The bizarre wooden castle “Schachenhaus” sits atop an Alpine mountain peak in the German state of Bavaria, a lesser-known but by no means less surreal figment of King Ludwig II’s imagination (famous for Neuschwanstein, aka Disney’s Cinderella castle). Unlike Ludwig’s other “fairytale” castles, you can only get to this gem via a hellish 5-hour hike, though i will admit it is well worth it (plus, there is an unbelievably cute and interesting “Alpine botanical garden” beside it). The inside of Schachenhaus is decorated in a playful mix of rustic Rococco wooden chandliers and Moorish style (as imagined by 19th Century Bavarians). It’s strange to think that I almost didn’t make it to this treasure, thanks to the terse, non-creditcard-accepting folk running the lodge beside it (not to mention their scary, lederhosen-clad, sun-burned, wood-chopping son). Thank goodness for Roland and Marco, the two jolly Germans determined to save my vacation and improve my rather low opinion of the German disposition with their disarming mix of friendliness, kindness, and beer (which they generously offered after catching a glimpse of this drawing).

When life gets hectic, I often travel to New Orleans in my mind. Warm weather, the scent of honeysuckle, the sound of gypsy guitars and the slow pulse of the paddleboats going up the Mississippi. I like New Orleans.   Veronica

These 2 ladies were having something to eat over on the West Side.  One was on her cell.  The other was watching!   Just though it would be fun to draw them!

Here is another drawing from Amoudi Bay. I’ll be posting the drawings from that day chronologically. This is the second one I did on that beautiful morning.

With summer over and the leaves beginning to turn, I’m going to be like this bird today and enjoy what’s left of the summer leaves.

drawing of a bird in Paris by Greg Betza.

A long acquainted sister to Mystic’s busy shore .    It is early Sunday,     here        in Newport, Rhode Island.              Ah, the crisp morning air feels so good as I’m graced by the essence of fresh coffee and warm fudge being prepared for the day’s sales.           The familiar is genuinely comforting.                       I draw, but am not alone, as the spirited folk who tiptoe by whisper greetings of “mornin’ … mornin’ to ya”    (ever so careful not to waken the weary).                   The crumbled sound of the morning paper rustles about. The bells toll for first service.                    So it is most Sunday’s in Newport – generously simple.

(To see more drawings from my recent visit to Newport, click HERE )

I first boarded the Mystic Whaler off the coast of Long Island several years ago on an educational excursion set up by my wife. We took LIRR out to the Long Island Sound and walked to the dock to board the Mystic. I thought we were getting on the Clearwater for one of their ecology programs but found out that the Whaler did charter sails to help spread the message. I can’t say that I didn’t look disappointed that night, having thought I would be getting on the ship that felt like home to me. I had been on Clearwater many times as a kid when it would dock each year in Newburgh and our entire elementary school would trek down the hill to board. Living in New York City I was excited to have what I considered a taste of home. We boarded and were met by a great crew, who took us out into the Sound and informed us about the ship, about Clearwater, and about sailing in general. The captain must have left a pretty good impression.

I did this drawing the day after the flotilla arrived in Newburgh Bay in early June for the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage. Clearwater and the Mystic Whaler docked in Beacon for two days as they took students and charter groups out on sails before heading up to the next celebration port. As I was drawing a bearded man emerged from below deck and at once I realized this was the ship I was on nearly ten years prior—all the stories and the whole night out on the Sound flooding back. The bearded man was Captain John Eginton, who has owned and operated the Mystic Whaler out of New London, Connecticut (just south of Mystic) for 14 years. I would never have thought that one day I would be standing on the docks, back home, drawing both ships.

I’ll see you soon.  I’ll miss your warmth, the way you said hello to me when I woke up.  The way you whispered goodnight as I went to sleep.  I’ll look forward to your sweet scent upon your return.

Your Admirer,

Eddie Peña

In honor of the last day of summer, I decided to post a drawing from Labor Day weekend, which I spent in Pennsylvania visiting the Brandywine museum (heavenly!) and the Chaddsford Winery nearby. The winery was hosting a jazz festival wine tasting event. I have to say, I was here two years ago and the wines from this local winery have improved quite a bit. The Proprietors Reserve White was really quite nice, I would say it was my favorite of their wines, and the Naked Chardonnay was lovely as well. I usually don’t like the oak tones of most chardonnays: theirs is very mild and more to my taste. I would definitely recommend their whites,  and of the reds the Shiraz was actually quite good. A Pinot Noir from Pennsylvania was pushing it a bit, I thought, but who cares, the day was lovely and the music contributed to the festive atmosphere!  - Veronica

(To see more drawings from my trip click HERE.)

