Chrysalis

Friend’s of ours passed down one of these butterfly mesh houses where you can watch caterpillars DEVOUR milkweed and then finally transform into butterflies. My daughter loves butterflies so the timing is perfect. Overnight and this morning they began their transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis. Nature is amazing. Greg Betza ©2022

Not Gonna Stay

During one of the first conversations I had this morning a friend mentioned the lilacs disappearing for the season. For some reason my yard is always behind the rest of town, but when I went outside what was there just two days ago was now shriveled and nearly gone. A reminder to always savor the […]

Dancing at the Gardens

This past weekend I was an invited artist at the Colors of Spring 5th Annual NYBG Plein Air Invitational with James Gurney. What a lovely day and experience! I’d joined James and this talented group of painters for the 4th Invitational in 2019, and it was so good to be back at the New York […]

Before The Dogwood Disappears

If we keep our eyes open, life is constantly revealing something we have either overlooked or have not had the chance to see before. Years ago, after seeing several in the area, we planted a dogwood tree inside our fence. Spring colors come and go too quickly for my taste but that just makes them […]

Small Works at Emerge Gallery

Split, a mixed media collage on paper, is one of 22 industrially inspired pieces in Small Works, my online Artsy exclusive exhibit with Emerge Gallery, from May 1 to August 31, 2022. Check it out HERE. posted by Veronica

new yard

Another drawing from my session last week with my gifted markers. These amazing palms, etc. live in my new backyard. Greg Betza ©2022

In Technicolor

One day that reference will have absolutely no meaning to anyone. I stood alongside the millers for most of the day last week. Breathing in particles no person should ever inhale, I felt the layers of blacktop cover me and my pads. —Dominick

A gift

A friend’s mother passed away about 2 years ago and he gifted me her markers. She was an artist. This morning was the first time I used them. These flowers are for her. Greg Betza ©2022

Getting My Steps In

Yesterday morning started out with a nice brisk walk to the end of Main Street. As I walked back and forth with each pass the milling operator yelled down, “You’re getting your steps in today!”—Dominick

Plant in red

I picked up a crappy, large red sharpie and made a drawing just to see how it would turn out. I’m pretty happy with it. Sometimes it’s good to just “use what you have” and get the drawing down…what do you have to lose? Greg Betza ©2022

Accidental Syncronicity

I took the scanner defaulting to a bitmap setting as a sign that I need to think of things differently.—Dominick

Two Years Ago

I woke up today in my NYC apartment, thinking about where we were two years ago – at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, quarantining inside, and feeling grateful for a bowl of fresh fruit in the morning. So grateful still to all of those people who put themselves on the line during those dark […]

New trees

I recently moved and have been exploring my new view. These trees are such a standout to me. Their color, perhaps from decay, just pops with the greenery behind. I finally had a moment to draw them. Greg Betza ©2022

Earth Day Approaching

Had a chance to work on two earth day timed projects last week. Honored to be a part of my local composting drive. The turn around was quick and simple. I came on to add a few illustration elements to a great project. —Dominick

Palms view

I recently moved into a new studio and with that comes a new view. There are 3 palm trees (not sure which type yet) outside my window so I played a little today with different brushes and a bamboo pen. A lot I like about this drawing and a lot I don’t…on to the next! […]

The Trees Are Filling

Every morning I see a few more in the trees. Not quite Spring like activity but certainly plenty of fly bye to see how the neighborhood is doing. Soon the nests will be opened up for the summer and all will be bounding with activity.—Dominick

Swans and Willow Trees

So happy that the spring weather is finally arriving here in the Northeast of the US. To celebrate that feeling, I’m posting a drawing I made a while back at the Boston Public Garden. I can’t get enough of those willow trees! Posted by Veronica; see more Boston urbanscapes HERE.

Awaiting Time

As I mentioned in February, I sketched this bird in the side of a notebook either last spring or possibly even in 2020. Prior to then I never remember seeing one of these bird in my life. For two years I have been amazed that I could possibly have missed such a distinct creature […]

AOC at Travers Park

One of the things I love about Jackson Heights, my NYC neighborhood, is that there is always something happening. Sunday morning we heard some kind of commotion at the park down the street from our building, and walked over to discover a mini-rally encouraging residents to volunteer as door knockers and flyer distributors for various […]

two views

These marker drawings are from a Destroyer concert in 2011. Funny I came across these today as I was just listening to his new album. I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone, but if you give them a chance and you get it, you can’t get enough. Greg Betza ©2022