THURSDAY, September 5, 2024: Westchester Sketchers at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck

 

Harbor Island Park is by far the gem of Mamaroneck with its historic landmark, plenty of open space, surrounded by greenery, a wonderful beach, and water park and playground for kids, and, of course, boating, including a launching area, docks, and fishing floats.   There are so many things to sketch.

Details:

WHEN:  Start time 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

WHERE:  Harbor Island Park, 123 Mamaroneck Avenue. Use the entrance at Mamaroneck Ave. and Boston Post Road. Meet us at the Welcome to Harbor Island Park sign, located near the parking area. 

DIRECTIONS: https://www.mapquest.com/us/new-york/harbor-island-park-265782072

TRANSPORTATION from NYC: Take the Metro-North New Haven Line to the Mamaroneck Train Station.  Walk east along Mamaroneck Ave. about 5 blocks to the Park at the intersection of Boston Post Road.
                   
LUNCH:  1:00 PM  Bring your own or shop for possibilities on Mamaroneck Avenue.

SHOW and TELL:   Following lunch - we will share drawings, good stories, and thoughts.

NOTES:

• There are benches but bring a stool to give you more options.
• If coming by train, shop for your lunch as you walk along Mamaroneck Ave. to the park.
• Parking is free off-season (after Labor Day).

Please R.S.V.P. directly to Cathy Gutterman at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

If you can’t find us call Cathy at 914-625-0766 or Marianne at 914-355-6507.

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

 

Weekday Sketchers at Teardrop Park

If Three's the Charm then this week we should be able to get to Teardrop Park!

Nestled behind the World Financial Center in Battery Park City is a wonderful oasis filled with trees, waterfalls, waterslides, green lawns and shady nooks.  It is called Teardrop Park.  Come and climb the rocks, sit in the shady alcoves and marvel at how quickly the city falls away as we sketch this bucolic corner of the world. 

DATE: WEDNESDAY September 4, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  TEARDROP PARK

                            We will meet at the south end of the park. See note below

TRANSPORTATION:  ANY TRAIN THAT COMES NEAR THE WORLD TRADE CENTER

Teardrop Park





NOTES

• Please RSVP Directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCUrbanSketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or Text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• We will meet at the entrance to the park at the south end of the park off River Terrace across from the Irish Hunger Museum.  There is an archway in the building next to the coffee shop. Wa;lk through the archway into the park   Or enter from Murray Street.  If you come later, just look for us. 
• Lots of benches but bring a stool for more options
• Water and Bathrooms are available
• There is no food service in the park but lots of vendors nearby, or bring your own.

 

Weekday Sketchers Schedule for September

Bruno Catalano Sculpture on Park Ave

In an effort to help you plan to attend the weekday events, here is the schedule for September.   Please note that locations might change as weather and other unexpected events can effect the schedule.  Therefore please remember to watch the weekly notices for time and place for meetings.

The High Line: The Old Tree

Wednesday September 4, 2024               Teardrop Park

Wednesday September 11, 2024               High Line: The Old Tree

Wednesday September 18, 2024              Park Avenue Sculptures

Wednesday September 26, 2024               St Luke's of the Field

St. Luke's of the Field Garden

SATURDAY: Sketching by the Water

 

Riverside Park South

Back from traveling and the idea of sketching at Riverside Park South has captured my imagination.  It's one of my favorite NYC sketch spots. It has everything: breezes coming off the water, trees and shade, views everywhere, interesting design, a cafe, bathrooms.  I could go on.

Riverside South Park, is the waterfront park on the Hudson between 59th Street and 72nd Street.  It first opened in 2000. Before that it was the site of a gritty New York Central freight rail yard in the shadow of the elevated West Side Highway. The last remaining piece of the old elevated highway and an old gantry that allowed rail cars  to roll from barges to the railroad tracks are all that remain of the site’s past.  In its place is one of the completed sections of the beltway that will one day circle Manhattan Island.

DETAILS

WHAT:  We're sketching Riverside Park South (between 59th Street and 72nd Street)(

WHEN: This Saturday, August 31, 2024 starting at 10:00 AM.

WHERE: We'll meet at Pier i Cafe (about two blocks south of the entrance at 72 St.) 

