Park Slope Sketch

2011-11-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Some buildings we've seen before somewhere in Park Slope

Grace United Methodist Church

2011-11-27T10:31:00.000-05:00

Sometimes bending the view is the only way to get it all on the page.

Two Brownstone Entries

2011-11-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Two Brownstone Entries show off their details in the November light. St John's Place near 5th Avenue.

Grand Army Plz

2011-08-07T20:05:00.001-04:00

GAP

Brooklyn Baroque

2011-07-31T11:10:00.000-04:00

135 Prospect Park West

Douglass Street

2011-07-30T23:10:00.001-04:00

Saturday on Douglass Street, 93 degrees.
Industry retreats to the shadows.

Prospect Park Kiosk

2011-07-30T23:04:00.000-04:00

Tucked on a hill is this octagonal kiosk. Inside, a spiral stair descends to the depths below.

18 Montgomery Place

2011-07-23T15:27:00.000-04:00

It's hot, but not too hot to get a morning sketch in. This is a beautiful bay on Montgomery Place with flower boxes

FDNY Squad Co. 1

2011-05-16T21:42:00.000-04:00

Park Slope's Bravest. Ink and watercolor on location.

3rd Street Townhouses

2011-05-08T10:48:00.001-04:00

Prospect Park Boathouse

2011-05-08T10:33:00.000-04:00

121 8th Avenue

2011-05-08T10:31:00.001-04:00

Brooklyn Tempietto

2011-05-08T10:29:00.005-04:00

Italianate Doorway

2011-05-08T10:29:00.001-04:00

Atlantic Avenue Headhouse

2011-05-08T10:28:00.001-04:00

Balusters & a Lamp Post Base

2011-05-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

Segmental Pediment

2011-05-08T10:25:00.000-04:00

Cafe Steinhof

2011-05-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

Belvedere Apartments

2011-03-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

First sketch of the year on a still chilly March afternoon. This is not a great photo of the sketch. Belvedere Apartments on 8th Avenue and Garfield Place. Ink and watercolor sketch on location.

St Augustine Tower

2010-11-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

The tower of St Augustine church, watercolored with a wide brush in sepia only. On a cold and windy Saturday afternoon. I forgot my pen at home, which made for an interesting challenge.

St Francis Xavier Interior

2010-11-28T17:42:00.000-05:00

Sketched sitting beneath the vaulting on the north aisle of the St Francis Xavier Church. Pen sketch on location, watercolored in sepia later.

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music

2010-11-15T01:29:00.000-05:00

The entrance and steps to the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Autumn colors reflect in the glass entrance doors, and jazz tones filter down. Ink and watercolor on location.

10 Polhemus Place Rendered Version

2010-11-15T01:24:00.000-05:00

On the morning of Veteran's day, I went back with my previous line sketch and watercolored it, adding the cast shadows and window reflections.

10 Polhemus Place

2010-11-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

To be watercolored in the near future, weather permitting. Ink sketch on location

Rose Columns

2010-11-06T21:02:00.001-04:00

Some columns in an arched entryway. Ink and watercolor on location.

Memorial Presbyterian Church

2010-11-06T19:29:00.000-04:00

Another delightful church tower in the neighborhood. 7th Avenue and St Johns Place. Ink and watercolor on location, on a chilly Saturday afternoon.

Cafe Regular du Nord

2010-11-01T21:04:00.001-04:00

I must say, one of the nicest shop storefronts in the neighborhood. Ink and watercolor sketch on location, on a chilly Halloween afternoon. Please pardon my crudely drawn people, it's one of my weak spots!

Church of the Virgin Mary

2010-11-01T00:47:00.000-04:00

A simple stone bell tower with arched openings. Ink and watercolor sketch on location. Corner of 2nd Street and 8th Ave in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Freehand Ink sketch and watercolor on location.

Kenmore Apartments

2010-11-01T00:44:00.000-04:00

Study of an apartment building entrance on 4th Street and 8th Avenue. I enjoyed the dramatic cast shadows of the low October sun.

The Falls at the Japanese Garden

2010-10-24T23:41:00.007-04:00

A serene 3-tiered waterfall at the Japanese Garden in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Ink and watercolor on location.

A Lantern at the entry to the Japanese Garden.

Old First Reformed Church

2010-10-23T21:19:00.002-04:00

Ink and watercolor sketch on location. The sun is getting lower and the shadows longer this time of the year. Some birds from my previous sketch migrated over.

Yalloween

2010-10-19T19:08:00.000-04:00

Red hook birds steal a yalloween sky over Broooklyn. Black ink sketch with watercolor, in the spirit of the season.

St Francis Xavier Spire

2010-10-11T20:10:00.000-04:00

The spire of St Francis Xavier Cathedral marks time as the interplay of shadow changes gradually throughout the day.

Ink and watercolor on location.

St Francis Xavier Gargoyle

2010-10-11T20:04:00.000-04:00

A Gargoyle overlooks the churchyard from the corner of a projecting entry on St Francis Xavier Church.

Freehand Ink and watercolor on location.

10 Montgomery Place Entrance

2010-10-11T01:33:00.001-04:00

Sketching at night, the warm glow of the foyer through glass and iron doors reveals the stair beyond. Leaves have just started to fall.

This landmark building graces the corner of Montgomery Place and 8th Avenue with its delicate detailing. A future sketch is needed to capture the building's unique windows.

The sketch took two nights. On the first night, the linework was drawn. On the second, the watercolor rendering was completed. It was challenging freehand sketching the arch accurately, particularly with the radiating stone reveals.

Ink and watercolor freehand sketch on location. Prints available in my Etsy shop

Park Slope Sketch at BROOKLYN FLEA Sunday, 10/17/2010

2010-10-08T08:10:00.000-04:00

Park Slope Sketch is excited to be participating as a vendor in the BROOKLYN FLEA at 1 Hanson Place (Willy B Savings Bank Tower) on Sunday, October 17th. We will be in the Vault.

We will have Sketch Prints, Greeting Cards, and Coloring Books of Brooklyn for sale. They make great gifts. Come say hi if you are around!

If you don't already know about the Brooklyn Flea at 1 Hanson, you should check it out! It is a great venue in the beautiful former bank space on the First Floor, Cellar, and Mezzanine levels.

Montauk Club in the Evening

2010-10-08T00:09:00.001-04:00

Walking by the Montauk Club in the evening, on your way from Grand Army Plaza Station down Lincoln Place. Soft light emanates from the interior, accentuating the delicate details.

Sketched in ink and watercolored on location, by the light of a street lamp. Prints available in my ETSY shop.

Walking Up Montgomery Place

2010-10-03T23:02:00.001-04:00

Walking up Montgomery Place past elaborate curved-front townhouses towards Prospect Park. On a chilly October Sunday. Ink and watercolor on location.

Prints available in my ETSY shop.

Park Slope Sketch - Setting Up for AGAST Brooklyn

2010-10-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

Setting up for Annual Gowanus Artists Studio Tour. We are at 332 Douglass Street #2F (second floor), between 3rd and 4th Avenue. We have framed and unframed prints, coloring books, greeting cards, and sketchbooks for display. Many items are for purchase at reasonable prices. And we have a restroom! Please stop by if you are checking out the AGAST studio route!

Park Slope Sketch is participating in AGAST Brooklyn

2010-09-30T20:36:00.001-04:00

Park Slope Sketch is participating in the AGAST Annual Gowanus Artists Studio Tour. James's studio is located at 332 Douglass Street #2F, between 3rd and 4th Avenue. We are #7 on the Map.

The event is this Saturday, October 2nd between 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM.

We will have prints, cards and coloring books on display and available for purchase

For those of you that are local, please stop by!

For more details about the event, check out: AGAST Brooklyn

Full Moon rising over Brooklyn

2010-09-26T17:56:00.000-04:00

Walking around the neighborhood, the moon follows me, peering above townhouses and tenements. Here, it rises over a 4-story tenement building, streetlamps competing for attention. Ink and watercolor on location. Prints available in my ETSY shop.

47 Montgomery Place

2010-09-26T17:45:00.001-04:00

My opportunity to sketch in the middle of the street came. On Saturday, Montgomery Place had their block party and the street was closed to traffic. So, I set myself up in the middle of the road and sketched the day away. Between doing the line drawing and the watercolor, this one took me all day.

The weather was perfect, and the neighbors didn't seem to mind. The kids on the block paid me visits to check on my progress and played hopscotch around me. Ink and watercolor on location. Prints of this piece are available in my ETSY shop.

