sketchbookseduction

Catchin' The Fever

2011-10-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to a meeting downtown by my preferred mode of NY transport- the bus. Yes, dreadfully slow, but always lots to see. Yesterday, passed by the Wall Street rally and literally got stuck on lower Broadway for about 10 minutes, right where it was all happening.

Now feel as if I were there, if only for a moment....

Sweet Italian Memory

2011-09-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of talk in US news these days about Perugia and the appeal of American Amanda Knox. I am not writing about the trial, I am not passing judgement one way or the other. It's just that I could not help be reminded of a Sunday that I spent in Perugia a little while back. It was a blustery day, but as intrepid tourists, we forged our way through the city, into the cathedral, in and out of side streets, trying to avoid the downpours and slipping along the cobblestone. As with all of our collective memories with good times, I can remember it all as if it were yesterday. You know that Perugia is famous for its chocolate but foolishly, we did not pause to think that on a Sunday in Italy, the shops would be closed. And then, it happened. We found the only chocolate shop opened in all of Perugia. That's when my drawing stopped....

...and the sampling began.

What's Lisbon Without Fado?

2011-09-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Long before I arrived to this city, I was warned not to miss Fado- and to be sure, as soon as put my first steps to the cobbled roads, the haunting strings of Fado echoed up and down the hills of Lisbon. Even without understanding the new tongue that I was surrounded by, through the animated conversation, I could hear so many speaking about.. Fado. And so, it was to my great surprise and pleasure that on the Friday eve of the symposium, I set off with four new-found friends, in a crazy taxi drive to the beautiful streets of Alfama and to an evening of magical, mystical, Fado.
It lived up to its reputation and more. Stuffed into a small room, we were surrounded and embraced by the deep emotion, the smells of the kitchen, the allure of the wine and of course, the music. So close, so tangible. And then, there was the matriarch of it all- the Gypsy mama, who greeted her boys with a slap up side the head and they kissed her back in return. I was all at once intimated and fascinated by her, and when she danced with that bottle on her head, she had me. And so did this night..Thank you Deb, Sally, Frank, Norberto for making one of the very special memories, amongst many, in Lisboa.

LISBOA

2011-08-03T02:05:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from teaching a drawing workshop at the Urban Sketchers Symposium-an exciting, invigorating assemblage of 200 people from 23 countries who descended on Lisbon, Portugal for the singular purpose of drawing on location. Music to my ears, the stuff dreams are made of, pennies from heaven, whatever other expression one could assign to a dream of yours- this was what it was like for me. Lisbon is a beautiful city. In betwixt and between the Naples Yellow buildings are tiled roofs for miles and squares, or largos, at the end of most of the cobbled streets, winding up and down hills galore. Most of these drawings are from in and around Largo Rossio, where my session took place and Largo Chiado, where I sat in with the wonderful Frank Ching and Pedro Cabral, who led us up a couple of hills, the reward of which was one of the best lunches that I had in Lisbon.

Some More From Venice Beach

2011-07-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

My trip out to LA with my MFA in Illustration class was weird and wonderful in many ways. Though I am always jazzed to draw with my pen, scratching, and splashing away, I felt the need to do something different this time. This is always daunting- heading into something unfamiliar, but oh, so necessary from time to time, to re-discover, re-invent, and reinvigorate. Many of my students took the challenge on, too, with great results! Like I said, for many reasons, this is what the trip did for me. I prepared a few pages with a thin turp wash and then, drew with graphite, gouache and watercolor on top. Still very much a work in progress, but the warmth of the sun and the day is flooding back to me now.

California Dreamin'

2011-06-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

I recently came back from teaching two classes on location in SoCal to my MFA in Illustration Class. I couldn't help but sneak in a few drawings on my own-
My love for line usually overtakes all that I do, but when in Venice Beach, how could one not be seduced by the color and the swaying palms???!!!

SHOW TIME!

2011-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

Please join me in celebrating Women's History Month- and visiting with some of the amazing women that I have seen and met through my travels.

I Want Beach!

