Ace Hotel's Bar Area

 The NYC Urban Sketchers were scheduled to meet at a fashion exhibit at FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology) for our sketching location last week. Unfortunately when we got there we found out that we couldn't use stools, backpacks had to be hand-held, and only dry media could be used in this very DARK exhibit. We are adaptable and the organizers offered another location...the Ace Hotel. A few of the sketchers stayed to sketch standing in the dark, but my travel buddy, Suzala and I checked out the exhibit and then headed to the Ace Hotel which was a few blocks away. Many members of our group were already there working.

There was a nice hotel lobby with comfy seating, but it was fairly dark. Off to the side was the entrance to Koloman, their lovely contemporary French restaurant that was very European in feeling. I went in to scope it out and found Leslie sitting at the bar with her coffee and pastry. She was busy sketching the bar area. As long as we ordered something they were fine with us staying in the front of the bar area which had a huge window that overlooked the street. It also had a ledge all across the window which provided a good space to work. 

I started sketching Leslie, who was now joined by Elaine. The waiter took my order and before I could finish my first sketch, my coffee and this delicious croissant with jam and butter was delivered. It made such a great subject that I had to sketch that too...but quickly so I could eat the croissant! So I switched and started sketching the croissant on another page leaving space for the rest of the presentation. As soon as I had the croissant sketched, I moved back to the sketch of the sketchers because I know people, even sketchers, tend to move after a while. They were now joined by a random person not affiliated with our group, but I included him too.

Then I moved back to the food setup and added in the plates, jam, butter, and cutlery.

While I had the street view in front of me I decided to paint the building right across from us...some sort of construction was going on there with workers going in and out, but that is the fun of sketching NYC.

Our group in the bar area changed as people joined us and left us for the lobby. This photo was taken by my friend, Suzala of some of us ladies that were sketching and chatting about all kinds of things. We had a great time together!

Left to right: Me, Leslie, Shawne, Elaine and Kim.

Venice 2024 - Part 5 - Rio Frari, Rio San Trovaso, Kiosk in the Square, Saint Mark's Cathedral

One damp morning I headed out and found a small restaurant, Rio Frari. I decided to stop and have a cappuccino and a croissant while I sketched the view. I included the only other patron sitting outside. After he left the waiter noticed I was sketching and came over a few times to check on my progress. When I was finished he took the sketch inside to show the other workers. 

This day I headed over by Rio San Trovaso and sketched there. A young woman came over and asked if I spoke English. She wanted to know where I got my painting stool. She was looking for something to use when she goes plein air painting that is light to carry. We had a big discussion about plein air work and I let her check out my stool. It turned out that she was from Philadelphia. I told her about Urban Sketchers (which was new to her) and that I had sketched with the Philly group once.

This kiosk was in the square by our apartment. I'm always amazed that they have an assortment of things for sale, including clothing. This one had a selection of winter coats. lol

I had to do a sketch of Saint Marks from the square. My plan was to sit in the middle of the square on my stool, but as soon as I set myself up, two police officers came over and very nicely told me that I couldn't sit there. It would be unsafe to sit there with the crowds. So I walked around looking for a place to be out of the way and still have a view. I found a small ledge to sit on near a construction fence. I tucked myself away in the corner. The sketch had to be a close-up since I was practically on top of the cathedral, so I included the top section only. I did get to use some of my antique gold paint on the spires and wings of the angels. This took quite a while to sketch and paint with all the details.