Sky & Water Paintings: Fall 2007

In addition to our daily model painting sessions, the MFA students in Graham's atelier are expected to create and develop a body of independent work. Inspired by my summer watercolor series in Italy and Hawaii, I decided to make watercolor paintings of the New York sky and landscape. I also found inspiration in my friends (and their pets) who painted alongside me in the studio.

Watercolor Series from Staten Island Ferry
October 2007

MFA Atelier Work: Fall 2007

This fall, I began my Masters of Fine Arts at the New York Studio School. Although I studied at this school last year as a Certificate Student (2006-2007), I have found that the MFA program is considerably more challenging. Since enrolling at NYSS, my drawing and painting skills have developed considerably, thanks to my wonderful teachers and mentors. The following works are from my fall semester in Graham Nickson's Atelier. This post contains several of my atelier (studio) paintings as well as works for the Annual Benefit Dinner.

Atelier Work

In the beginning of the semester, we worked on small, quick paintings with varying limited palettes in order to familiarize ourselves with color, oil paint and the plastic language of painting. Towards the end of the semester, painted on an increased scale for longer periods of time.

First Painting in Atelier
24" x 24" oil on canvas
September 2007

Drawing Marathon: Fall 2007

This fall, I participated in Gregory Botts and Eve Ascheim's Drawing Marathon at the New York Studio School. During the first week with Gregory Botts, we drew exclusively from the figure and constructed set-ups, whereas the second week with Eve Ascheim, we took a more conceptual approach, using collage, geometry and combined perspectives in our drawings.

1. Gregory Botts Drawing Marathon (week 1)

Standing Nude 1
36" x 24" compressed charcoal on paper
September 2007

Hawaii Watercolor Series 2007

After Italy, I went to Hawaii for a week with my family. Fresh from painting Italian dawns for a solid week, I felt ready to take on the Maui seascape with my watercolors and paper. In a strange twist of fate, my suitcase containing my watercolors was misplaced by the airlines, leaving me with only the colors on my disposable palette. As the week progressed, I ran out of blue, then green, then red...you get the picture. By the end of the week, I was painting in pure yellow!

A side note: Enclosed are two watercolors by my brothers Arthur and Douglas. It was fascinating to see how differently each used the watercolors to represent the view from our hotel window. I think they each did a great job. What do you think?

View from Maui
10" x 14" watercolor on paper
8.5.2007

Italy Watercolor Series 2007

After the NYSS Drawing Marathon in Orvieto, I spent a week in a small house outside of Todi, Italy. Every morning I painted the sunrise, along with my friend and professor. As watercolor is a new medium for me, as is waking up at 4am, and I hadn't painted from nature in over a year, it is needless to say that I struggled during the process of painting these sunrises. I felt like a child when I painted the first sunrise; clumsily, freely and unaware of my materials. By the end of the week, however, I was able to create miniature compositions with bold, clear color choices. The dates below the pieces demonstrate the progress (I hope!) that I made during the week. Enjoy!

Domenica (Sunday)

Todi in Darkness before Sunrise
10" x 14" watercolor on paper
7.22.2007