Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, NYC

Yesterday I met some friends for brunch at Landmarc in the time warner building. Afterwards we took a stroll in the rain over to the Lincoln Center. I couldn’t resist walking past the lobby of the Metropolitan Opera House to glimpse the Marc Chagall paintings, and the Austrian crystal chandeliers. While reminiscing about my experiences at the Ballet and Opera it occurred to me that amid performances I have also frequented this area to view the Christmas tree lights, and attend swing dancing, jazz and street fair events. This truly is one of my favorite spots in Manhattan. The complex is located at Columbus Avenue between 62nd and 65th Streets.

The Dakota, NYC

The last few days were spent cat sitting, Theo, for friends. I relished waking up in their Upper West Side flat and then walking to work! On the way I passed by the Dakota Apartment building located on Central Park West and 72nd Street. Crowned with a steeply pitched slate and copper roof,  this terracotta beauty stood apart as a wintertime jewel.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine, NYC

Tomorrow is Leap Day! This calls for a trip to my favorite bakery, Sugar Sweet Sunshine. I’ll purchase a few cupcakes and give them to friends, haven’t done this since my birthday! The super cozy bakery and cafe is located on 126 Rivington Street between Essex and Norfolk. One bite of their Sassy Red Velvet cup cake is defiantly worth the trek to the Bowery/LES.

Radio City Music Hall, NYC

My Christmas leftover! Every year I make a pilgrimage to view the Holiday decorations at the Rockefeller Center Complex. I was surprised to see that the Radio City Music Hall wasn’t adorned with her toy soldiers. Instead gold numbers announcing the 75th anniversary of its signature show, the Christmas Spectacular, was in its place! In celebration of this achievement I rendered this years garnishes and added some of the soldiers from years past! The Hall is located on Sixth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.

Zorro

“Zorro,” pet portrait of a Yorkie drawn in pen and ink, private collection. Zorro was adopted from the ASPCA over a year ago. This sweet loving Yorkie now enjoys walking in Central Park and snuggling with his human subjects. His dainty movements when walking and resting gave him a royal air. I just adored the way he crosses his legs while lying down and in my opinion the pose exemplifies his nobleness. 

The Zoo Giraffe

The painting "Giraffe" in sepia ink wash was posted for this week's Illustration Friday theme, "the zoo". It is also part of the "Sepia Suite" series. Please read the Zebra Plains Foal post to find out more about the "Sepia Suite" series!

Mikie

“Mikie,” pet portrait of a poodle drawn in pen and ink, private collection. This latest commission was fun because of those fluffy ears!

Flatiron Building, NYC

When the sun starts to set in Manhattan I enjoy going to Madison Square to glimpse the yellow light rays illuminating the west face of the Fuller Building or, the Flatiron Building, while the east face slides into shadow. Plus I can't help but admire what once was one of the tallest buildings in NYC. The building sits on a triangular island block at Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street.