Weekday Sketchers at Duane Park Wednesday

Surprise!!   

The Weekday Sketchers will meet on October 2nd thanks to Kristin Zimmermann's offer to host the event.  

Duane Street Park



Good things come in small packages and this week's event will prove the point.

Once a warehouse district with the largest food market in the city, this area we now call Tribeca, still has remnants of times past with vistas of the current redevelopment of the area.  These two parks offer great vantage points to capture the old and new street vistas.  This is a great opportunity to practice your urban sketching with long sight lines of streets lined with old buildings, opening to views of modern skyscrapers.  Or, concentrate on the greenery tucked in between the street views.   And don't forget about the unusual skybridge between the buildings lining the park. 

Duane Park was the first piece of land purchased specifically for a park by the city of New York from Trinity Church in 1797 for $5.00!  Read more about the long and interesting history of the park on the plaque in the park.

Washington Market Park was the site of the original open wholesale market that brought fresh fruits and vegetables to the city.  The site now houses the  5 block-long Manhattan Community College, a greensward, a playground, a community garden, a gazebo, a flower garden, and a stand of some of the most unusual trees in the city. 

Washington Market Park

DATE: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

MEET-UP  LOCATION: DUANE PARK

                        Corner of Hudson and Duane Streets

TRANSPORTATION: 1, 2, 3 Train to Chambers Street

Washington Market Park

NOTES

• We will meet at Duane Park to sketch for a while.  You are welcome to stay with the group or walk over to Washington Market Park.
• Looking for us? Call/text Kristin at 917 673 6867
• We will meet at Duane Park to sketch for a while then walk over to Washington Market Park.
• Bathrooms and water available at Washington Market Park.
• No food service in the parks but plenty of vendors nearby.
• Bring a stool, a hat, and bug spray.

Skybridge near Duane Park

CANCELLED - Saturday: Sketch the Bronx's Little Ital

 

Our sketching event for Saturday, September 28, 2024 is cancelled

Arthur Avenue - The Bronx Little Italy

a sketch outing conceived and planned by Marvel Muñoz

Looks like we've got a rainy Saturday.

Working with Marvel to reschedule this event

SUNDAY, September 29, 2024: Westchester Sketchers at Lyon Park in Port Chester

 

 

Lyon Park is a local neighborhood park in Port Chester, NY. It has many features that offer opportunities for sketching: a 9/11 Memorial, the Bush Lyons Farmstead historical farmhouse and outbuildings, a Firefighters Memorial, Veteran’s Memorial Walk, Vietnam War Memorial, and a garden, bandstand, and beautiful old trees.

DETAILS:

DATE: SUNDAY September 29, 2024

LOCATION: Lyon Park, 331 Putnam Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573

TIME: 10:00 AM We will meet by the bandstand (near Putnam Avenue).

DIRECTIONS: https://www.mapquest.com/us/new-york/lyon-park-407509938

Additional Notes:

• Street parking is free.  It is best to park on the Putnam Avenue side of the Park.
• Bring your own/snack or lunch and water.
• Bring your own chair or stool for the best sketching options.
• Restroom facilities are available.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gutterman, westchester@nycurbansketchers.org, so we will know who to expect.

Looking for us? Call Cathy (cell 914-625-0766) or Marianne (cell 914-355-6507)

 Weekday Sketchers at the Elephant Migration 

The elephants are marching down 8th Avenue.....let's capture them in our sketchbooks!

100 elephants are marching up 8th Avenue in the Meatpacking district to bring awareness of the plight of these beasts.  Fashioned from an invasive plant that threatens the farms in India, the animals have created a buzz in the city.  Join us as we explore this incredible sight!

For information about this project, click here: https://lovebrand.com/en-us/blogs/news/the-great-elephant-migration-new-york#:~:text=The%20Great%20Elephant%20Migration%20has,iconic%20The%20Gates%20in%202005!

DATE: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION.   9th Avenue and 14th Street 

TRANSPORTATION:  A, C , E TRAINS TO 14TH STREET

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
• It will be crowded 
• Food, water and bathrooms available in local stores

       




     

New Jersey Sketchers

 CANCELED DUE TO RAIN

New Jersey Sketchers in Liberty State Park

Manhattan view.....Check!

Up close to the Statue of Liberty.....check!

Views of the fanciful buildings on Ellis Island.....check!

Waterfront scenes, people, boats......check!

What are we missing?  Urban Sketchers!!

 Join us as we explore the largest urban park in New Jersey.....Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Acres and acres of greenery along the Hudson River with fabulous views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Verazzano Bridge, are what make this park a major destination. 

DATE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: LIBERTY STATE PARK

                        We will meet on the plaza by the Empty Sky Memorial

TRANSPORTATION:  

DRIVING:  Check a local maps program

PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM MANHATTAN:  NY WATERWAYS FERRY, or PATH to Exchange Place and Light Rail to Liberty State Park. 

