The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Like millions of people around the world, I watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on television this morning. As I watched I felt compelled to make a few drawings. Whatever your thoughts on the institution, history and relevance of the monarchy, there is no denying that the Queen lived an extraordinary life, and rose […]

Last Days of Summer

During those last days of summer I find myself trying to squeeze in everything that I love about living in the city during the warmer season: leisurely brunches at outdoor cafés being one of those experiences. Lingering over that coffee refill, I watch the people walk by, and try to ignore that little bit of […]

Poetry and Prayers

Yesterday the past became the present, as it does for me and so many other Americans every year on September 11th. I often think of those families who covered lower Manhattan with missing signs during the weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center; hoping against hope that their loved one was in a […]

Pedestrian

I took a moment to draw this very pedestrian scene of my daughter’s school. Fountain pen. Greg Betza ©2022

Cherry Tree

I am absolutely in love with the big old cherry tree that sits in the center of the courtyard of my apartment complex. I could draw it for hours… Posted by Veronica

Another air-portrait

Drew this guy at the airport, he was cracking up for a good half hour. I would like to have a phone call like that every day. Greg Betza ©2022

Venus Williams

Had a great time yesterday at Flushing Meadows Park, watching a practice match with tennis great Venus Williams. It was so interesting to observe and draw her body language as she played: Effortless intensity. The US Open, an annual fall tradition in Queens, opens today.

Air-portraits

I went on a quick trip last week and got in as much people watching/drawing as I could at the airport. Here are two air-portraits. Greg Betza ©2022

Airport drawing

One of the greatest places to draw people. Greg Betza 2022

Shut Down

Each night when we left, we would close down the shop—shut off the press, turn out the lights—and then lock up. It has been several years since I last went through the motions but today starts an entirely new chapter. To say the least I am shut down.—Dominick

Mint

Made a quick drawing of our mint plant. Fountain pen. Greg Betza ©2022

Long Days

Memories are flashing before my eyes constantly.—Dominick

Philodendron monstera

That’s its name. This beautiful plant we have in our family room. It was a joy to draw while trying out a new pen! Have a great weekend. Greg Betza ©2022

Exhibit at The Queensboro

If you happen to be in Jackson Heights, Queens this month, you can stop by The Queensboro restaurant to see an exhibit of a selection of my reportage illustration, both from NYC and further afield. Included in the exhibit is this pen and ink drawing of Travers Park from the neighborhood. While you’re there, you […]

Foliage illustrations

Here is a sheet of thumbnail sketches for a packaging project I worked on a few months ago. The package was to be covered in a pattern made of foliage, mainly tropical leaves. As is often the case in packaging, the final project took a different direction 🤷🏻‍♂️ Greg Betza ©2022

Toast

Cheers to the weekend! Greg Betza ©2022

Spread Out Along The Hudson

A bit happening this weekend. The above piece and last weeks Pressman are both showing in the Little Black Book exhibit at Mills Pond Gallery in Saint James, NY, thank you to Carol Fabricatore for including and also to Jenny Nelson for selecting Golden Storm in the Fresh Air exhibit also opening this weekend. And […]

Been awhile

During the pandemic (the height of it) I was drawing all the time via zoom. Since things have calmed down I’ve done it less and less. Many reasons why, but that’s another story. Here is a drawing I found from a year or two ago while cleaning up my studio. Greg Betza ©2022

Pressman

I say this with all sincerity, the Spring knocked me for a loop. Two years into a pandemic and the world was trying to pretend it was April 2020 and nothing had happened. Except everything has changed. We’ll make right with it all, but to pretend like it is business as usual is just plain […]

Purple palm

It wasn’t actually purple, but it is here. Infinite possibilities when you really look at nature. Greg Betza ©2022