CORRECTION

We will be meeting on WEDNESDAY October 4th. See below.  

Weekday Urban Sketchers Schedule for October and November

In an effort to help you plan your attendance at the Weekday Urban Sketchers events, here is a listing of the dates and locations for October and November. Hopefully the Weather Goddess will be good to us as we get farther into fall. 

WEDNESDAY October 4th            The Hamilton Grange and City College Uptown Campus

Thursday October 12th          Columbus Circle 

Thursday October 19th ,         Queens for a Day

Thursday October 26th           Haunted Houses of Lower Manhattan

Wednesday November 1         Newtown Creek

Thursday November 9             Vietnam Veterans' Memorial

Thursday November 16           Cast Hall

Week of November 20th         No Meeting for Thanksgiving week

Wednesday November 29th    The Cloisters

Weekday Urban Sketchers Schedule for October and November

In an effort to help you plan your attendance at the Weekday Urban Sketchers events, here is a listing of the dates and locations for October and November. Hopefully the Weather Goddess will be good to us as we get farther into fall. 

Thursday October 4th            The Hamilton Grange and City College Uptown Campus

Thursday October 12th          Columbus Circle 

Thursday October 19th ,         Queens for a Day

Thursday October 26th           Haunted Houses of Lower Manhattan

Wednesday November 1         Newtown Creek

Thursday November 9             Vietnam Veterans' Memorial

Thursday November 16           Cast Hall

Week of November 20th         No Meeting for Thanksgiving week

Wednesday November 29th    The Cloisters

SUNDAY: Sketch Greenwich CT.

Our Host Mel Barranco is sharing his town 

-

Greenwich CT 

on the Long Island Sound

We’ll start at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park by the Harbor Yacht Club, facing the Long Island Sound.

The Docks at Baldwin Park

DETAILS

OUR HOST:
Mel will meet us at the Greenwich Station at 10:32am.  We will proceed to walk towards the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. It's a short 5 min walk from the train station.  There are some benches at the park but you're welcome to bring your favorite stool for sketching.

This is a Rain or Shine Plan:  There is a great rainy day back-up planned for the Bruce Museum that has a $7 admission fee.

LEAVE:   9:30 AM - From Grand Central Station The Metro North weekend train schedule to Greenwich departs at 36 minutes past each hour.  The 9:36 train gets in to Greenwich station at 10:32am.

The Return:  On the return schedule, two times are available at each hour - 13 minutes past and 43 minutes past - arriving at the Grand Central Station 61 minutes later.

The Fare:  Round trip off-peak fare is $19.50, reduced fare for Seniors/disabled/Medicare is $13.00

Lunch:  12:00 - Bring your own or purchase food in town.  If the weather is good we'll eat outside.

Afternoon:  1:15  We'll sketch downtown Greenwich.

Show and Tell:   3:00 PM at the Sundown Saloon (a short walk from the train station) to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.

Click to Enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

or Mel at 203-550-3666

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

Weekday Urban Sketchers at the Gowanus Canal

Join us this week for a chance to sketch one of the iconic symbols of grunge in Brooklyn, the Gowanus Canal.  Once the symbol of urban decay, this remnant of time when commercial enterprise polluted the environment, this neighborhood is now a mecca for upscaled urban living set in the industrial landscape that made it famous. 

This will be the second part of a special event on the Gowanus and is open to all sketchers. Alessandro Brito  (347-343-2556) will be our point person at the Whole Foods for those going directly to the sketch site and not on the canoe trip. 

DATE:  THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

TIME:  11:00 AM 

LOCATION:  WHOLE FOODS Parking lot at the intersection of 3rd Street and 3rd Ave Brooklyn.  We will be meeting on the promenade at the far end of the parking lot on the 3rd STREET side of the property.  

DIRECTIONS:  Take the D, N, R, W to 9th Street or the F, G to 4th Ave/9th Street Station. Walk one block west to 3rd Ave and then make a right turn and continue north to 3rd Street. 

Bring a stool and a cap. Bring lunch or get something at Whole Foods or one of the other places along the street.  Please RSVP directly to Raylie@verizon.net.

SUNDAY: Sketch Greenpoint

9/24/2017

GREENPOINT:  Home to a large Polish-American community, Brooklyn's evolving Greenpoint neighborhood is a residential area with hipster appeal. Traditional Polish shops and restaurants share the streets with trend-setting eateries, bars and live music venues. Galleries and artist studios are found in converted warehouses. The revitalized East River waterfront has parks and new high-rises with sweeping views of midtown Manhattan.