NOTES: 

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Water and bathrooms are available.
• There is no food service in the park
• Bring a stool for best sight lines. 
• Free Parking is available. (the free parking lot is on the LEFT at the END of Audrey Zapp Dr)

SATURDAY: Sketch the Elephants

 

Yes, the elephants have come to town! 

It’s the largest outdoor art exhibition in NYC for the last twenty years.  (Remember Christo’s Gates in Central Park, back in 2005?)  

Herds of elephants are roaming the Meatpacking district, amidst the cars and warehouse glitz of this hip neighborhood.  Each elephant is a full sized portrait of a real living animal including their name and other details.  It is truly a sight to behold and one that will inspire some really interesting sketches.

DETAILS

What:  We’re sketching the Elephants in NYC

When:  We’ll meet at 10 AM, on Saturday, September 21. 2024.  Our sketching lasts until 3 PM when we get together to share our artwork.

Where:  Meet at the public space at the corner of Gansevoort Street and 9th Avenue (see map)

How:  The closest subway is the 14th Street stop of the A, E and C trains, walk two blocks west.

. 

Lunch:   12:00 PM - We’ll meet at the Gansevoort/ (9th Ave spot for some al fresco lunch together.  Bring your own food or rely on the local street vendors and stores.

Afternoon:  1:00 PM - Back to sketching

Show and Tell:   3:00 PM.  Back to our meeting spot at Gansevoort and 9th Ave. where we’ll share our artwork, tell stories and maybe even discuss the things that artists talk about when they get together.

NOTES:

-  Bring a stool if you have one.  It increases your options 

-  If we get a sunny day, be prepared, sketching outdoors is like a day at the beach - plenty of sunshine.

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, September 19, 2024: Westchester Sketchers at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown

 

Also known as the Jay Gould estate, Lyndhurst is a Gothic Revival country house that sits in its own 67-acre park beside the majestic Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY, about a half mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge on US 9.  The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. 

Sketching opportunities on the magnificent Lyndhurst property are many: the Mansion, restored Civil War-era pathways, rock outcroppings, views of the widest point of the Hudson River, fountains, specialty gardens, and numerous outbuildings. 

Located in the Lower Hudson Valley, Lyndhurst’s proximity to New York City makes it an easily accessible day trip by train or car. 

 

DETAILS:

DATE: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

LOCATION: Lyndhurst, 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.

NOTE: Everyone will need to REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME for a guest pass

Register here: https://www.showclix.com/event/volunteer-and-guest-registration-2024 Be sure to add    Westchester Urban Sketchers in the section that asks, Why are you visiting Lyndhurst? 

You will not need a grounds pass. If you do not register ahead of time, it will complicate matters and take longer to get through the gate.

TIME: 10:00 AM We will meet by the Bowling Alley Pavilion veranda located behind the Mansion. Follow the road down toward the river, where there is parking.

DIRECTIONS:

By Car: https://lyndhurst.org/visit/#hours Click on Directions & Parking.

From NYC: Take the Metro-North - Hudson Line north to the Tarrytown station. Taxi cabs are regularly available in the parking lot directly across the street from the train station. Ask the taxi driver to drop you off by the Welcome Center.

Additional Notes:

• The mansion will be closed for Fall decorating (no tours).
• Bring your own/snack or lunch and water and carry out any trash generated.
• Bring your own chair or stool for for the best sketching options.
• Restroom facilities are available at the Bowling Alley Pavilion.
• Please be respectful of any guests visiting the Bowling Alley at that time.
  
  

Please RSVP to Cathy at westchester@nycurbansketchers.org, so we will know who to expect.

Looking for us? Call Cathy (cell 914-625-0766) or Marianne (cell 914-355-6507)

Weekday Sketchers at The Rubin THURSDAY

Yes that's right TWO Weekday events in one week!

The Rubin Museum will be closing permanently in a few weeks.   Join us as we say goodbye to this beautiful collection of Himalayan art and artifacts.  The current exhibit mixes contemporary Himalayan art with traditional pieces.  Come and capture the ancient and current  in your sketchbooks.

For more information about this exhibit, click here: https://rubinmuseum.org/events/exhibitions/reimagine-himalayan-art-now/

DATE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

STARTING TIME: 11:00 AM

LOCATION: THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART

                        150 WEST 17TH STREET near 8th Avenue

TRANSPORTATION: A, C, E to 14th Street

NOTES

• RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• There is an entrance fee of $19. for adults and $14. for Seniors. The museum accepts AAM membership as well as other NYC based programs.
• Water and bathrooms are available 
• There is no food service on premises
• Bring a stool for best sketching

Weekday Sketchers at Bruno Catalano Sculptures on Park Avenue

Every year there is an outdoor sculpture exhibit on the meridian along Park Avenue from 34th St to 38th Street.  This year's exhibit "Travelers" it from the Italian-French sculptor Bruno Catalano. Join us as we capture these cleverly constructed figures that have huge parts of their anatomy missing, making you wonder how the sculpture remains upright. Hyper realistic (except for what is missing) these figures all seem to have places to go and things to do.  Let's get them in our sketchbooks before they are gone.