CPDSA on the wheels again!

One morning, Greg and I started out very early and went to draw in Amoudi Bay. The tourists had not arrived yet, and the fisherman were getting their skiffs ready for the day. Or maybe they were coming back from night fishing?  It was a lovely morning for drawing. The rest of the day however was EXTREMELY hot. For the next post, I’ll share a drawing I made later that day under the hot, hot sun. -Despina

Chania is the second largest city in Crete, and in my opinion the most beautiful, particularly the venetian harbor. On the water there is a venetian lighthouse and a mosque, all evidence of the rich history of this area. This reportage drawing was made behind the buildings facing the harbor where small alleys are lined with the most beautifully colored venetian buildings. It’s truly like walking back in time. To see more of this series, visit my blog.

drawing by Greg Betza

This September 11th it rained             … and rained

… and rained here in New York.   One might’ve called it tears of angels.

It was a tender day for the many who were reminded of the destruction we had experienced 8 years back. For me, personally it’s always been a painfully sad day. So each year I try to do something special to ease the heart. This one was no exception. I had the privilege of seeing Andrea Bocelli perform at Carnegie Hall. He was accompanied by the New York Philharmonic and the world renown conductor Asher Fisch. Words are few that can illustrate the beauty of such heavenly sound. All I can say is that it truly did transcend time and for that, I am grateful.

Drawing was made during the second rendition of Ave Maria in the production

medium: a ballpoint pen I stole out of my Mom’s pocketbook …………………… paper: the evenings PLAYBILL (the only thing available)

A small musical sample is listed on the Sacred Arias compilation-#4 .. go to ‘classics.’ If you’d like to see more drawings from the evening, you’re welcome to click here - enjoy! Michele

Something reminded me of France recently. Something always reminds me of France actually.

When I think of New York, Grand Central is one of the first places that comes to mind.  It’s New York in a nutshell.  This is the portal between life outside and the city.  Everything New York that you need you’ll find here, trust me. You have people from all walks of life appear.  If you haven’t been, you gotta come.

Eddie Peña

I think Robin Hood really did live here. Or maybe it was Maid Marion? Could this be where Howard Pyle did his illustrations? Saw this tower at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania last weekend, and I couldn’t help but want to draw it! Having an Adirondack chair, nice weather, and Neil drawing next to me didn’t hurt either…Veronica

The Bubble Man hangs out in different places around the city, so it was great to see him in Central Park.  I had a little conversation with him and he said he loves doing it because of the expressions on the faces of the children when they finally pop a bubble.  Ironically, he loves creating the bubbles and the kids love bursting them…it’s a perfect combination/situation!  The Bubble Man looks like he’s leading an orchestra.  He reminds me of Igor Stravinsky in Walt Disney’s, Fantasia.  It’s actually not that easy to create the bubbles, so he really does a great job of it.  The kids have the best time.  It’s wonderful to watch them teetering on their toes, running after giant bubbles and then sticking their fingers in them.  Great fun!

Every year on this day we all remember. After watching the ceremonies on TV, and hurting for all those whose lives were changed on that day, I always go back to thinking of one thing. Terrorism. I think about what it means, who it is, why it is and most of all how? How can anyone actually do it? It has been around for countless ages, and seems like the most primitive of acts, but here we are in the third millenium AD, still dealing with terrorism.

The acts that followed in other parts of our world never leave my mind either. Spain, England, Thailand, Israel, and most of all, Beslan.

Here is a sketch I made as part of a larger project about terrorism that I am working on. The part where I make my plea to the people of the world to go ahead and touch one another. And in doing so, we may acknowledge eachothers existence. Eachothers flesh and blood. Maybe then we can remember that we are all the same family. We are all the same, regardless of religion, race or political beliefs.

Maybe September 11th should be declared End Terrorism Day.

The Bay of Amoudi is a small fishing port located in the town of Oia on the island of Santorini. During my trip there, this was one of the only times I was not on top of the mountains, but looking up at them.

drawing by Greg Betza