Urban Sketching on Manhattan's Lower East Side

We started the day on Eldridge Street in the heart of Manhattan's historic Lower East Side, and sketched the Eldridge Street Synagogue, built in 1887 by Jewish immigrants.  I remember this place fifteen years ago - it looked like a bombed out shell.  Now it is completely restored and designated a National Historic Landmark.  It is a museum and cultural center dedicated to telling the story of the neighborhood's early inhabitants.  

I did this sketch in three sessions, finishing it up on Sunday morning with the Sketchers, some of whom I photographed below.

While everyone was concentrating on the Synagogue, I slipped into a Chinese Buddhist Temple next door and did a quick watercolor sketch of the prayer ceremony.

We had lunch in a very inexpensive Chinese restaurant nearby, and I sketched Pat, sketcher extraordinaire and author of the reclinerart blog.

After lunch I tried my hand at plein air watercolor at the produce market next to the Manhattan Bridge.

Then I noticed an intense group of men watching Chinese Chess and decided to give this a try with a sketch using a pre-soaked bamboo stick, Chinese ink, and watercolor.

Finally we met up at Union Square where there was a plein air art event, and I sketched one of my favorite Instagrammers, @susandrawss.  This one was in simple pen and ink using Micron pens.

Later over drinks I sketched another Instagrammer, @floodfish.  This was done with various pencils including water-soluble wash.

This was a long, productive, exhausting, and enjoyable day with the sketchers.  I wish everyone a Happy 4th of July, and hope to see you all again soon!  You can also follow me on Instagram @jlevinemd.

Jeff Levine

NO Weekend Sketch - Happy Fourth of July

Childe Hassam painted NYC’s
Fourth of July
exactly 100 Years ago.

Long Weekend - No Sketch Event Planned.

For anyone interested I will be painting in the New York Botanic Garden on Sunday and Monday.  I'll be at the Gazebo in the Home Gardening Center from 11 to 3 PM on both days.  You're welcome to join me.  It's a wonderful sketching place.

Also, if you're going to be somewhere else in the city sketching - why not post it to our Facebook page and share the idea.

Enjoy the Holiday!

Weekday Urban Sketcher meet St. Joan and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Continuing on our quest of drawing the statues of real women in NYC, this week we will meet St. Joan.  Located in Riverside Park at 93rd St. we will have an opportunity to sketch her as well as other park and river scenes.   After lunch we can move a few blocks south to 89th Street to sketch the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, located on a beautiful plaza along Riverside Drive

DATE: THURSDAY JUNE 30, 2016

TIME: 10:30 AM

LOACATION: STATUE OF JOAN OF ARC

                          Riverside Park at 93rd Street

TRANSPORTATION: 1, 2, 3 to the 96th Street Station.  Walk two blocks west to Riverside Dr. and walk the few blocks south to the statue.

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net. Looking for us? Call/text Raylie at 201-978-6387.

SUNDAY: Sketching Triple Play Day

It's a Triple Play Day 

      planned for you by Jeff Levine

Sketch the 

LOWER EAST SIDE 

1. THE ELDRIDGE STREET SYNAGOGUE

Followed by

2. The FORSYTH STREET CHINATOWN PRODUCE MARKET

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE

and then

3. The NYC PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT in Union Square.   

FIRST STOP:
A genuine slice of Old Manhattan! The Eldridge Street Synagogue, built in 1887, is a breath-taking National Historic Landmark located on New York City's Lower East Side.  The Museum offers an intimate, authentic portal to the past for people of all backgrounds. Step into the footsteps of the synagogue's immigrant founders. Discover how the immigrant experience transformed and continues to transform communities today.

SECOND STOP:
The Chinatown Produce Market at Forsyth Street - There are so many fruit and vegetable stands.  Which one is the best?  The one to choose is easy to spot -  it has the longest line. The line moves a little slow. You’d better know what you want by the time you get to the front of the line  you don’t want to hold up everyone else.  After all - this is New York!

The action never stops - a site worth sketching!

THIRD STOP:
The PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT in Union Square.  From 3 - 8 PM.  A total Be-In for art types who are gutsy enough to sketch in public.  Sounds like us!

Free gifts from Jerry’s Pallet Shop for the first 100 people. Union Square is full of energy and the perfect place to set up and paint on the second longest day of the year!


DETAILS:

What:  Sketch the NYC Immigrant Experience, on the Lower East Side

When:  This Sunday - Our Three-Part Day starts at 10 AM

Where:  First stop, The Eldridge Street Synagogue -
12 Eldridge Street between Canal and Division Streets.
Note:  There is a $14 tour given on the hour that you can take. They know we’re coming and know that we’re sketchers.  If you prefer - stay outside and sketch.

How:  Nearest Subway is the Grand Street Station, B or D trains, that leaves you off at Forsyth  and

Grand. Walk to Eldridge Street Synagogue.

Lunch:  Lunch 12:00-1:00 PM at New Wong Restaurant 103 E Broadway, which is 1 block from our afternoon sketch at the market.

