Painting Workshop at Bethesda Fountain in NYC

The Angel on Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, NYC
The Angel on Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, NYC

Needing to keep current here, and as the fall season moves along, it’s time to share one of my summer adventures. Not that my summer was so chock full of adventure or excitement, well it sort of was, but who needs to hear gory details, except for the fun stuff. Right? Of course.

There short of it is like this: We finally decided to visit Greece. I also signed up for a plein air workshop in New York City’s Central Park with an artist I happened upon online, thinking the lesson will do very well as I planned to paint while away. However, I was side-lined and never made the class, almost didn’t make the trip, but I persevered and thankfully, we did.

After our return I was able to make up my lost workshop day and enjoyed painting outdoors in the city. It’s something I had never done before.

The artist/instructor Anne Kullaf, was wonderful, had great info and style of working. She demonstrated her oil paint technique and showed me how she works in watercolors. We were alike in that we both sketch/draw in watercolor paint rather than plan in pencil then add color. And the site at Bethesda Fountain in the middle of Central Park was a great place to work. I had never been in that area of the park before either. It was rather impressive.

Here’s how my day looked in pictures:

Long Island Railroad
Long Island Railroad
NYC subway platform
NYC subway platform
72nd Street subway tiles
72nd Street subway tiles
72nd and Fifth Avenue entrance to Central Park
72nd and Fifth Avenue entrance to Central Park
Strawberry Fields dedication to John Lennon
Strawberry Fields dedication to John Lennon in Central Park. Lots of hippies and people just standing around looking at this. Excuse me please, can I get by?
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain is impressive here
The plaza facing the fountain
The plaza facing the fountain
Information plaque at the site
Information plaque at the site
Anne Kullaf oil demo
Anne Kullaf oil demo
Anne Kullaf
Anne Kullaf at work on the oil demo amid the din of aspiring opera singers practicing at the side, rendering me close to deaf. How about shut up? Sorry, I had to rant here.
Painting #1
Painting #1
Painting #2
Painting #2 of the boathouse and lake
Painting #3
Painting #3

By the third painting I was hitting my stride, but I was also hot and tired. It was a good experience and something I should continue to do.

 

 

Marching in the Greek Independence Day Parade

Sunday was a beautiful day here in New York. Finally some sun, and a little bit of warmth. Perfect for me because I spent the day as a participant in the Greek Independence Day Parade in Manhattan on 5th Avenue. Greece began their war for independence from the Ottoman Turks in 1821 for their 400 years of slavery, on March 25. Yearly the parade celebrates this event close to the actual date. Usually we are all freezing as we wait to step off. Side streets in Manhattan pack amazing winds!

The Greek American Folklore Society
Since I was a kid, give or take one or two for whatever reason, I’ve marched in this parade. In recent years, as some of you might remember, my family and I march with the traditional Greek dance troupe we perform with. They have the most amazing authentic costumes, and it’s a treat to parade in all the finery. Most of the fine, more intricate pieces were originally wedding clothes, or for special occasions.

 

Dancingjpg

This year, in particular, was special for me because Son #1, Gorgeous and the Princess also marched. And the Princess, at two and a half years old, walked the whole parade from 64th to 79th Street in costume with her little Greek flag. Precious!

Marching
We had a wonderful time, but now it’s Monday and I’ve got to get back to work. Another week of fun and games with Mr. Resistance. Wish me luck.