2011-02-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

No hidden message here- I miss the beach. The tone in these drawings is not the sky, but the ever-present clouds of smoke from the burning of the sugar cane. A contrast and reality check on the beauty of the beach. And this is how much I love drawing- I am willing to let you see me in my bathing suit! Filmed by my mystery man on the beach in La Romana.

Untitled from Memi on Vimeo.

BocaChica Chica

2011-01-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Just back from a month in the glorioso Dominican Republic where, while driving into Santo Domingo, I caught this entrepreneurial mujer. It was a fleeting, but powerful moment for me. I suppose that her thought might be "Sex Sells" as it does all over our globe- but underneath her stance I saw, for that brief minute, great beauty and soulful eyes. Thanks to all of you and your support last year, she will be appearing as part of a show that I am having in NYC in honor of Womens' History Month, Another Woman's Life.Stay tuned-
I will be posting info shortly....

Working Woman

2010-11-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

This image is part of the faculty exhibition, Lightness, at the Museum at FIT. It is derivative of a series of drawings that I made of the beautiful Haitian fruitseller on the beaches of the Dominican Republic. You can see that here. Should any of the work be sold, a portion will be donated to the ongoing, but often now forgotten, relief efforts in Haiti.

Sky High

2010-09-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, I had the honor of speaking about my experience as an Air Force artist on a panel at the Society of Illustrators in New York. This is one of those unexpected perks of drawing that I could have never imagined. It is a proud, humbling, and often sobering experience to be included on a mission. These drawings are from a re-fueling mission that I was on- extremely cool trip that I will never forget!

It's Fashion Week in NYC

2010-09-12T14:09:00.001-07:00

Swingin' through summer

2010-09-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

The sweet sounds of outdoor music and cool jazz are coming to an end. Capturing all the freebie get-downs is one of my favorite parts of living in the city. There's still a night or two left-let me go so I don't miss a beat!

A little luau

2010-08-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Shakin' it up with the hula girls and boys, umbrella drinks and the roast...

She Got The Beat

2010-08-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am shamelessly flaunting this pic from my fabulous shoot with the fabulous Marty Umans. (photo © Marty Umans) What a day! Creation, collaboration, good lunch, conversation, drop-ins by cool artists and the shoot to boot! My fantasy of being a conga player comes to life with my life size cutouts of the peeps from my sketchbooks and travels. Thank you, Marty!

Mahalo, Hawaii

2010-08-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Some nights I still imagine that I am hearing the waves gently crash just steps away from my hale on the Big Island. The sweet smell of the flowers, the strains of the ukelele, the power of the stories under the lava all made for an amazing experience. More to come.....

Modern Family

2010-04-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

This image was just selected to be part of a show on "The Modern Family."
I was especially asked to submit drawings from my sketchbooks of the Haitian workers of the sugar cane fields.
Even as I look back on this drawing, I remember the sound of the cane rustling- it was hypnotic in the warm air of the fields.

Flyin' High On Seventh Avenue

2010-04-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Never dreamed that, when I drew the runway at the FIT Fashion Show that I would see this drawing on Fashion Ave!
FIT asked me if they could use the drawing for the invite for this year's fashion show- and look what happened! At first, I was not sure that I liked the knock-out, but when I saw the banner, I decided that I could live with it. Here is the original as well. Draw what you love and good things will come!

Still At The Beach

2010-04-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Though our weather has been glorious, it's not the same as turquoise waters and merengue.... oh, and the cat that I was staying with, Leila.
Being able to draw so freely all day long for days at a time is heaven for me- and the best exercise for my craft that I can think of. It really reminds me of who I am and what I love to do.

One Last Working Woman

2010-04-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Though we are now in April, I bring you one last nod to WHM, recorded in March while I was in the Dominican Republic.
Though my days were languorous and beautiful on the beach, the life of selling fruit on the beach is not quite the same. This lanky, beautiful, quietly elegant woman, strolls bucket atop her head all day, every day, with the rich tropical fruits of the island, hoping to sell enough to make her day. Her body language speaks of humility and when she makes a sale, her smile is as bright as the Dominican sky.

Women Fashioning Women

2010-03-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

With not too many days left in March to honor Womens' History Month, another personal nod. This drawing took me to Shanghai, to the silk market. I arrived with only 20 minutes to closing, and did not know where to look first, enveloped by flowing fabrics and tailors beckoning, seeking to outfit this Westerner. Never realizing that I would be putting to blog a series like this, I suppose that I was attracted to one of the only female tailors there..Who knew?