St. Anthony of Padua 

MORNING SKETCH
Starts at 11 AM
St. Anthony of Padua – St. Alphonsus Parish at 862 Manhattan Ave. It's 240 feet tall. Now that's a church spire!  It soars skyward atop High Victorian Gothic-style St. This red-brick church with stone trim, whose cornerstone was laid in 1873, is located at the foot of Milton Street in the Greenpoint Historic District. The Landmarks Preservation Commission's designation report about the neighborhood calls it the finest Brooklyn church that prominent architect Patrick Charles Keely designed.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (727 Manhattan Ave.), which Gothamist once called “the tastiest (and cutest) donut shop in all the land.  A 2 1/2 block walk from St. Anthony.

Transmitter Park

AFTERNOON SKETCH:
12:30 Lunch at WNYC Transmitter Park at the end of Greenpoint Avenue.  Bring  your own or pickup lunch on the way.

IN THE AREA:
Eberhard Faber Pencil Company factory,  Has glazed terra-cotta pencil decorations that are about 10 feet tall. They're lined up along the roofline of 61 Greenpoint Ave., the most eye-catching building among a cluster of landmarked factories that Eberhard Faber Pencil Company occupied until 1956.

Mechanics and Traders Bank of Brooklyn - The former Mechanics and Traders Bank of Brooklyn at 144 Franklin St. is a neo-Classical brick, stone and terra-cotta building constructed around 1895.

The Astral Apartments -  Charles Pratt, who was the richest man in Brooklyn back in the day, built the picturesque Astral Apartments at 184 Franklin St. as housing for workers at his oil refinery.  The Queen Anne-style brick and terra-cotta building, which has frontage on India and Java streets, was designed by prestigious architecture firm Lamb & Rich and constructed in 1885 and 1886.



SHOW and TELL:
3:00 PM at Threes @ Franklin & Kent - 113 Franklin St b/t Noble St & Greenpoint Ave (718) 522-2110 - where we will share drawings, good stories and and a snack or refreshments if you're so inclined.

Click to Enlarge

NOTES:
-   By Subway:  G train to Greenpoint Avenue
-   Bring your own stool or chair for more sketching opportunities

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Urban Sketchers ON the Gowanus Canal

The Weekday Sketchers has been invited by the Gowanus Dredgers to  sketch the Gowanus Canal from canoes! 

The Gowanus Canal will be the site for the Weekday Urban Sketchers on September 28, 2017. There will be two parts to the day:  an early AM trip in the canoes and a later morning meet up on land.  Space for the early AM portion of the day is extremely limited.  We have space for only 12 sketchers which will be awarded on a first come first served basis. (A waiting list will be maintained once the 12 seats are taken).   A note with instructions on where to meet will be sent after the registration is set. 

Here are some parameters for the canoe trip:

• We will meet at 8:00 AM by the boathouse on the canal. We will be putting in to the water shortly after that so you MUST be on time or you will truly "miss the boat"!!
• The session will be approximately 2.5 hours. 
• You must have some knowledge of how to paddle and maneuver a canoe. You don't have to be an expert but there isn't going to be any instruction.
• You have to be agile enough to get in and out of the canoe and be able to sketch while in the canoe. 
• You will be given directions on how to get there by subway. If you want to drive it is up to you to find legal parking. There is no off street parking.
• There is no charge for the trip but we will "pass the hat" to make a donation to the organization. 

If you would like more information about the Gowanus Dredgers please look at their web site:www.gowanuscanal.org 

If you would like to take part in this special event, please email Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net no later than Monday September 25, 2017.   All those going in the canoes will be sent instructions on where to meet. You will also be notified if the spots have been filled. Your name will go on a waiting list.

Please watch for the general announcement about the land based part of the sketch event.

Weekday Urban Sketcher in City Hall Park

Join us for a chance to sketch the beautiful gardens and fountain in City Hall Park before the flowers fade and the fountain is turned off.  Located in front of City Hall the garden offers views of the Woolworth Building, Publishers' Row, City Hall, the Municipal Building, City Hall, the Tweed Courthouse and the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge.  

Getting all this in will be a challenge....and in case you need another, try doing the fountain with its water cascades and gas lights!

Since Wednesday evening is the start of the Jewish High Holidays we will be starting a bit earlier so those who have to leave early can still have some sketch time.  As with any sketching event, come when you can, leave when you must.

