Flatiron Evening

The Flatiron Building at the junction of Broadway and Fifth Avenue is one of the many famous work of architecture in Manhattan.  It's sited on a triangle piece of land where the western and eastern sides of the building take full advantage of the rising and setting sun.  One of my client visits brought me down to this neighborhood over the summer - and this watercolor sketch with some pencil overlay was the result.  In reality, most New Yorkers aren't taking time to admire the Flatiron, they're dodging traffic on the street racing to get in long line at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park which is diagonally across the street.

Evening on 42nd

Late one evening outside of Grand Central after a warm afternoon, the humidity gave everything a softer glow.  The spotlights and streetlights along the front of the facade of the terminal allowed the casual viewer to "see" the air up above.   Below the shadows of people would change colors and blend as they rushed headed for momentary departures away from "Oz."  Above, the Chrysler Building stood guard, almost fading into the night air, a sentinel about to be engulfed by the vapors of the Atlantic.

Summer Morning

Darien Station, the 6:58AM Train.

It's easier to get up and get out during the summer.  The birds are chattering away, you don't have to grab a coat and boots (but sometimes an umbrella is useful), and the sun is up and ready to greet you most mornings - although there are some days you're already hot by the time you've stood out on the platform for the train.  But, for the next few weeks of June before it really gets hot, enjoy the mornings and bright sun - remember you'll miss it in October.

Flying

Remember all those paper airplanes you used to make as a kid when you were bored in class.  What about all the newspapers that you still (maybe?) read as an adult?  Once upon a time on the train, there would be this constant rustle and shuffling as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today were folded and pressed on people's laps.  Today, it's more likely to be a train car full of tablets and neon blue screens - much more efficient and less disruptive for your neighbor.  But I still bet you wouldn't mind jumping on a paper airplane and flying away.

Lost and Found in the Park

Did you ever stop and think about what happens to that glove, ear muff, or scarf that you lost this winter?  Most likely you're just annoyed that: A. It's still winter and you're hands are cold!  and B. There is nothing left in the stores to replace what you've lost! (The stores are just taunting you with warm weather clothes since the middle of January).

On the other hand, I think even some of the local monuments and statues have gotten a little "cracked up" with this consistently cold weather.  I swear the figures on the Maine Monument at the entrance to Central Park across from Columbus Circle have been bundling up with all those extra scarves and hats that have been lost in the snow.  They must be working a deal with the pigeons and squirrels this year...

The Slush Puddle Dance

Let the melting begin!  The slightly warmer weather this week in the Northeast will mean scenes like this will be playing out on a street corner near you!

Winter Afternoon in the Bar Car

Every time I get on a train, I take a quick glance down the platform to see if there is a "Bar Car."  There's more room to stretch out in these cars,  and I'm more likely to have a range of potential commuters to sketch and draw inspiration from.  Recently in the press, it's been lamented that the days of the bar car numbered as the Metro North Commuter Railroad replaces aging railcars, including the symbolic bar cars.  Although there has been talk of the next generation "Cafe Car" no funding has been set aside for construction.  As one columnist pointed out, the need for seats trumps the need for booze - I'm sure I might find a few happy hour commuters who would disagree.

Nevertheless, I will miss these cars for their sheer convenience.  Let's face it, unlike the regular cars, there's never a question of "filling the middle seat" with the bench style seating. The lack of contoured seating makes it easy to move, and make way for one more.  And more importantly, everyone's more friendlier when they have a beer or plastic cup of spirits in their hand - this was especially the case for all those who have experienced summer commutes when the air conditioning wouldn't be working.  So Cheers to the Bar Car - here's too a few rounds (and a few more rides) for they're gone.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

I hope your train ride home was a little more peaceful than this!  Wishing you a great holiday season where visions of clean and quiet train cars dance in your head.

Gathering The Reindeer

That's right, across the platform from your train as you're trying to get home, it may just not be a figure of your imagination.  It's time once again for the reindeer to head home too and get ready for their big night on the 24th.  And it's time for you to go home and get a little more sleep!

Happy Thanksgivukkah

Have a great short week and safe journeys whether by plane, train, or automobile!