Welcome to high summer in New York City, when the steamy hot days come fast and furious. To beat the heat and maintain a disciplined work routine I get myself outside and painting first thing most mornings. And as early as possible, so I don't get too involved doing something else instead. (For instance those pesky chores and errands that seem to pop up like wack-a-moles.) It's true that I've never been much of a morning person but it's amazing what you can get used to if you haven't got a better choice.
Central Park Conservancy, Watercolor, 5x7 inches
One recent gray Saturday morning I met up with my pals, the New York City Urban Sketchers at the magnificent Central Park Conservancy Garden. It was our first real live outing since the pandemic, so it was an extra special treat to say hello to everyone and be in their company.
Because I was with my friends I only had a short time to complete my watercolor. So I kept it small and simple. Of course I love the lily pond and the Burnett Fountain, and all the colorful flowers in that exquisite formal garden. But on that day it was the elegant dancing trunk of the magnolia tree that called to my brush.
Because I was with my friends I only had a short time to complete my watercolor. So I kept it small and simple. Of course I love the lily pond and the Burnett Fountain, and all the colorful flowers in that exquisite formal garden. But on that day it was the elegant dancing trunk of the magnolia tree that called to my brush.
London Plane at North Meadow Baseball Field, Central Park
On another morning I chose a very different area of Central Park to work in. I'd like to tell you that I'd been planning on painting this beautiful London plane tree. And that I had passed by and admired it many times. But the bare naked truth is much more practical and banal. Because it was a wicked hot and humid day, and I knew I'd need plenty of drinking water to get through it. So I headed over to the North Meadow Recreation Center. It's an easy walk from my home and ...they have a restroom. And since Central Park has beautiful views in any direction you turn, I decided to find one right there. In the shade!
Find one I did. First I was attracted to all the interesting knobs and bumps and branches on the London plane tree. And then to the violet and mauve rock formation that's echoed by another outcropping in the background. And then I saw the fence that winds its way around the baseball field until it reaches the dusty diamond. I was hooked.
Okay, so I didn't plan to paint this view. But I'm so glad it was right there.
Find one I did. First I was attracted to all the interesting knobs and bumps and branches on the London plane tree. And then to the violet and mauve rock formation that's echoed by another outcropping in the background. And then I saw the fence that winds its way around the baseball field until it reaches the dusty diamond. I was hooked.
Okay, so I didn't plan to paint this view. But I'm so glad it was right there.
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