Another Working Woman

2010-03-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

Continuing my own nod to Womens' History Month, another amazing working woman that I met in my travels.This spice woman is a staple of the Moroccan market in her small sea-side town. It would be easy to overlook her amongst the brightly colored aromatic bags of spices that surround her. Her eyes glisten like the color of fresh mint, and her skin is deepened by the hours of walking to and from the market in the West African sun. She is beautiful, inside and out.

In Honor Of...

2010-03-16T06:47:00.001-07:00

Womens' History Month, I choose to think of working women around the world. This was recorded during a trip to South Africa last summer. I visited a Zulu village. The women are strong and beautiful. Along with the telltale signs of technology, cellphones and computers, there still exists old world traditions.

To The Dogs

2010-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I will be heading to the dog show again- sketches to come, but in the meanwhile, I have a piece in this invitational show!

Call To Action

2010-01-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

As part of the collective voice of Urban Sketchers, I am very proud to have lent my images to promote the need to help. Marc Holmes designed a strong, striking poster that is not only elegant, it is important. Here it is, please follow the link above to download and post. The news has been immediate and ever-present, but as that fades from the headlines, the need for help will not.

A Tug at My Heart

2010-01-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Along with the rest of the world, I am so distraught and distracted by the horrific images and stories out of Haiti. I never have been to Haiti, but a piece of my heart is in the country that shares its island, the Dominican Republic. It was over 10 years ago that the DR and a very special group of people welcomed me into their family and their lives. My world was forever changed for the better- not only with the joy and the love that I experienced, but also by the window that I gained into the lives and cultures of those who I would never have had the opportunity to meet. Part of that experience for me has been to have the rare opportunity to wind in and through the majesty of the sugar cane fields and the communities of workers and families that are largely, Haitian. Speaking through fractured Spanish, French, Creole and English, the stories were born, and the days of hard work alongside the big bulls and their handlers, fell away to nights around fires and ceremony. My curiosity was born out of a sheltered naivety and I would say, so was theirs. There is a pride and dignity and smiles that light up the skies. I have been working on a book of my drawings and have now decided, that, once I publish, a portion will go to the relief effort. For now, please look for information coming soon about how to support in a collaborative effort with Urban Sketchers.

Another Drive By (Brrr-rrr) Drawing

2010-01-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

It's COLD in NYC, but oh! so pretty as the light snow kisses and swirls about the skyscrapers and parks. Another bus trip for me, taking in the beauty and inspired to drive-by and draw.

Before the Ball Drops

2009-12-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is a drive-by drawing of Times Square yesterday, the day before the ball drops. I was on a bus- stalled for a few minutes in traffic, unknowingly, by the bomb scare. The feeling of anticipation was palpable and now I know that most of these folks, like me, had not a clue what was going on besides the set-up of lights and stages, etc. Happy and Safe New Year to all!

A New Meaning to Ms. November

2009-12-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

I've posted this drawing before, when it was originally requested and donated to the Manifest Hope Exhibit at the Democratic National Convention. Now, The Obama Wave: Change on Main Street, been selected to represent November in the 2010 Social Justice Calendar. The calendar is a collaboration of the Evolutionary Media Group and SEIU, Service Employees International Union. Draw what you love and it keeps giving back.

Got The Call

2009-11-30T10:19:00.000-08:00

Follow your heart. After many years of being a bystander to the annual shows, but an SI supporter nonetheless, I doggedly submitted what I love best to illustrate: reportage. This year, two of my pieces were accepted into the Institutional Category as part of the Society of Illustrators 52nd Annual. They are part of the project that I recently posted, A Sneak Peek. The chop in the corner represents the interpretation of my name, and translated, means "sing." Fitting since, when I draw on location, I do feel like I am singing to the world!

Thanksgiving Post-It People

2009-11-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Wall to wall travelers on the LIRR this weekend makes for just a few notes on this installment of Post-It People.