Midnight Moon at St Francis Xavier Church

2010-09-26T17:35:00.001-04:00

It is a warm night, and a brilliant moon rises in clear skies at St Francis Xavier Church. Ink and Watercolor on location, around 1 AM on Friday, September 24th. Prints of this piece are available in my ETSY shop.

Palma Chemists

2010-09-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

Here's a sketch of a familiar corner on 7th Avenue in Park Slope. It is the entrance to Palma Chemists drugstore on the corner of 7th Avenue and Garfield Place. I enjoyed the nostalgia of the signage and the cantilevered 3-story bay window, with the brilliant blue September sky reflecting in the windows. The steeple to the old First Reformed Church is visible in the distance. Freehand ink and watercolor on location.

Prints of this piece are available in my ETSY shop. I also plan to make greeting cards of most of the watercolor pieces I've been doing recently, which will be on the shop too as they are ready.

Manhattan Bridge from DUMBO

2010-09-18T21:43:00.001-04:00

Here's an ink and watercolor of the Manhattan Bridge from DUMBO. This was a quicker and looser study for me than usual. It is sketched from Washington Street, with the entrance gate to Brooklyn Bridge Park on the left in the distance. I always enjoy coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are so many vistas of these magnificent bridges to draw!

If you'd like to purchase a print of this piece, you may find it in my ETSY shop.

Colorful Brownstone Foyer and Stair

2010-09-14T10:07:00.001-04:00

This is a marker-rendered version of my original ink sketch of the Brownstone Stair and Foyer in the building I live in. I tried a graphic version with primary colors, leaving the ornate woodwork as line art.

Prints of this piece are available for purchase on my ETSY Shop.

Rose of Sharon Townhouse on Montgomery Place

2010-09-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

A spectacular September day inspired my study of an ornate brownstone townhouse graced by a flowering Rose of Sharon bush. This building is on picturesque Montgomery Place in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Inked and watercolored on location.

787 Carroll Street Entry in Watercolor

2010-09-06T15:08:00.001-04:00

This is an ink and watercolor freehand drawing of a classic Brownstone step and entry on Carroll Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The interplay of shadow accentuates the classical details and adds richness and a true sense of arrival that is so unique with these landmark buildings. The wrought iron railing has delicate detailing.

I could not think of a nicer way to enjoy this brilliant Labor Day than drawing and rendering such an entry!

Reproductions of this piece are available in James's ETSY shop

'The Lillian' Column Capital and Entablature

2010-09-05T21:05:00.003-04:00

I've always admired the classical porticos on this building on the corner of Garfield Place and 8th Avenue. This is my ink and watercolor rendering of the composite column capital and entablature.

Reproductions of this work are available on James's ETSY shop

8th Avenue Townhouses

2010-09-05T01:09:00.000-04:00

This is a group of five curved bay townhouses on 8th Avenue near the Methodist Hospital. I enjoyed the rhythm of the repetitive bay windows. I took the liberty of giving each building a unique color. In reality, they are all brownstones.

It has been a while since I have been able to get out and sketch. It's nice to be back! The weather was perfect for sketching, and I was able to chat with a few nice folks on the street. I even sold a few of my sketches.

Along those lines, some of my blog visitors have expressed interest in purchasing my work, so I've been putting some effort into an etsy shop that carries prints and greeting cards. I'm stocking it up.

Please check out James's ETSY Shop

Park Slope Sketch Coloring Book

2010-08-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

I've created a 'coloring book' comprised of reproductions of 20 of my Park Slope line drawing sketches and spline-bound into an 8.5" x 11" book. I make them by hand here at the office. They're available at my Etsy Shop.

Brooklyn Bridge

2010-07-12T00:21:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn Bridge Park

2010-07-12T00:18:00.000-04:00

Perhaps it's not in Park Slope, but I could not resist a sketch while visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park this Sunday.

9th Street Bridge Spanning the Gowanus Canal

2010-07-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

The 9th Street Bridge has a drawbridge for car traffic and a truss bridge for the elevated train above. The Gowanus Expressway is visible beyond. Ink and watercolor.