DIRECTIONS:  The entrance to the park is at West 72nd Street and Riverside Drive. Leaving the subway walk west towards the river.  Cross Riverside Drive from the NORTH side of 72nd Street. Once across, you will see a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt. Behind the statue walk past a dog run on the left and then through a short tunnel.  Directly ahead you’ll see the Hudson River. Take either the stairs or the dirt path down to the promenade below. Turn left and continue walking until you reach Pier i Café, about two blocks south. We’ll meet at 10 by the café’s outdoor tables with umbrellas.

HOW:
By Subway
- The 72nd Street stop of the 1,2,3 trains - a two block walk to the park.  

LUNCH:  12:00  Noon - Meet by the Pier i Cafe and we'll find a nice spot nearby to dine al fresco.  Bring your own food or rely on the neighborhood, vendors or the cafe.

AFTERNOON:  1:00 PM - Back to sketching

SHOW and TELL:  3:00 PM. We'll meet at our lunch spot or nearby.  Show and Tell is the social part of the day when we share our day's drawings and tell art stories.  We might even talk about art supplies (seriously, . . . it's been known to happen.)


NOTES:
-  Bring a stool if you have one.  There are benches, but they're often taken or facing in the wrong direction.  A stool gives you artistic choices. 

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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

THURSDAY, August 29, 2024: Westchester Sketchers at the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale

The Greenburgh Nature Center’s mission is to inspire passion, curiosity, respect, and action for our natural world. It is a beloved retreat because of its peaceful, relaxing setting. Among its 33 acres, you will find, rambling forest trails, a flourishing native plant meadow, seasonal organic gardens, Native American Replica Village, and open green spaces. Surrounding the Manor House, you will find many outdoor animal habitats including the Barnyard, Birds of prey, Beehives, and Butterfly Arbor. Adjacent to the Great Lawn is the Nature Center’s Discovery Playground.

DETAILS:

Where: Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale, NY 10583 Phone: (914) 723-3470

When: Thursday, August 29, 2024. 

Start time: 10:00 AM.  We will meet in front of the Nature Center manor house.

Directions: https://greenburghnaturecenter.org/visit/directions/

Transportation from NYC: The closest Metro-North train station is Hartsdale, on the Harlem line. 

The Nature Center is a short taxi ride from the station.

Lunch: 12:30 PM. Location TBD. Bring your own food and beverage.

Show and Tell: Following lunch, we will share drawings and tell stories. This social part of our day is not to be missed.

NOTES:

- Be aware that there is construction on Dromore Road! Be careful at the entrance area.

- Bring a stool if you have one. It gives you more options.

- Restrooms available in the Nature Center.

- Dress for sunshine.  Bring a hat and sunscreen.

- Parking is free.

- Optional:

Live Butterfly Exhibit – Tuesdays – Sundays (call the front desk to inquire about tour times).
Calling butterfly fans of all ages. The Live Butterfly Tour & Exhibit is a guided tour that will open your eyes to a whole new world within the Native Plant Meadow. The butterfly arbor is the perfect place to learn all about these enchanting creatures and their importance in nature. Purchase tickets at the front desk, $5 a person.

Please R.S.V.P. directly to Cathy Gutterman at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

If you can’t find us call: Cathy at (914) 625-0766. 

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

NJ sketchers in Hoboken

 NJ Sketchers in Hoboken

Join us at Pier A Park 

Hoboken Terminal

We will sketch in Pier A Park with views of the Hoboken Terminal and the NYC skyline across the river.

  The terminal is one of many terminals of the  transcontinental rail systems that ended at the Hudson River.  While somewhat in decline, it still offers a glimpse to a time gone by with its wrought iron facade, iconic clock tower and beautiful waiting room.

If it rains, we will capture the beauty of the interior space with its Tiffany glass ceiling, tile work and wooden benches.  

DATE: Thursday, August 29rd

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION:  Pier A Park

TRANSPORTATION:  

         

        From NYC: take the PATH train to Hoboken. 

        From NJ: Use a map program to drive to Hoboken Terminal.  There is metered street parking available and parking garages in the area.  NJ Transit trains and buses also stop here.

Pier A Park

 NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to margaret.casagrande@gmail.com
• Looking for us? Call or text Margaret at 646-515-9913
• There is seating in the terminal and the adjoining park but bringing a stool gives you more options.
• Water, bathrooms and food are available in the terminal and surrounding area.

