who are responsible for the event.  Showed them the sketch and they were grateful that I shared it.

Before heading home, I sketched the view once again even though the venue has closed for the day.  It was nice to capture a different view which I later finished adding color at home.  On Thursday morning, I showed up there once again for the free coffee and made sure to share the colored pieces to the people I met the day before.

My evening sketch of the coffee bar.

The morning sketch that I had added some color to it.

 

The New York Fashion Week at GCT

The New York Fashion Week started last Thursday.  That morning, I made my way out of Grand Central in the Vanderbilt Hall direction and saw some finished props for the show.  I caught the tail end of the show after work just before my train ride home.  Trying to sketch quickly was nice and enjoyable.  I added some color to the sketch once I got home.

The Tournament of Champions

This is my second year of sketching the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions - Squash.  It's a one week indoor tournament event being held inside the Grand Central Terminal.  They built a glass court in Vanderbilt Hall with seating spots for paid spectators.  As a transient city commuter, I get to see the events here both in the morning and evening trips at GCT.  

Last Thursday, opening day, I tried my luck in securing a nice spot with the media people in front of the glass court behind the people watching from the hallway entrance to GCT.  I spoke to some staff workers and explained that I sketch and that I did one last year.  I was told to approach Michael who is the supervisor.  After finding him and showing him my work, he not only was willing to get me a front spot among the spectators by the hallway but he gave me a wristband allowing me inside the downtown court wall seating area.  Wow!  I was so happy he did that.

The following day, I made a quick sketch in the morning, with Gus there, the security guy I met the night before.  In the evening, I also stopped by and made more addition to the earlier sketch.  On Monday, I finished the line work on site and added some watercolor at home.

The Pontaut Chapter House

I hosted the NYC Urban Sketchers last weekend at the Met Cloisters, together with JT, my co-host.  Once we were inside, I chose to sketch the Pontaut Chapter House.  I was curious to see how my current sketch would compare with the sketch I made in 2017.  Seeing the two sketches now, I think my focus back then was capturing the scene in true scale, which took me very long time to finish.  This time, I was more interested in balance of the overall scene.

February 22, 2017

January 25, 2025

Sketch the Grand Central Terminal

We had an amazing turnout of urban sketchers at the Grand Central Terminal last weekend.  I co-hosted the event with Shawne Cooper, together with our special host, Judy Garza, who provided us many highlights and secrets of this amazing building.  The event was a terrific success!  Fun was had by all.  It was crazy busy but I managed to get two sketches done.

The Christmas Tree at the Met

The Christmas and New Year holidays came to a pass but the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche was still there when I visited on January 4th.  I know some urban sketchers were there inside the Met but I don't know where.  It was a very busy day especially when it has gotten so windy cold outside.  I mainly stayed inside the Medieval Art Gallery and finished the rough sketch of the scene.  Finished the hatching later at home.

The Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche