Mr. New York

55x34 - Acrylic & Oil stick on canvas

(Meat Packing District, NYC) 

“MR. NY” was meant to be in the Meatpacking District of  yesterday. Cold, hard, and cut-throat. Thus, I chose colors to contradict these conceptions. Perhaps a peaceful purple or the witty white and giddy gold, yet always bold, even when “MR. NY” is old.  (sold)

Horizontal Hopes

24x20 Oil on canvas

Morningside Heights, NYC

The mayhem of Manhattan makes many move. In search of peace, people try to flee the heat of the street. They run to the river’s edge or to building tops, in hopes of seeing a horizontal line that will calm their minds. 

Harlem Unity

40x40 – Arcylic & Oil on canvas

(Harlem, NYC)

 Like many “coal covers,” these two were made in 1889 and 1904 and used to put an iron lid on the sidewalk so that the coal delivery man could pop the top and shovel ebony-colored rocks down to the furnace that sat below the many homes of this city.  I enjoyed talking history with the owners and felt it made it easier to get a hold of the colors of the “age” — bronze, rusty browns, and even the brightness of yellow. (sold)

“Dad, the bell is going to ring

20x16 – Oil stick on canvas

(Park Slope, Brooklyn)

A bright day in Brooklyn, but in the back of my head, these words rung true: “The bell is going to ring.” This bell was a blessing in those days, as I picked up my daughter from school. Splattered in paint, I’d ask myself, “Is it dry?” This I hoped as we hugged.         

Brooklyn Green

20x16 – Oil stick on canvas

(Brooklyn Heights, NYC) 

Sometimes, I wish “Brooklyn” was on the edge of the Pacific, the proper balance of fascinating folks in an enlightening environment. I guess I can’t clap my hands and have that heavenly coast, nor can those out west snap their fingers and be surrounded by stimulating people. Well, for now, I will continue to create colors on this concrete and greet the wonderful people “Brooklyn” has for me to meet.