 Weekday Sketchers at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once working docks which were abandoned for years and this area became a concrete wasteland. But incredible vision, hard work and dedication has turned this forgotten waterfront into an amazing ecosystem, recreation park, beach and foodie destination.  Join us as we explore the many, many facets of this urban oasis nestled between the two most icon bridges in the city. 

For information about the park, maps, etc.  click here: https://brooklynbridgepark.org

DATE:     WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

                        We will meet at the entrance to the park on Fulton Landing.

TRANSPORTATION:  A or C train to High Street. Walk down the street towards the water to Fulton Landing.    Or the East River Ferry to DUMBO/Fulton Ferry

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Bring a stool for best sight lines, but there are plenty of benches available
• Water and bathrooms are available.
• Food service is available in the park and surrounding area, or bring your own.

WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024: Weekday and Westchester Sketchers at Derfner Museum in Riverdale

 

Can you imagine a world class art collection and a beautiful sculpture garden with Hudson River views in a long term care facility?  Hard to conger up?  Agreed, expect that it does exist.... and we are going there on Wednesday.

The Derfner Judaica Museum is located on the main campus of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale and is just that place: a world class museum with a sculpture garden on the Hudson River. The collection of Judaica is excellent and extremely well curated. The art collection is exhibited through the building and the sculpture garden is on a green lawn that stretches down to the river....perfect for sketching!

For more information about the museum and the collection, click here: https://derfner.org

DETAILS:

DATE: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOACATION: DERFNER ART MUSEUM

                           5901 Palisade Avenue,  Riverdale, New York 10471

DIRECTIONS:  

• Public Transit: 1 train to 231 St, then take the BX 7 bus to Riverdale Ave. 263 Street 
• By Car: please check a maps program

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Cathy Gutterman at Westchester@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Cathy at 914-625-0766
• This is a residence, please be respectful of the people who live there
• Bathrooms and water are available.  
• There is a cafe if you would like to purchase lunch. 
• Bring a stool
• You can work in wet medium outside on the lawn. Dry media inside the museum
• Photo ID is required for admission to the Hebrew Home campus at all times. 
• Please let the guard know that you are with the NYC Urban Sketchers group.

Walking directions from bus stop

Workshop-Playing with Posca Markers

 

Playing with Posca Markers with Shawne Cooper

Join us for our last workshop of the season!

When: Sunday September 15th, 10am-1pm


Location:Meet right outside the entrance to Little Island. From there, we will find a terrific vantage point to gather.

Overview: Explore Posca markers: a vibrant and versatile medium that has the look of gouache paint, the portability of markers, and elicits the joy of crayons. During this workshop, Shawne will show you what's possible with Poscas.

How to sign up and more details click here:

THURSDAY, August 15, 2024: Westchester Sketchers Plein Air Day at the Scarsdale Public Library

Come join the Westchester Division of the NYC Urban Sketchers for a fun and supportive day of ‘en plein air’ (in the open air.) painting or drawing on the beautiful grounds of the Scarsdale Public Library. This this event is meant to be an opportunity for people to relax, create art and make new friends.  There will be no formal art instruction.  Please arrive with your own supplies such as paper, drawing materials and a surface to lean on.

DETAILS

DATE: THURSDAY, August 15, 2024. 

START TIME: 10:00 AM We'll meet in Meeting Room North to chat and get set up, but most of the day we will be sketching outdoors.

LOCATION:  Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Phone: (914) 722-1300

DIRECTIONS: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//54+Olmsted+Rd,+Scarsdale,+NY+10583

Lunch: 12:30 PM. Stop back in Meeting Room North for some cool drinks and to take a break while showing off your new creations! 

NOTES: 

• Bring water and your lunch or a snack, or visit the library's café. 
• Clipboards, stools, etc. are not necessary to participate, but bringing them can offer more options.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gutterman at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org

To help the Library have an idea of how many to expect please ALSO register at 

https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/event/plein-air-drawing-nyc-urban-sketchers-86224

Looking for us? Call/text: Cathy at (914) 625-0766.

 

Weekday Sketchers in Bryant Park

Easy to get to with so much to sketch: an enormous fountain, a carousel, bocci courts, food kiosks,  beautiful buildings in the background  and lots and lots of people to include in the scenes ... Brant Park has it all!

