We’ve been having some unseasonably warm weather here in New York City, but I know it’s not going to last. As wintery winds start blowing, my mind drifts back to the Turks and Caicos islands where I spent some lovely time recently. Sitting on the porch overlooking the ocean, I started to play with color and marks to draw the tropical trees at the beach’s edge. Then suddenly a swimmer’s head appeared in the window between the palms. Lovely view!

Posted by Veronica

I’m not sure what happened here, but I got a little carried away and put this one flower watercolor drawing into a few filters…

Margaret Hurst

Another drawing from the model. That red dress made the white walls in the background vibrate with cool blue energy. -Despina

A pair of trees shedding the last of their leaves awaiting the coming winter.

©2011 Greg Betza

Above is a small lino-cut I had done at the South Street Seaport titled Point of Entry…into the melting pot.  Thought it was kind of appropriate given the occasion this holiday weekend, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
May the best of life’s offering in this great land we call home fill yours with peace and abundance.

…and for those who might live elsewhere on this big, big planet…may your world be truly kind and generously giving.- Michele

Some days bring reflection like no others. I am thankful to have lived in so many worlds on this planet thus far, I only hope I have a little more time to venture out and find some more. —Dominick

Best day of the year!  Nothing like spending time with friends and family.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

~Eddie Peña

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men …”

1 Timothy 2:1

Just now finally getting to go through the many drawings I made in Spain in the summer of 2010. This was a group of young boys playing futbol (soccer) one day near the Miro museum. They were without doubt the most beautiful little boys I’ve ever seen. Long eyelashes, so sensitive, really sweet. Neil and I sat and watched them playing for a while. Every time one of them made a goal, Neil would say “Woooowwwww!” in this very emotional way he has of saying it. Well, the boys loved it! I don’t know if they knew what “wow” meant, but they certainly understood the emotion. They started showing off for us, and every time they would kick the ball, they would call out to us, “Mira, mira, WOW!” Which means, basically, “look, look, WOW!” It was the funniest thing.

Pretty soon they noticed that I was drawing, so they all clamored for me to draw their portraits. I was happy to oblige. What a nice group of kids, and what a wonderful memory. Wow!

Posted by Veronica

 I will be interviewed about our One Drawing A Day book on the radio program Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski tomorrow (Wednesday) on the internet radio station Toginet. The program is streamed live from 3 – 5, Eastern Standard Time. Visit www.loginet.com to hear the interview!

I thought it would be nice to put one of the black and white illustrations drawn for Henri’s Reserve.  I tasted some of their champagnes and they were absolutely sublime!

Margaret Hurst

At another Open House at the Dalvero Academy. Had much fun drawing the glasses, dress, hair and accessories that defined the style of the fifties. -Despina

Yesterday’s unseasonably cold weather reminded me of this drawing I made last year. It was an unseasonably warm day then, but I was standing on a patch of ice that had yet to melt and by the time I had made this drawing outside of the American Museum of Natural History, I was trembling. Suffering for art I suppose…

-Greg Betza

Last night in life drawing class (in Brooklyn at the Dalvero Academy)  Veronica gave a brief lecture on how important it is to take the time to observe when you draw…to observe the figure closely, the body language presented and the energy surrounding it.  She shared that each movement is a moment in time and a unique opportunity to see things as you’ve never seen them before.

Well said, it was so much fun! And thank you to the awesome model who pretty uniquely occupied Grand St.

Drawing in oil pastel by Michele 

As I made my way this morning, I was told that this afternoon might be a bit of chaos. Oh the difference from the last drawing I made on the subway.—Dominick

There is something special about drawing on rainy days that I always enjoy.

Eddie Peña

A drawing of the Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York City’s Zucotti Park before their contested eviction by the NYPD earlier this morning.
By Kati Nawrocki

Did these on-the-spot drawings of a young woman putting on make-up. This is serious business! : )

posted by Veronica Lawlor

This is a color illustration I was asked to create for Henri’s Reserve. Once again, another fun project to work on. I was invited to Henri’s champagne tasting this past Wednesday evening. The champagnes are exquisite!

Margaret Hurst

While at a restaurant last night I took notice of how people browse through menus. Some were excited to choose their meals, some seemed indecisive, and others, like the man in this drawing seemed a bit disappointed and a bit bored with the offerings. -Despina

Enjoy this Veteran’s Day and remember all that have served and sacrificed.

Greg Betza ©2011