Afternoon:  1 PM to 2:30 PM.  at the market, at the corner of Forsyth and Division Streets,  Sketch the Forsyth Street produce market in Chinatown, in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge.

Late Afternoon Special:  3 PM The NYC Plein Air Paint-Out in Union Square.  Go immediately to the Jerry’s Table.  Then let’s meet by the statue of Ghandi which is located on the lower west side of the park

Show and Tell:  (My personal favorite time when we all get to be together to share our work.)  Not this weekend.  Too much going on.  Let’s share as we can during the day.

Hoping to see you!

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees.   All drawing skill levels are welcome.

Trying Again: 

Weekday Urban Sketcher in Brooklyn at Piers 5 & 6

(Hopefully we won't get rained out again!) 

Alan Wernicke  has invited us to his part of the world: Brooklyn Heights.  We will be going to the waterfront by Piers 5 & 6 to sketch views of the Manhattan skyline from the East River, the activity on the piers (volleyball, soccer, skaters), marinas, the rescue ship Nantucket, tug boats, sailboats, barges and views of Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, to name "picture ops" 

DATE: THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2016

TIME: 10:30 AM TO ?

MEETING LOCATON: PIER 5 AT THE FOOT OF JORALEMON STREET

                                         MEET IN FRONT OF AMPLE HILLS CREAMERY (blue awning)

TRANSPORTATION: 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall. Use the Joralemon St exit and walk down Joralemon Street towards the river, away from the Municipal Building and into the beautiful Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. It will take about 10 minutes to walk to the riverfront. At Furnam Street walk under the BQE highway and continue one block to the pier. 

                  Alternate Subway: R train to Court Street. Exit to street and walk south a few blocks to Joralemon St and then follow directions above. 

RSVP directly Alanwernicke@yahoo.com   If running late, call or text Alan at 917-685-5748. 

Bring lunch or buy something at the vendors on the pier.  Bring a cap/hat and sunscreen.  There is plenty of seating but you can bring a folding stool/chair. 

SATURDAY: Draw the High Line

Meet at the Urban Theater on the High Line
(located at 17th Street and 10th Avenue)

WHAT?
A little unusual.  Yes, we have a planned sketch for Saturday.  No, I will not be there - it is an un-hosted event.  I have a work commitment this weekend (see below).  

On June 18th from 10:00am to 12:30pm artists and art lovers will take in the beauty of the High Line, one of New York’s greatest combinations of contemporary architecture and native greenery. This event has been advertised and will likely include loads of non-urban sketching people around the city.

Everyone will meet at the Urban Theater on the High Line (17th street and 10th avenue) between 10:00 and 10:30am to check in and pick up drawing supplies.  Participants can then explore the park on their own and return with their drawings by noon to get feedback from the artists and enjoy drinks and snacks with fellow art-lovers.

Participating artists and guests should be sure to register for the event through Eventbrite, and present their ticket for FREE drawing supplies and refreshments, sponsored by Sugarlift.


ME?
I’m going to be at the New York Botanic Garden doing Plein Air Painting in the Gazebo at the Home Gardening Center.  It’s a program to interest people to sketch in the gardens.  The Garden will provide art supplies to anyone who wants to try their hand.  I’m there to encourage people to try.  As an Urban Sketcher that’s a role that I relish.

YOU?
I’ve committed to be at the NYBG on several dates this summer which cuts into my time planning and hosting Urban Sketching events.

Rather than just cancel I’d like to find a way to occasionally hand-off the responsibilities to someone who feels committed to what we’re doing.  If you might be interested in acting as a backup please send me an email.


DETAILS -

What: Draw the High Line:  Free art supplies available by registering - Click for details:

Where:  Meet at the Urban Theater on the High Line (17th street and 10th avenue)

When:  Saturday June 18th from 10 - 12:30.  Arrive between 10-10:30 for the free art supplies if you’ve registered.

Weekday Event Canceled

Due to the weather today's event in Brooklyn is canceled. 

Weekday Urban Sketcher in Brooklyn at Piers 5 & 6

Alan Wernicki  has invited us to his part of the world: Brooklyn Heights.  We will be going to the waterfront by Piers 5 & 6 to sketch views of the Manhattan skyline from the East River, the activity on the piers (volleyball, soccer, skaters), marinas, the rescue ship Nantucket, tug boats, sailboats, barges and views of Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, to name "picture ops" 

DATE: THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2016

TIME: 10:30 AM TO ?

MEETING LOCATON: PIER 5 AT THE FOOT OF JORALEMON STREET

                                         MEET IN FRONT OF AMPLE HILLS CREAMERY (blue awning)

TRANSPORTATION: 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall. Use the Joralemon St exit and walk down Joralemon Street towards the river, away from the Municipal Building and into the beautiful Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. It will take about 10 minutes to walk to the riverfront. At Furnam Street walk under the BQE highway and continue one block to the pier. 

                  Alternate Subway: R train to Court Street. Exit to street and walk south a few blocks to Joralemon St and then follow directions above. 

Meeting location

View to Brooklyn Bridge

View of Manhattan from Brooklyn

RSVP directly Alanwernicke @yahoo.com   If running late, call or text Alan at 917-685-5748. 