We will meet at the fountain at the 6th Avenue/41st Street entrance.  Lots of chairs, plenty of food outlets and the prettiest public restroom in all of the city parks...what more could we want? Oh, good weather!!

DATE:   WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

LOCATION: Bryant Park, at the fountain on 6th Ave/41st Street

TIME:  10:30 AM

TRANSPORTATION:  B, D, F, M line to 42nd St/Bryant Park, 7 line to 5th Ave/Bryant Park

NOTES

• Please RSVP directly to Marianne Milzoff at Secretary@NYCUrbansketchers.org 
• Looking for us? Call or text Marianne at 914-355-6507
• Food, water and bathrooms are available

SATURDAY: A Sketching Treasure Hunt

 

It feels like the rules have changed. Summer was always the time to be outdoors sketching, but lately that doesn’t always seem like the best idea.  Many people mentioned they were so happy to be indoors in the air-conditioning, for the Rubin sketch last Saturday.  The weekend forecast changes daily and it feels risky to schedule an outdoor event for this weekend. At this moment sketching indoors feels safe and assures we’ll have a day of sketching together.  So, . . . 

To make things interesting I have an idea I’ve wanted to try for years -  an art Treasure Hunt at the Museum of Natural History. This idea will require a lot of walking to find the items.   (Remember you are free to do your own thing. ) 

Here are the Art Treasure Hunt rules:

1.  To claim an item you have to locate it in the museum.  Feel free to ask guards or anyone else for help locating things.

2.  You then need to draw that object.

3.  Each page should consist of four (4) of the Treasure Hunt items (see list below).  They should be arranged in a pleasing composition and work well as a group.

4.  This is not a competition, there will be no winners,  . . . think beauty rather than quantity.

4.  You are free to work solo, work in groups or ignore the whole idea and find your own things to sketch.

 

 

​

• A mask
• An animal or insect that can be found in NYC
• A bone from something extinct
• A whale
• A butterfly
• A canoe
• A Neanderthal
• Pottery
• A drawing of a museum guard
• A wild feline
• A water buffalo 
• Teddy Roosevelt
• A meteorite
• A gem
• A zebra
• Visitors looking at an exhibit
• A dinosaur smaller than a dog
• Something extinct
• A uniform
• A musical instrument.
• A weapon
• A bird that can’t fly
• A bracelet
• T-Rex toes
• A totem
• Something extinct
• A boar or a bore
• A stone tool
• Fabric from BCE

DETAILS
WHEN: This Saturday, August 10th, 2024 starting at 10:00 AM until 3 PM.

WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West.  

SUGGESTION:   Enter the museum from the 81st entrance instead of the main entrance on Central Park West.  It is often less crowded, and has shorter lines.

MEET AT:   Meet at the statue of Teddy Roosevelt (first floor between the Hall of Biodiversity and The Planet Earth)  If you're late we will have scattered - meet us for lunch.  Anyone you see sketching in the museum is likely to be with our group and friendly.

We will use What'sApp to stay in touch.  If you don't have the App you might consider downloading it.  We will form a one-time group. You will be able to share the QR code with any late sketchers you encounter.  We will also have the Treasure Hunt Rules and the List copied to WhatsApp.

HOW:
By Subway

-  C to 81st Street or 

- 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street, a two block walk to the museum

ADMISSION:
The museum asks that we preregister.   The museum has a pay what you wish policy for residents of NY, NJ and CT. You can reserve your entrance ticket here:
Preregistered tickets


LUNCH:  12:00  Noon - There is a Cafe in the museum on the lower level. Sit towards the back on the right side.  If you're there first,  sit in an area with open available seating - so we can eat together. The food is good but on the expensive side.  Bring your own food if you like.  We've done that many times.

AFTERNOON:  1:00 PM - Back to sketching at the museum

SHOW and TELL:  3 PM. At our lunch spot in the lower level cafeteria. Show and Tell is the social part of the day where we share our day's drawings and tell cool art stories.  We might even talk about art supplies 


NOTES:
-  Bring a stool if you have one.  It increases your options and the museum doesn't mind, but you can't block the walking paths.
-  Mostly the guards are friendly and happy to see us sketching, but always be courteous and friendly. 

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

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