DATE: WEDNESDAY  September 20, 2017

START TIME:  10:00 AM

LOCATION:  CITY HALL PARK

                         At the apex of Broadway and Park Row 

                         We will meet around the fountain 

DIRECTIONS: 2,3 to Park Place N, R, W to City Hall, 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  While there are plenty of benches you might want to bring a stool to get specific views. 

SATURDAY: Sketch Pelham

Pelham,  New York

Saturday September 16, 2017

If you’d like a break from the bustle of NYC come join us for a sedate visit to the picturesque town of Pelham in Westchester.

Pelham is the oldest town in Westchester County. Thomas Pell signed a treaty in 1654 with the Siwanoy Indians to buy what is not only the Town of Pelham but is all of the Bronx, and the land along Long Island Sound, north to the Rye border. That was then - this is now:  The look of Pelham, harks back to its Colonial days with stately trees, stone walls and hilly streets.  Houses built in the 1920s have timeless character.

DETAILS

We will meet at the park across the street from the metro north train. There's 2 parks on each side so it will depend on the way you are traveling . If you are coming from grand central you would keep right when leaving the train and  follow the platform to the flight of steps go right and park is right under bridge. 2 minute walk.  We will meet at the Gazebo
(see map below)

 BY TRAIN
From : GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
To : Pelham, NY

Approx Travel Time : 33 minutes
Take the STAMFORD STATION bound Metro-North Train
Trains run approximately every half hour.

Departing at 9:36 AM - Arrive at PELHAM STATION at 10:07 AM

   Next train:  Departs at 10:05 AM - arrives at PELHAM STATION at 10:36 AM

    One Way Off-Peak Fare (Station/TVM) : $8.00
         - Reduced Fare : $5.25

Lunch at Noon - We'll eat al fresco picnicing in the park.  Bring your own or buy food from shops in town.

Afternoon:  Continue sketching Pelham

Show and Tell:  3:00 PM - At Rockwells,  105 Wolfs Lane (914-738-5881) - We will share drawings, good stories and a snack or refreshments if you're so inclined.

Click to Enlarge

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Urban Sketchers at Morris Jumel Mansion

Take a step back in history when George Washington was engaged in the Battle of Brooklyn and there was a clear line of sight from northern Manhattan to the battery.  Hard as it is to believe that fact put this house "on the map" as a strategic position in the Revolutionary War. 

Join us as we sketch the house (from the outside), the gardens and the fascinating architecture of Sylvan Place which are all part of the Jumel Historic District in Washington Heights.  Our focus will be the exterior of the building and grounds. For those who wish to visit the interior they are welcome to do so and take a tour. There is an entrance fee.

Please note: The Hamilton Grange is closed on Tuesday so we couldn't visit it as originally planned. It will be scheduled at a later date.

Morris Jumel Mansion

Sylvan Terrace

Mansion Garden

             

DATE: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

LOCATION: MORRIS JUMEL MANSION 

                      Jumel Terrance between 160 and 162 Streets

START TIME: 10:30.   Come when you can, leave when you want

TRANSPORTATION:  C Train to 163rd St.  Use exit marked 161 and St Nicholas Ave . Walk past CTown market and walk up the stone stairs.  Museum entrance is ahead of you at the end of Sylvan Terrance

Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net.  Looking for us? Call Raylie at 201-978-6387  Bring a stool and lunch.  

SATURDAY Sketching Roosevelt Island

September 9, 2017

Technically considered part of Manhattan, the two mile long island in the middle of the East River is a world unto itself.  The 147 acre tract is home to 12,000 New Yorkers and best accessible to NYC via a Tram ride.  It was once called Blackwell Island, then Welfare Island. In it's long history it's been home to an insane asylum, a prison and smallpox hospital.

Sketchers can enjoy long river walks, with unparalleled views of the river and breath taking views of New York City.

The Tramway
The best way to get there is to use the Tramway.  Until recently it was the only commuter tramway in North America.  Since 1976 over 26 million passengers have used the tram, travelling the 3,100 ft (940 m), at a peak elevation of 250 ft (76 m) above the river.   Surrounded by glass on all sides it provides a spectacular view of the city.

DETAILS:

 When:   We'll meet at 10 AM.  Running late?  Meet us on the island - take my phone and text or call.