Bring lunch or buy something at the vendors on the pier.  Bring a cap/hat and sunscreen.  There is plenty of seating but you can brin a folding stool/chair. 

To and From Jersey City

It is quite a long haul from out where I am on Long Island to Jersey City. It took me almost 2 hrs between the LIRR, the subway, and the PATH. Luckily I had some models nearby on the LIRR going into the city so I had a lot to keep me busy on the trip.

This lady slept most of the way.

This group was across the aisle from me and several kids that belonged to some of them were in the seats to my right. The oldest realized I was sketching the adults and at some point he let them know. The boy kept looking over to see what I had done so when I finished I passed it over to him, he looked at it with a big grin, and he passed it over to the adults. They asked permission to take photos and were so thrilled that I had sketched them.

When I got by the water in Jersey City there was a pigeon sitting on the railing, so I sketched him quickly since I knew he wouldn't stay long. I always get lost in the skyline, but since nobody will be checking if there is a building missing I guess it doesn't matter. lol

There was a planter near me with some colorful purple flowers so I turned my chair a little and put that in the foreground of another skyline sketch.

I had a little more time before we were leaving for drinks, so I sketched the hot dog vendor and his cart. The sketch was done on site and I did a little of the watercolor. The rest I finished when I got home.

It was great to be back sketching with the group since I had missed the last few weekends. It was great to have Chiara (from Italy) and Eden (from Toronto) join us.

SATURDAY: Sketch Best View of NYC

Saturday June 11, 2016

The View from Jersey City

You can't see Manhattan from Manhattan.  Choice views are possible from Brooklyn Heights and Long Island City, but possibly the best possible way to view our city is across the river in Jesey City.

What a great day we have planned!

A ferry ride across the Hudson to Jersey to see the most awesome views of downtown Manhattan skyline!  Stroll along with boardwalk by the water, feel the salt air breeze.


Sketch the 911 Firefighter Statue and the 911 Memorial Statue.  Or turn your back to face inland to draw Jersey City’s Brownstones.





DETAILS

What:   Sketch the Lower NYC Skyline from Jersey City


When:  Saturday - meet at the Path Station at Exchange Place in Jersey City at 11 AM

How:
The Scenic View:
The weekend Ferry departs from the World Financial Center every 15 minutes and arrives at the Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal in Jersey City.  The reduced weekend fare is $4 each way.  The ferry leaves from Battery Park City at 199 Vessey Street.  The First Ferry to Jersey City leaves at 10:08 AM

By PATH Train
The Red Line from the World Trade Center. both stop at Exchange Place at Paulus Hook.  The trains leave every 20 minutes.  Your train is the World Trade Center to Newark line. Exchange Place is the first stop four minutes away.  The Path Train accepts MetroCards.


Lunch:  12:30  Most likely scenario -  picnic by the water bring your own or depend on vendors.


Afternoon:  1:30  Continue sketching the view or turn inland for Brownstone viewing.


Show and Tell:    3:00 PM - The Iron Monkey at 99 Greene St, to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees.   All drawing skill levels are welcome.

CORRECTION

WEEKDAY URBAN SKETCHER MEET ON THURSDAY JUNE 9 

Weekday Urban Sketchers will meet on THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2016 in Bryant Park at 10:30 AM.  Please see previous post for details.

The wrong date was printed in the original posting. Sorry for any inconvenience 

Weekday Urban Sketchers in Bryant Park 

Continuing our search for the 5 statues of real women in NYC, this week we will go to Bryant Park to sketch Gertrude Stein.  Located on the plaza behind the library building near the restaurant, we will be able to capture her as well as all the activities, scenes and people in the park.

DATE; THURSDAY JUNE 7, 2016

LOCATION: BRYANT PARK 

                      6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets

TIME: 10:30 AM - ?

TRANSPORTATION: B,D, F, M to 42nd Street or L to 5th Ave

Please RSVP Directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net

Looking for us? Call Raylie at 201-978-6387

SUNDAY - CANCELLED: Sketch Union Square

CANCELLED

due to Weather

UNION SQUARE could be Beautiful

The Wednesday view of Sunday’s weather is disheartening.  Experience however has taught that there is a pessimistic bias to the forecasting.  Certainly no one is unhappy is you get a surprise great day.

Hoping to be surprised by a beautiful sketching day on Sunday in Union Square.  I’ll send out an email Mayday Cancellation Message on Saturday evening if things look dreadful.  Otherwise let’s do it!

DETAILS

When:  Let’s meet at 10 AM.

Where:  At the Northwest corner of Union Square Park (that would be Union Square West and East 17th Street)

Emergency:  If a good start get’s marred by what feels like a temporary drizzle - head for Whole Foods second floor cafeteria on 14th Street.

Lunch Plans to be determined

Afternoon and Show and Tell - to be determined.

I marvel at my own optimism!

Can’t find us?

Call or Text Mark - 973-809-9128

There are no fees.  We welcome all sketchers at all levels, 

with a warm supportive environment that encourages creativity.