This past winter and spring I’ve been continuing my exploration into the medium of watercolor, drawing inspiration from the bustle of the streets, parks, and people of New York City. Every day, every minute brings a new tableau of light and interesting humanity. The scene above is from the south-eastern corner of Central Park in the midst of the last snowstorm of the year.
One weekend I spent a Saturday with the NY Urban Sketchers drawing the City. Afterwards we sat in a Bar on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and there were two stylish young women nearby that inspired this painting that reflects the joy of blossoming youth.
One wet snowy morning I was headed to make rounds in my hospital on First Avenue and I saw this scene of people lined up waiting for the bus. In my painting I tried to capture the character of each individual as they braved the cold weather on the way to work.
On a crowded subway it is always entertaining to watch young women primping and putting on makeup on the way to work. I would rather see this on the train rather than flossing, eating, and nail clipping, all of which drive me to switch cars.
As the spring unfolded the month of April brought rain. I painted this while sitting in an eatery on the corner of 23rd Street and 6th Avenue, not far from my office. Not painting facial features lets the imagination fill in the blanks.
Chinatown is one of my favorite places to paint, as it is one of the last authentic neighborhoods in Manhattan. I painted this is a tea shop on East Broadway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hello, Dr. Levine,
My name is Maureen Schefts Noyer. I live in the San Francisco area.
What brought me to your website is the article you wrote in 2011 about Miami Beach and your visits there to see your grandparents.
I found that article while perusing the many layers of the web searching for the Shorecrest Hotel websites to see any updated material and news. I do that often…..memory lane, you may say.
You see, my paternal grandfather, Edward Schefts, was part owner and manager of the Shorecrest Hotel in the late 50s, 60s and into the 70s. The Shorecrest was my home away from home. It was indeed, the Jewish mecca and I have sharp images of all the people filling the lobby, sitting out on the deck in the cool evenings, the french fries served in the restaurant at pool side, watching my grandmother give dance lessons in the dance studio, how much the elevator scared me because of the gated door I needed to slide open and closed. My grandparents lived in the hotel – fourth floor (the top floor in those days) in room 428 – the last room before a huge, heavy door opened onto the windy deck over looking the Atlantic Ocean.
Your article about Miami Beach, Wolfies, the Jewish community – hit home for me.
I am preparing for my trip back to Connecticut next week for my father’s unveiling. This past year has been one of reflection and conjuring up as much as I can to remember the gift I have been given and the childhood I had spending so many years at the Shorecrest.
Thank you – for the article you wrote in 2011 – and that I just happen to find today – June 29, 2015.
Your paintings and photographs are stunning. In addition to what you have contributed to in your medical career, you have been given many gifts, also, I can see.
Sincerely,
Maureen Noyer
Thank you Maureen for your kind words. I dont often get feedback but comments like yours keep me going!