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!

A Walk Above Ground

Alright, I know the temperature dropped this week so being outside was a rude awakening - the subways might have still felt warm in comparison?  But when I do walk I have a great time enjoying the streetscape.  Walking past the Stephen A Schwarzman Building  - the New York Public Library on 42nd street - is great, even if it's a little cold.  

Candy Crush? I'll Take The Next Train...

This is for all those of you who made it home on Halloween Night in hopes of passing out candy only to find yourself eating most of it yourself - and what's even better is playing the next round of Candy Crush - level 34 and counting...

Headless Commuting

While many commuters can think of several officials who should be "headless" or "brainless" after yet another year of difficult commuting in Southwestern Connecticut, this illustration comes just in time for the end of October.  The Fox Network's debut of Sleepy Hollow this fall has once again cast a spotlight on the tales of Washington Irving and the Headless Horseman.  Although the series takes many liberties with the concept of the Headless Horseman, its inspired a great following and a few copycats in and around the town of Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County, New York.  So, the real question is, are you sure it's the lack of coffee that makes you do a double take at this time of the year?

And Then They Start to Fall (On You)

Alright, the trees are finally starting to put on their final act of the season.  You may have spent this past weekend admiring the colors, but to the seasoned commuter, the leaves can be surprisingly devilish.  As you stand on the platform and the express train rushes past you - the leaves come flying from behind.  In the blast of air that follows the train, the leaves soar, zoom, and even dive bomb the innocent on the platform, especially those who are wearing their textured harris tweeds.  So whether you find the leaves enchanting or a downright nuisance, I'm sure they'll find you first waiting for the train.

In The Good Old Days...

Alright, when it comes to commuting, the good old days really aren't all that good.  But anything seems better after this week.  Once again, commuters on Metro North New Haven Line were always on their toes this week, literally (trying to find space in the packed rail cars) and figuratively (trying to keep up with the daily service changes).

So in the spirit of all things romanticized and retro, I bring to you my latest illustration of traveling into New York City via Metro North Railroad.  Inspired from the railroad posters of the 1930s and 40s this poster glamorizes the trip into Manhattan. I know it doesn't feel this special every morning when you pull into Grand Central, but you still really are entering one of the greatest cities in the world.  Take a close look at the architecture and see if you can correctly identify all the architectural landmarks. Enjoy, and maybe by next week we'll finally be back to (somewhat) normal...

Why The Power Cable Failed on Metro North

Con Ed can't figure out what happened to the feeder cable that supplies power to the Metro North New Haven Line, but I can think I can.....

On Wednesday Morning in Mount Vernon, breakfast was supposed to be Fresh Pigeon Pie, Hot Off the "Wire"...

Instead, the menu suddenly changed to 

Cable Fried Hawk, Bursting With Electrical Flavor...

Except that sudden menu change had a few side effects that affected tens of thousands of the New Haven Line commuters. Do you have a better idea?  Email me @ teek.eatonkoch@gmail.com and I may just have to illustrate it

It's been another rough week for commuters on Metro North, you've been pushed, shoved, squeezed, even considered standing in the lavatory to give yourself space on one of the diesel trains that's running - yikes!  It used to be that this was only supposed to happen after a big snowstorm right?  Well no mater your tales of woe, fruitless quests to make it to work on time, or your great odyssey to make it home, fear not for I'm here to bring you a little cheer on your commute.

The Art Of Commuting With Teek returns this week after a many months of neglect.  Each week check out my latest illustration from riding the rails, traveling on the turnpike, and so much more.  Tell your friends, fellow commuters, and even that grumpy person that you're sharing elbow space with in the middle seat.  It might just brighten their day a little bit, and you won't feel so awkward trying to share that same cubic foot of space for your arms and legs.  Follow me on twitter: #commutewithteek  and check out my website for my other illustration work: teekartworks.com.  Remember, it's all about the journey, not the destination, Happy Commuting! - Timothy Edward Eaton-Koch (Teek)

The New Normal

Alright, so I'm not commuting much by train right now with my current job, but I wanted to get back in the habit of posting sketches and ideas I have for commuting.  The phrase, "The New Normal" has been applied to many facets of our lives over the past few years.  In this mini illustration, I think I've illustrated a result of our new goals and expectations in our society.  Better yet, this is exactly what happened last summer coming home from my road trip across the country.  The cash lanes at the George Washington Bridge going into Manhattan had no delay, while there was a ten minute wait for anyone trying to use the E-ZPass Lanes - go figure.

It's Not A Commute, It's Cross Country!

Badlands National Park in South Dakota

Hi, a quick update if you're checking in on my commuting blog.  I'm spending the summer driving across the United States from New York City to the West Coast and back.  Check out my watercolor sketches and updates at one of my other blogs: theartofaroadtrip.blogspot.com

I should be back with more updates for this blog in September!  And remember, select prints of my artwork from this commuting blog are for sale at Images of Old Greenwich in southern Connecticut.  Contact Marcos Torno, 203-637-4193 for details!

Evening Acrobatics

It happens every night starting at about 4:30pm.  They come out from everywhere and every direction.  And if you stand in the way you're going to get run over.  Welcome to the evening rush on the Grand Concourse in Grand Central Terminal.  Now, just remember, you still have to make sure you're getting on the correct platform.  

Reflections in the Bar Car

For all you romantics in the world there's still a little nostalgia left commuting home on Metro North.  There are a scattered few Bar Cars left where commuters can grab a drink and chat up their peers or just drink away the day.  Or, you end up buying something from one of the white carts sitting at the top of the platform in Grand Central.  Either way, as you can see from above, there's a certain evolution in consumption as the week passes - we'll just call it preparation for St. Patrick's Day this upcoming weekend.  Cheers!