This Memorial Day weekend I decided to head to what I semi-sarcastically refer to as “Hipster Beach”. Tattooed and pierced Brooklynites bike out to the ocean, oil up their carefully manicured hairy chests, and frolic in the dunes, slipping the occasional ironic bluecollar beer or handrolled cigarette. But this year there was a new trend: Everywhere I looked, there were oodles of topless women! It was like witnessing the winner of an epic struggle flaunt its spoils: Hipsterdom had bested its own Puritanical roots to become flesh in almost Euro proportions. Happy Summer, everyone!

In honor of Memorial Day and all those who have been affected by war, I’m posting this drawing I made yesterday in Staten Island Harbor. As part of Fleet Week, the USS Carr and USS New York are docked there for visitors. The USS New York was made with steel from the World Trade Center, to honor all those who died that day and since, in the wars spawned by 9/11. It choked me up a little to see it.

Posted by Veronica.

Another snail love drawing, #2.  You know, of course, this is endless!!!

Margaret Hurst

I always go back to my drawings of Lynn. Loveliest of models. -Despina

Here is another small watercolor made at the New York Botanical Garden.

painting by Greg Betza

With the anticipation of a new addition to the family, the next several weeks are a bit unpredictable for me and Chris. So as we embark on this new adventure I thought it only appropo to plan ahead. That said, figured it’d be fun to feature a little series of some of my favorite travel stamp designs done over the years on location.

Planned on calling it “passport adventures”…. hope you enjoy, Michele

Medium: watercolor

A little sketch from the train this morning.—Dominick

Just jotting down ideas.

Eddie Peña

This is the last drawing I’m posting here from my Rome trip which I did in the cab from the airport to capture what I was seeing hundred-fold on the streets around me: chain-smoking locals crammed into sardine cans traversing a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

I drew this man at a drawing class in Spain. Mucho intenso!

Posted by Veronica

This is one of the first drawings I made when I decided to do a project on Snail Love.  Snail Love eventually led to the Neurex Pharmaceutical snx-111 work.  Funny where a snail can lead you!

Margaret Hurst

And I sat down to draw in my yard and chose the lavender as my subject. Up against the white wall, unassuming and not yet flowering. Nothing more than a shrub, really. I thought it looked lovely. -Despina

a quick watercolor study just as the leaves began to appear.

© Greg Betza

Hot dogs and french fries…good or bad. Really what says “americana” any better?

Drawing done in pen and ink on Main Street USA,WDW by Michele

The pushy willows plushies to be exact.—Dominick

Angels come in many forms. Some are good some are evil.

Eddie Peña

An impromptu drawing of breakfast at the magnificent, lovely, opulent St. Regis in Rome. In the background you can see the enormous lobby with its baroque décor which an extremely fancy version of what a friend of mine used to call a “plumber’s nightmare”.

A sculpture by Mark di Suvero at the Storm King Art Center. I love di Suvero’s work – such lyrical forms out of steel. They’re amazing pieces, worth the trip if you can get to see them in person.

Veronica Lawlor

I am happy to announce that I am a nominee for the Prix Canson 2011! Please visit my personal blog for details.

A very quick pen/ink/brush drawing at the China Pavilion at Epcot.

Margaret Hurst

Okay, I’ve discovered that I am kind of terrible at bowling.

Here’s a look at the difference between how I bowl and how my friend Nadia bowls. She is so graceful and almost looks like she’s dancing out there. She’s really good. I on the other hand was so uncoordinated and just…well…I was a mess! I must try it again. -Despina