There’s a wonderful show at the Art Student’s League, featuring the work of Harvey Dinnerstein. I've seen it several times. The show has given me an interesting idea for our sketch event this weekend.
Dinnerstein lived in NY and painted the people of our city. He, and a handful of other talented artists, kept the flame of realism alive during the darkest days of the Abstract Art movement. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to buck the trend and remain true to their own vision. I’ve always felt that as Urban Sketchers we create in their shadow.
“Past and Present” includes nine people, a dog, a cat and several birds, on a Brooklyn Street in front of a brownstone. It's the centerpiece of the show and it's huge. Everything is rendered life size. Dinnerstein is a wonderfully talented artist. It’s a show worth seeing and will be at the League until July 13th.
It occurred to me that the painting might be a real place. It turns out, it is. It’s based on 933 President Street where Dinnerstein lived. President Street is a wonderful block, filled with classic NY brownstones. It will be a fun block to sketch. There are some beautiful drawings waiting for us to create them on this block.
DETAILS
What: We’ll be sketching the brownstones on President Street.
Where: President Street, between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue, in Brooklyn (see map below)
When: 10 AM on Saturday, June 29, 2024. We will be at this location for the entire day.
How:
- By Subway: (see map below)
The closest stop is Grand Army Plaza - 2 or 3 train
7th Avenue - Q train
Lunch: 12:00 We’ll find a suitable spot to eat together either on President Street or by Prospect Park. Bring your own, or buy from vendors at the green market at Grand Army Plaza or on 7th Avenue.
Afternoon: 1:00 PM - Back to sketching.
Show and Tell: 3:00 PM - This is the social part of our day when we’ll share our drawings and talk about art things. We’ll probably use the same spot where we had lunch.
NOTE:
- Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options.
- Prepare for sunshine.
- Bathrooms are not easily available. The closest options are the library, or a shop on 7th Avenue.
If you can’t find us
call or text Mark at 973-809-9128
There are no fees.
All drawing skill levels are welcome.