Behind The Scenes

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I had a fleeting chance to capture some behind the scene drawings at Fashion Forward, the fundraising Fashion Show for GMHC.
The real drawing stars were seven of my students, who really rocked the cocktail hour by drawing everyone at the party and then, we donated our drawings for sale- raising over $500!!!!

To Honor This Day

2009-11-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

It is Veteran's Day in America, but why not pause the world over to think of all who serve their countries?
About a year ago, I had the chance to be imbedded with the US Air Force on live fire training exercises. If these brave young men and women thought for a minute "what was this round woman with graphite pencils doing climbing into their "truck"?!, they did not skip a beat as they welcomed me and included me in the training. For all the in-between joking and answering my unfailing barrage of questions, it took but a nano-second for them to get serious when they needed to. Their fresh faces and keen minds took me through what they experience day in and day out, on bases on our continent, and of course, in lands afar. It matters little what your political stance is- these are young people whose families are without them this day. I salute them, one and all.

Sneak Peek

2009-10-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

I am in the final stages of finishing a body of work that is being produced as part of a grant. I was sent to China last year to be the documentary artist that recorded the FIT factory visits in Hong Kong and mainland China. NO photos allowed, and so, it was up to me to keep apace with the groups, the tour guides and the translators- who barely stopped to take a breath. The machines were whirring away, up the stairs, down the stairs, on with masks, off with masks, cutting, folding, pressing, drying, dyeing.
It was terribly exciting and my hand was moving like crazy trying to capture it all.

When Vacation Seems So Far Away...

2009-10-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

it's good to bring it back. It's been some time since I posted. School is keeping very busy in a very good way. My classes this semester are just great and have once, again, reminded me how much I love drawing. I took a little trip back to South Africa in my mind today- the crisp air and the beautiful blue sky brought me right back there...

Out of and back from (South) Africa

2009-07-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

It is a land of big skies and purple mountains. It is a coast with the
turquoise Indian Ocean crashing its shores. The air of traditional cultures,
struggle, and renewal hugs the mountains, the villages-and the malls. So much
to see and to hear and to eat and to drink in. Three weeks in South Africa
have left me with a sense of awe and curiosity, wanting even more. I am just now beginning to digest all of what I experienced and drew. My first posts here represent what struck me most- that people walked- from the early hours
of the morning, through the day. Their silhouettes dotted the landscape as the fiery sun set; wrapped in their winter clothing, determined to make life good for themselves and their families for another day. They walked the highways, through the sugar cane, out of the townships, the cities, down from the mountains.

I Broke Even

2009-06-12T20:36:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I earned the good soul award by traveling to Atlantic City on a community (not mine) bus trip. Well, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't get a kick out of a good run or two at the slots, but truth be told, I would have been more of winner if I had spent the whole time drawing!

The Art of Conversation

2009-06-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the art is not only on the wall. During a recent trip to the Met with my friend Tony, the Bacon show proved to be provocative for those attending, and a great opportunity for me to capture the characters that flock and comment.

Sunny, Southern California-NOT!

2009-06-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

When I was asked to be one of a panel of judges for the Arts in Fashion competition in LA, it didn't take me but a minute to say "when do I leave?!" With visions of palm trees, surf and sun, I took off, only to spend a grey, cool weekend in LA. No sun, no star sightings, and it was cold... The competition yielded amazing talent, wonderful colleagues and a dinner at a great restaurant, LOUIE, where I spent a few meals, fascinated by the open kitchen and the little army of chefs.

Say It, Tell It, Feel It, Hear It

2009-05-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

When drawing with a group of students in Bryant Park a few days ago, I heard voices. Rhythmic, powerful, pounding and passionate. I followed the voices and found myself compelled to stop, to listen, to absorb, to applaud these beautiful young urban poets.
My drawings hardly do justice to the messages that they were sending through the spring breeze. Alive, exciting, meaningful-it was a real treat.

A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

2009-04-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

With an unexpected 90 degree weekend bestowed upon the Northeast, they swarmed in droves to the ocean, moi included. And like most on that fine beach day- low humidity, sweet breeze, crisp air, cold, cold, water that just did your soul good, smelling it for the first time, I brought out the sunscreen and slathered up on skin that had not seen the light of day since last July. Beach balls, beach blankets and bikinis.(not me!) But some could not help themselves and the April temps had just not given them those extra weeks toning up to be ready for the season. All in good fun, it was packed- and glorious. Sometimes the urban in sketching is getting away from the urban.

