This woman was sitting on the M15 in front of the cell phone commuter pictured on my last entry.  Happy camper!

margaret

Like the poster before me, I too, have looked to the past for my drawing of the day. I just realized it as I started to write this!

Here’s a drawing from way back of a Cadillac La Salle. What a beauty she was, parked on that magical Sunset Boulevard. -Despina

“Pick up something else” was simple yet great advice offered to me a few years ago by Veronica Lawlor before I made this drawing of Rockefeller Center. Instead of the same tools I was comfortable with, I tried using pastels and pastels only. It helped me think differently about my work and it also helped me create something different, something new. It’s a great way to work and a great way to approach study…or anything else in life.

drawing by Greg Betza

Ahhh ….. spring in Central Park, what could be better? …(even when it is a bit chilly in the air.)

I made this drawing sitting on the edge of the spectacular Bethesda fountain inspired by the breathtaking view of the Bethesda Terrace, (the lower level to be exact). This area is often referred to as the heart of the park. With beauty surging from every angle, perched here it’s a clear study why.  - Michele

p.s. If you saw Kati’s dogs socializing last week, you’ll know it’s also a delicious spot to people watch, lol.

…leave you in the dark.

Tonight is Earth Hour. People around the world have pledged to turn off their lights and conserve energy for one hour, between 8:30 and 9:30 PM local time. One little step to make a difference.

The Dragonfly

You are made of almost nothing
But of enough
To be great eyes
And diaphanous double vans;
To be ceaseless movement,
Unending hunger
Grappling love.

Link between water and air,
Earth repels you.
Light touches you only to shift into iridescence
Upon your body and wings.

Twice-born, predator,
You split into the heat.
Swift beyond calculation or capture
You dart into the shadow
Which consumes you.

You rocket into the day.
But at last, when the wind flattens the grasses,
For you, the design and purpose stop.

And you fall
With the other husks of summer.

By Louise Bogan (1897-1970)

Remember when they gave you a wing pin of the airline when you flew? Flight attendants were “stewardesses” and “stewards”, and of course you had to make sure to book your seat as far away from the smoking section as you could, as nothing smells quite as bitter and disgusting as recycled air tinged with kerosene and stale smoke (even if you are a smoker), and everyone ordered Bloody Marys and Rum and Cokes with their dinner. The first time I asked for a wing pin and was handed a plastic sticker i vaguely sensed more disposable times were afoot…

Welcome spring! New growth, longer days, and buds on the trees. Good-bye snow, hello flip-flops! – Veronica

Commuter talking on his cell phone on the M15 bus in Manhattan.

Margaret

I’m not Irish, so I have never really celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Growing up, all I ever really knew about the holiday was that it was the time of year that Entenmenn’s would offer up those yummy green cupcakes with the green leaves all over the box. But now, I have a little boy, and he’s 1/4 Irish. (you do the math on that) So, I’ve decided that I’d better get a little more educated on the subject of Ireland, in case he ever asks!

I didn’t go the the parade last week, but I did visit the beautiful Irish Hunger Memorial at Battery Park City in NYC with my good friend Jen, and my boy James. Yes, James. Here’s a drawing I made while there.

It was quite somber, yes. But I learned alot from reading all the touching quotes on the walls. And from the top of the memorial, surrounded by Ireland’s native plants and stones, I looked off at the distance at the Statue of Liberty. I imagined what it must have been like for all those hundreds of thousands of people to dream of a better life, to dare to leave their homes, and to come to this foreign place. And not only did they come here, they MADE here. They have had such a profound impact on our society here in the States. I have to say, the memorial was designed brilliantly.

So, now I feel a little more prepared for future St. Patti’s Days and I look forward to learning more, and sharing what I learn with my son. James.

-Despina

…enjoying our beautiful spring weather….

drawing by Greg Betza

An annual visit to the Orchid Show at the NYC Botanical Gardens is such a delight for the senses. This year’s show features Old Havana and the Cuban countryside designed by Jorge Sánchez. I can’t plead with you more, mark it down and make the trip! It’s truly incredible and only there until April 11th.                 Happy Spring! – Michele

Once considered a limitless and inexhaustible resource, oceans are in jeopardy. The demands of a growing population are damaging marine ecosystems and depleting ocean and coastal resources. New and innovative approaches are needed now to maintain and restore the biological wealth of the world’s oceans and coasts.

reference from <http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/>

You really know spring is in the air when dogs start appearing en masse at the city’s parks as the perfect accessories for their owners (New York dog owners are their own breed).

sdlkgas;g

In honor of St. Patrick’s day (tomorrow) I’ve posted a drawing of sea shanty singers that I did recently at the seaport. Sea shanties are an old sailing tradition, which of course means they’re from all over the world,  but the group sing-along has strong Irish roots! Like me : ) – Veronica

Two Roses!

margaret

…or the Academy Awards. I think I may have started a tradition for myself by drawing while watching the Oscars! I did it last year, and this year I thought, why not again. Mostly I love looking at the classic styles and the not-so-classic gowns that the stars are skillfully presenting to the sea of cameras. It really is fascinating to watch. What a parade! Here’s one drawing from the night. To see more of my drawings of the event, I’ll be posting them shortly here. -Despina

here is a drawing I made a few weeks back at the Dalvero Academy open house. Very few things have been more important to me in my career than drawing from the model. Thanks Dalvero!

drawing by Greg Betza

A few days back was March 8th, notably known as International Women’s Day . It’s an annual global celebration of women. Each year on this day thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate all of our incredible achievements. Let’s here it for girl power! – Michele

utsukushii josei; Japanese for beautiful woman…