 

For more information about the installation by the Patrons of Park Avenue (POPA), click here:  https://patronsofparkavenue.org/art/

To see and hear the artist in his studio, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLSRV9W88CY

DATE:  WEDNESDY SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

STARTING TIME: 10:30 AM

LOCATION: PARK AVENUE BETWEEN 34TH And 38TH STREETS

                        We will meet on the Northeast corner of Park Ave and 34th Street 

TRANSPORTATION: 6 Train to 33rd Street Station.  

NOTE

• Please RSVP directly to Raylie Dunkel at President@NYCurbansketchers.org
• Looking for us? Call or text Raylie at 201-273-0445
• Bring a stool and hat (you might be sitting in a sunny spot.) 
• There is no food or water available other than in some local restaurants
• Bathrooms are only available in local restaurants

SATURDAY: Sketch Oyster Bay

 

SATURDAY September 14th: 

Sketch the Picturesque Hamlet of Oyster Bay 

A wonderful day planned and coordinated by Suzala

​

You can sketch views of ships moored in the harbor, palatial estates on a peninsula across the water,  as well as a main street with a New England small town vibe. There is something to draw from every vista.  The main street of Oyster Bay is conveniently located less than a one block from the LIRR Station.  The waterfront is one block away in the other direction with beautiful views of Oyster Bay Harbor on the Long Island Sound.

Oyster Bay is a charming 1800 fishing village located on the Long Island Sound on the North Shore of Long Island. The 26th President Theodore Roosevelt had his office right on the main drag in the Historic landmark, Moore's Building at 1-9 East Main street ( a 2 block walk from the LIRR) in 1901. It is a town with 30 registrations on the Historic Preservation List and they are all accessible in a one mile loop.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Town_of_Oyster_Bay_Landmarks

History:

Named “Oyster Bay” by the Dutch for its abundance of shellfish, many of the Bay’s European settlers became shell fishermen.  By the mid to late 1800s Oysters had become the main source of protein for New Yorkers, rather than beef.  Oyster carts replaced hotdog carts and the poor fed their families with heaping buckets of shellfish that they gathered from beaches themselves.

While still a prosperous source for oysters, the sound is also home to many large beautiful estates and if you know exactly where to look, you can see Billy Joel's compound directly across the way.

In addition to these Landmark locations, not to be missed is Century Cycles located just behind the gazebo. It is not a store, but the location of Billy Joel's motorcycle collection and is open to the public for viewing for free.

Do NOT leave town without a visit to the Bonanza Ices Stand. I can personally attest to too much of the food here. One should not leave town without having eaten one of their "Italian" ices.The Chocolate ( made with Ghirardelli chocolate) and the coconut are amazing but so is the pina-colada and the mango. Sadly I have not had a bad one yet! It is a great down and dirty place for lunch as well serving up hot dogs with toppings and amazing steak fries with convenient wooden picnic tables in the rear.  ( I have been going there since I was knee high and have sketched its charm from the far corner many times: it truly is a Long Island institution.)

DETAILS 

Where: Oyster Bay, New York.   We will meet at the  Gazebo located on Audrey Avenue.   (see map below)

When:  Approximately 10:00 AM, on Saturday, September 14th, 2024

How:  Long Island Railroad from the City;  You should definitely purchase your round trip ticket before you board the train.  It's less expensive. You can get the train to Oyster Bay either at Penn Station or Grand Central.  The train leaves Grand Central at 8:10 AM (arrive early to purchase tickets).  Look for other sketchers.  The train arrives in Oyster Bay at 9:43.  It's a short walk to the Gazebo, our meeting place.

Trains leave every two hours, so the next train isn't until 10:10 AM

Return trains leave the Oyster Bay station at 2:53 (arriving at 4:25) or 4:53 (arriving at 6:17)

Lunch:  12:15  Meet at the gazebo. Bringyourowni, or rely on the local stores and restaurants.

Afternoon:  1:00- back to sketching.

Show and Tell: 2:15 pm Meet back at the Gazebo.

NOTES:

• Anticipate full sun.  Bring a hat.  Sketching can be like sunbathing.  Be prepared.
• Bring a stool if you own one. It gives you so many more options. 
• See map below. (Hint:  Shore Avenue, Audrey Ave and East Main street are all the SAME street.)
• The map makes everything look big. Suzala says - "Even I can walk the whole joint. Trust me, when I say small town I mean it."

If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

or 

Suzala (our native resident) at 516 238-0220

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