Spring Thaw

2009-04-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

A recent spring day brought me to the flea market- always fun and after poking around and finding some goodies, I sat down to draw. It was late afternoon and the strong sun cast its lovely shadows on old furniture and the die-hards left marketing.

Word On The Street

2009-02-21T13:33:00.001-08:00

The end of Fashion Week in NY has brought out all the pundits about the
latest trends in color and length, sleeves or strapless, one shoulder or two,
and how our First Lady now has the added responsibility of leading the pack.
Though I would have lots to say, apparently this CNN reporter did not think that I was fashion forward enough to comment- that's ok, it gave me time to document her.

Gone To The Dogs...

2009-02-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

and other clichés, as in dogs look like their owners or the other way around.
I can't remember. But after visiting the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at MSG in NYC, I do believe that it is true!

Still Thrilled- and Chilled!

2009-01-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

I missed going out on the night that he was elected and have been regretting it ever since.
So, in spite of the freeze in NY,
I layered up and headed down to Times Square.
I stuttered through this drawing and a few others, but still, wanted to try to share some of the excitement-
and a little body heat that I felt that day. It was pretty magical, I must say.

I need to try to make sense of some other drawings before I post again...

A Day for Celebration?

2009-01-01T16:19:00.001-08:00

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in Cuba and created a communist state.
Some are saying that Cuba is celebrating, albeit, in a subdued fashion.
In lieu of offering a personal opinion about it, I will, instead, post this painting that I made on location while in Havana in 2003.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to an art school there to record their fashion show. I was official- permission from our government, a stamp on my passport and cigars as token souvenirs.
More memorable was the poignant atmosphere that I recall-
Havana is beautiful pastel mix of European architecture amidst breezy palm trees and the 1950's cars and neon signs that often symbolize life there. A hint of arabic tile works peeks out from doorways and windows where altars and rosary beads line the walls.
There is in the air a mix of passion and pride, along with a veil of unease and at times, envy, as you can see from this young boy.
Though there for just but a week, I will not soon forget it.

Keeping your faith, baby!

2008-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Whatever it may be, the ritual is always moving and awe inspiring.

At the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong,
the smell of incense sweetened the air and the smoke created a haze of humbleness as scores of people thronged to make their offerings.

Oddly enough, I did not go unnoticed, and as I was drawing, became embarassingly, somewhat of an attraction myself.
I am, along with my journal images, part of the photo diary of many visitors, posing first with the husbands and then with the wives. Go figure.

Hong Kong People

2008-12-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

There were so very many street scenes to record in Hong Kong-but it is also a city of fashion and fashionable people, too. Here are some quickies....

The Language of Pride

2008-12-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

What transcends the inability to speak the same language?
Is it a shared look? A smile? Sometimes, I find it is a drawing-
In all of the little streets that I twisted and turned onto, filled with vegetables and vendors, steaming pots of soup, sparkling Christmas decorations, and glistening ducks, the language of pride came through.
When I paused for a minute or two to draw, our connections were made.
I felt like I had spoken to everyone who I drew, though I had not uttered
a word!

When Drawing Gets Religion

2008-12-10T20:56:00.001-08:00

Today I took my class to St. Patrick's Cathedral to draw.
The mild air and warm rain belied the December date. It was only inside that the massive crowds and the festive wreaths
told us that it was near to Christmas.
We spoke, my class and I, about the conflict of drawing while there were those around us who came to the cathedral to worship.
The flash of the cameras around us emphasized our thoughts, but quietly and respectfully we drew-and listened.
I was really proud of what they drew today. I stole a little time of my own-probably not the optimum choice of words for the venue, but such as it is- here is my day's work.

Hong Kong KRAZY!

2008-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Oh, I know that it has been forever since I posted.
I just returned from a cool project that I received a grant for at FIT,
where I teach Illustration.
I traveled to Hong Kong and China as a documentary artist,
along with a group of graduate students who are involved in
global fashion management.
It is a draftsman's paradise-just fantastic- and my head is still reeling-
much to scan and to say- all to come along.