Under the Carroll Street Bridge

2010-07-04T20:05:00.000-04:00

I suppose I am not allowed to be down here. But who could resist such a subject? The bridge's wheel assembly rolls diagonally along rails allowing the bridge to slide open.

Night Sketch-Brookyn Skyline

2010-07-04T01:27:00.002-04:00

I sketched and watercolored this from my roof after dark. I could not see much.

It was too dark to differentiate colors, so I just used some grey.

Another Fire Escape

2010-07-03T19:07:00.001-04:00

A 'looking up' perspective. A Fire Escape rising up the facade of a 5-story multiple dwelling. Ink on watercolor paper.

A Fire Escape

2010-07-03T19:04:00.000-04:00

An essential part of the Brooklyn Architectural landscape.

Brooklyn Rooftops

2010-06-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

Later that evening, from the terrace

Brooklyn Sunset

2010-06-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

A Brooklyn Sunset on a warm summer evening, from the terrace.

Union Street Bridge Control Tower

2010-06-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

A framework of painted steel and rusticated concrete beneath the control tower of the Union Street Bridge. Gritty and industrial, and surprisingly well maintained.

Union Street Bridge

2010-06-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hanging out with mosquitoes below the Union Street Bridge, sniffing creosote.

Carroll Street Bridge

2010-06-27T21:11:00.001-04:00

The Carroll Street Bridge, jewel of the Gowanus.

Gowanus Canal at 9th Street

2010-06-13T22:07:00.001-04:00

The elevated train makes its way around various industrial sites. It was raining lightly. A man was practicing saxophone nearby.

Terrace Bridge in Prospect Park

2010-06-06T21:26:00.000-04:00

Terrace Bridge spanning Lullwater in Prospect Park. A secluded, pictureque spot. Perfect for sketching, fishing, or playing guitar.

Lullwater Bridge in Prospect Park

2010-06-05T19:32:00.002-04:00

With the hot weather, it was time to get off the grid and into the Park. Sitting by the Lullwater Bridge, it's easy to forget you are in the City. Ink and watercolor.

St Augustine Rectory

2010-05-31T11:33:00.000-04:00

This castle-like building is adjacent to the St Augustine Cathedral on 6th Avenue, which I have also sketched. Ink and watercolor.

Townhouse on Montgomery Place

2010-05-23T19:30:00.004-04:00

A 2-story semi-circular bay of rusticated brownstone and brick.

Arched Entry on Garfield Place

2010-05-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

A single column separates the arched entry to twin townhouses on Garfield Place between 8th & the Park

First Street Townhouses

2010-05-16T17:52:00.000-04:00

On 1st Street between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West, there is a series of elegant Townhouses with curved facades and balconies. Ink and watercolor.

50 Prospect Park West-Poly Prep

2010-05-15T22:36:00.001-04:00

Pencil on Watercolor paper. The idea was to watercolor it, but I took too long on the sketch and the light changed to an unfavorable position.

Bay Window

2010-05-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

Watercolor of a projecting Bay Window on a corner building around Garfield and 6th Avenue. I don't have much watercolor experience, but it is fun trying to get the hang of it. For this one, I didn't use any pen or pencil.

14 Montgomery Place

2010-05-02T19:22:00.001-04:00

Entrance to 14 Montgomery Place. Ink and watercolor.

Carroll Street between 6th and 7th Avenue

2010-04-27T20:45:00.001-04:00

Looking up Carroll Street towards 7th Avenue. Friendly neighbors offered me a beer.

St Francis Xavier Tower

2010-04-25T00:28:00.000-04:00

I am still working my way around this elaborate cathedral. In the rear yard is a square based tower that tapers slightly as it rises. The various intersections of the buildings make for a nice massing study. Silhouetted to the right is the Berkeley Carroll School building.

All Saints Episcopal Church

2010-04-11T19:31:00.001-04:00

At the corner of 7th Avenue and 7th Street, constructed in 1893. I sketched this from across 7th Avenue, in front of the Hospital, where town cars and ambulances are constantly jockeying for position at curbside. A few of the drivers took interest in my sketching and had kind words.

Saint Francis Xavier Church

2010-04-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

A quick sketch of Saint Francis Xavier Church at 6th Avenue and Carroll Street.

Park Slope Flea Market II

2010-04-04T19:39:00.000-04:00

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, the Park Slope Flea Market seemed like a natural choice for a sketch.