Where:  At Tram Plaza at 60th Street and Second Avenue.  Best bet - bring a Metro Card, there is no booth although there are vending machines. Note:  The tram is wheelchair accessible and Bicycles are permitted on the tram.

How:  In Manhattan, the entrance to the system is at Tram Plaza at 60th Street and Second Avenue. The closest New York City Subway station is the complex at Lexington Avenue / 59th Street (N Q R trains on the BMT Broadway Line and 4 5 6 <6> trains on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. Lexington Avenue – 53rd Street (E M trains) on the IND Queens Boulevard Line and Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street (F train) on the IND/BMT 63rd Street Lines are also nearby.

Morning:  Roosevelt Island South (Southpoint Park) - From the Tram terminal we'll head south to the Roosevelt Memorial designed by Luis Kahn. It's an impressive tribute with views that are incredible.  From the tram, it's a 10-minute walk south.

Lunch:  12:00.  We'll walk back to the Tram area for some lunch.  There  are one or two places to buy food.  You might also consider bringing your own lunch for a picnic approach.

Afternoon:  1:15 we'll leave for the Northpoint Light House.  Note: From south to north is the equivalent of 35 city blocks or a 20-minute pleasant walk from the tram.  The alternative is to use the island bus system.

At the northern end of the island we'll be able to sketch the Gothic-revival lighthouse, built in 1872 by the city to help light a nearby insane asylum. The asylum's long gone, but there's some shady lawns and sitting spots by the lighthouse that look north towards Randall's Island. It's truly a unique vantage point.

Show and Tell:  2:45, Leave the north end of the island and we'll take the Tram back to the big island. It's a short walk to the Jeffrey Craft Beer & Bites Bar, located at 311 E 60th St at 2nd Ave ((212) 355-2337), to continue sketching, and for us to share drawings, good stories and beer, coffee, tea or wine if you're so inclined (food too if you like).

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

Weekday Sketcher in Jersey City 

Update: Added Incentive

As  you know we are scheduled to visit the General Pencil Factory in Jersey City.  It is a very old and cramped facility and we could only accommodate 15 people. However, the company has graciously offered to give us extra goodie bags for anyone who will be joining the group for the afternoon session on the Jersey City Waterfront.  Perhaps this will incentivize you to cross the river on Thursday afternoon.  See the previous post for information on where to meet and how to get there.

How to Make a Watercolor Block

Hello All:

I was poking around on another USK web site because I am going to visit that city and wanted to hook up with their meetings.  I found this post on how to make a watercolor block.  You know, that expensive pad where all the papers are bound into one block that you work on and then peel the sketch from the rest of the pages.

Here is a really neat and inexpensive way to accomplish he same format with a sheet of watercolor paper and a glue gun.

https://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/2016/07/17/how-to-make-a-watercolor-block-save/

Have fun...make one and bring it to Jersey City for the waterfront sketching at 2 PM on Thursday Sept 7, 2017.  See the previous post for details.

Raylie Dunkel

a

Weekday Urban Sketcher at General Pencil in Jersey City

Look in your pencil case and assuredly you have charcoal pencils from the General Pencil Company. Now you have an opportunity to see where and how they are made. 

Urban Sketchers has been invited to visit the General Pencil factory in Jersey City for tour and sketch event. We will have a three hour opportunity to sketch the outside and inside of this 100 year old facility.  After the time at General Pencil we will move to the promenade on the Jersey City waterfront to sketch the Manhattan skyline from the Jersey side:  Remember that the one thing NJ has that NY doesn't have is the iconic view of Manhattan!!

The afternoon session is open to all but the morning session is limited to 15 participants on a first come first served basis.  If you want to attend please respond to Raylie Dunkel at raylie@verizon.net. Information on where and when to meet will sent to you once you have responded. 

All who would like to attend the afternoon session will meet on the Owen Grundy Pier next to the PATH station at Exchange Place station at 2:00 PM.  There are plenty of benches so no need to bring a stool.

DATE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

TIME: 2:00 PM  for the open session. 

               NOTE:  Those going to General Pencil will receive instructions separately. 

LOCATION: J OWEN GRUNDY PIER, JERSEY CITY NJ

NYC Skyline from Jersey City

J Owen Grundy Pier

TRANSPORTATION. Take the PATH train from the WORLD TRADE CENTER  one stop to EXCHANGE PLACE STATION.  Take the escalators (note the neon light art installation on the ceiling) up to the street.  Exit the train station and make an immediate left turn onto the Pier. 

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