DO IT!

2008-11-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Obama Wave

2008-08-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that drawing is what I love to do best. But, it is not all that I do- and often, it is my reportage that has led me to other, unexpected, fantastic opportunities.
I was invited to be one of 75 artists to exhibit in an exhibition that complements the Democratic National Convention.
The exhibit, at Manifest Hope Gallery, is open this week.
I am honored and excited to be a part of this exciting time in this way.
When we were asked to think beyond the portrait of the candidate, I knew exactly what picture I wanted to make-
In this scenario, it is about the wave of voters that are getting involved for the first time. It was my obsession with drawing people in my sketchbook that allowed me to put it together.

Free Models

2008-08-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

The ocean never disappoints- and it would be enough to relax and reflect
with the crash of the waves providing the soundtrack.
But, who could ignore the always incredible opportunity to draw????

The Fun Ship Sailed

2008-08-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am back from the first cruise of my life-maybe the last one, too!
I am still trying to figure out why anyone might call this way of travel a vacation-
you are literally living, eating and playing with 3000 people for five days.
Now, those of you who know me probably will realize that I am quite happy, thank you, to spend loads of time solo.
But, I did go on this trip with my mom- for lots of different reasons- and we had a grand time together-though when it came time for the towel folding into a swan demo, I made my way to the casino.
I broke away from my usual, favorite spiral sketchbook format because I did not know what to expect.
I brought along a precious little book that my friend Cheryl Phelps gave to me. I was waiting for just the right time to use it- and this was it- it has a very smooth surface, my pen just glides over it, which made all the rockin' and rollin' of the waves not to matter too much!
Here is a little sampling of the Fun Ship...

Passing the time

2008-07-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had to take Pablo to the vet- the poor sweet thing has been wheezing and sneezing up a storm. While I was waiting for him
as he was X-Rayed, I worked off some nervous energy by dashing out, and then back to the vet's, to knock off a couple of drawings. I've always loved the look of flat color against line. (BTW, Pablo has asthma!)

What's Really Behind Independence Day (?)

2008-06-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

Politics aside, there's something out there besides hot dogs and fireworks.
I recently had the unique opportunity of being imbedded in live-fire training exercises in a collaborative project generated by the Society of Illustrators and The US Air Force. These young, admirable men let me into their world.
With only 28 days of training behind them, they get deported.
It was an exhilarating, yet sobering experience. Here are a few sketches from my trip.

Winners and Losers

2008-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's not only about the horses.
The characters themselves run from
the ridiculous to the sublime.

Big Brown was a big bummer

2008-06-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

Big buildup but no cigar, as they say.
Still the day was filled with friends and frolic, drawing and drink.
More to come on the masses of characters and unknowing models...

Worth The Price of Admission

2008-06-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight my neighbors called and told me that they had an extra hottest ticket in town-the movie of the weekend.
You know which one I mean- girls, fashion, shoes and sex.
Never a fan of the show, I was still intrigued.
Off I went to the theater, armed with my sketchbook.
They got stuck in traffic- we missed the show- well, maybe not.
Waiting outside was a treat all its own.

Lights, Camera, Fashion!

2008-05-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

FIT's annual BFA Fashion Design Show was an astounding and impressive display of talent-
and I was lucky enough to have a front row seat!

Going, Going, Gone

2008-05-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

The tag sale, after all of the weeks of sorting, sighing and sobbing,
was kind of bittersweet.
Just days ago, we were living amongst nanny's old jewels,
my folks' prized furniture and my dad's old-time seltzer bottles and tools;
the grill, the backyard furniture, the lace table cloths.
Though we had made our peace with having to part with most of it, it was a day of revisiting the years that we spent growing up in this house.
My drawings are few- after a little while, I had to leave.

Moving Out

2008-05-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

The inevitable day, sad day, of moving out of the house that I grew up in has arrived.
After weeks of sifting through the years of living, we moved my mom to a fab new apartment.
Where would I begin to record what memories I wanted?
Photos would not do it justice, and so, on the morning of the move, I traveled about, drawing here and there, snippets of what, at that particular moment, seemed significant to me.
Here they are. More TK as I move through the tag sale later today.