Litchfield Villa in Prospect Park

2010-04-03T17:15:00.001-04:00

Sketched sitting on the low wall between Prospect Park West and the Park.

Old First Reformed Church Buttress

2010-04-03T17:12:00.000-04:00

The flying buttress gateway at the Old First Reformed Church, next door to La Bagel Delight on 7th Avenue.

55 7th Avenue

2010-03-21T21:08:00.001-04:00

Warming up with a sketch of this charming 2-story Gothic building just adjacent to Ozzie's Coffee on 7th Avenue. Pleasant to sketch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, with jazz coming from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music across the street.

152 Berkeley Place

2009-12-27T19:43:00.000-05:00

A 2-story Tudor style townhouse between two much taller buildings. Rustic bricks project irregularly from the facade.

Two Boots Restaurant

2009-12-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

It was raining and nasty out today. I chose one of my favorite interior landmarks in the neighborhood, Two Boots Restaurant, for an afternoon sketch. The restaurant was quiet, but not as quiet as my sketch suggests (between brunch and dinner I think). The festive interior was even more so than usual with holiday decorations.

Park Slope - Behind the Scenes

2009-12-06T22:51:00.001-05:00

A typical Brooklyn scene. Antennas, chimneys, and overgrown backyards, with a view to Manhattan and even New Jersey beyond. It was a very clear day, and the visibility was great. A little cold though.

A Brownstone Foyer and Stair

2009-12-06T09:59:00.001-05:00

This is the foyer and stair hall of the brownstone where I live. With the terrible weather on Saturday, this sketch was a good rainy day activity. The foyer and stair have beautiful wood detailing. The ornate center column is structural and supports the floor framing above.

Key Food and Old First Reformed Church

2009-11-29T20:37:00.002-05:00

Corner of 7th Avenue and Garfield looking towards Key Food and the Church.

Park Slope Flea Market

2009-11-29T20:31:00.000-05:00

Sitting in front of the Park Slope Flea Market on 7th Avenue and First Street. Connecticut Muffin is visible diagonally across the street. A beautiful Sunday afternoon.

824 & 826 President Street

2009-11-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

President Street near 7th Avenue, two buildings constructed to appear as one, sandwiched between typical Brownstones.

Carroll Street Color

2009-11-14T23:50:00.001-05:00

Walking towards 7th Avenue on Carroll Street, on a Sunday afternoon in October. The previous post is a sketch of the buildings on the other side of Carroll, visible in the background here.

Carroll Street at Polhemus Place Color

2009-11-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

Late Sunday afternoon in October. Heading down Carroll Street to 7th Avenue.

Congregation Beth Elohim

2009-11-09T09:46:00.001-05:00

Corner of Garfield Place and 8th Avenue

Grand Army Plaza Soldiers and Sailors Arch

2009-11-03T22:17:00.001-05:00

Marker-rendered version of original ink sketch. Grand Army Plaza Soldiers and Sailors Arch, Park Slope, Brooklyn. Remember and celebrate our Veterans.

Carroll Street at Polhemus Place

2009-11-02T09:34:00.001-05:00

The south side of Carroll Street at Polhemus Place looking towards 7th Avenue.

313 Garfield Place

2009-11-01T00:51:00.001-04:00

Marker-rendered version of original ink sketch. This building has long been one of my favorites in the neighborhood.

Carroll Street

2009-10-31T16:53:00.001-04:00

Walking towards 7th Avenue on Carroll Street, a row of brownstones with the Old First Reformed Church in the distance.

PS 39 Henry Bristow School Color

2009-10-25T09:53:00.001-04:00

Marker-rendered version of original black ink sketch. Lately the weather has been lousy on the weekends so I've been rendering the ink sketches I have until I can get out there and create some new ones.

50 Montgomery Place

2009-10-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Marker-rendered version of original sketch.

8th Avenue Brownstone

2009-10-18T01:10:00.000-04:00

A lovely Brownstone Residential Building on 8th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower Color

2009-10-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

Marker rendered version of original sketch. Sketched at a traffic island at 4th Avenue and Butler Street, Park Slope, Brooklyn

Lillian Ward House, 7th Avenue and Sterling Place

2009-10-14T21:59:00.001-04:00

Marker Colored version of original sketch