Tragically Hip

2008-05-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

I went to the Tribeca Film festival last night. The film was A Powerful Noise- A documentary about the lives of three women who worked to make the lives of other women better. Though we didn't wait on line for too long, it was a little bit of a scene.
At the end of the movie, I thought that it would have been more fun to hang outside and draw the crowd for the next film...

Stylin'

2008-04-30T04:13:00.000-07:00

More days on Long Island, being a fly on the wall as my family gets their lives back on track. It seems so ordinary, but it is a window into how familiarity brings about motion. And, of course, when people are in motion, they make great models!

Pablo Awaits

2008-03-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Lots going on and I have not posted in a while-
in and out of town too much...

But every time I return, there is my Pablito waiting for me.
So here I go again, more TK....

A (Close) Second Seduction

2007-11-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

Shoe Shopping. It's not only about having the shoes- it's looking, and watching everyone else looking. and just when my pair was taking just a little too long to arrive, I started to draw. Talk about gesture and body language. Just found a way to validate my "Oven Collection!"

OUTRAGE

2007-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

Talk about this, link me, send it, commiserate.
I am sick about this.

Selling Mangoes

2007-11-16T07:04:00.001-08:00

Just looking at this drawing from my BATEY series makes me long for the rustle of the sugar cane, the bright smiles of the Haitians who work the fields, and the warm Dominican sun.
This drawing is off to The Society of Illustrators Auction. (Dec. 3 at SI!)

When The (Pool) Shark Bites

2007-11-12T17:46:00.001-08:00

Not too long ago I attended a conference where, after a hard day's work, folks unwound with some sharp shootin' pool sharks.
For me, my relaxation came with my pen. The identities have been changed to protect them- and me!

Almost Missed My Stop

2007-10-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Riding downtown on the No. 1, I had to scramble to get off to my day job, other hat, because I was, yes, seduced, by my sketchbook and this looooong standing project of mine-Post-it People, I call it.

There is all at once a challenge and a beauty to record, and then to remember, the fantastic diversity of this city.

Beach Days

2007-10-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

As these hot, hazy days continue, and I am inside working, I can't help but think back to the languorous days on the beach this past summer.
The sea is mesmerizing, powerful and engaging in a way that never gets old- but I am never there without my sketchbook. Models everywhere! And that, too, never gets old. Body language, gesture and character galore.
These are just but a few from years of beach days and people from many beaches.

A Day At The Races

2007-10-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

There's nothing else that I thnk of doing when the weather is this good.
Today's pick-Belmont Racetrack.

The day of a little man with a long name

2007-09-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a rally against someone who doesn't even deserve that attention to bring me out with my sketchbook.

Verdad...

2007-09-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Let me start this blog with a story.

It had already been a long, loud morning. Extensive lines at the airport, many security checks and the signature of the summer getaway- delay. Finally on board to my vacation in the Dominican Republic, I eased into my seat and started to record what was going on around me. If you've never been on a plane to Santo Domingo, then picture this- SOLD OUT-families with children, mamas, pappis, grandmas and grandpas, aunts, uncles, all dressed for the tropics, LOTS of luggage, music, smiles, high heels, music, music, music. I had a field day of models and body language, character and gesture, and my hand was flying over the page as I got caught up in the excitement of everyone.
Across the aisle to my right I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, a young girl watching me. It was hard not to see that she was beautiful, a young teenager and also challenged. Her hands were clenched and her head bobbed and weaved. Her huge bright eyes were on me as I was drawing and her smile was as bright as the sunshine we were heading to.
She started to motion to me that she wanted to draw.
Now, the smile was on my face. I gladly handed over my sketchbook and pen. She was focused and determined, she managed my cartidge pen like a pro, and she clearly knew what she wanted to draw.
This is her drawing-I love the way that is speaks to the country that we were heading to and romanticizes her vision of it.
She offered it to me, and I gladly accepted- and I offered her mine- and she accepted!
We exchanged smiles and this spoke volumes. I can think of no better drawing for my first post on my first blog-

This drawing is truly the seduction of the sketchbook.