Grand Central's Lights Camera Action

 

GST Reflected Light
Oil on canvas
24x24 inches
SOLD

Several months ago I was waiting for a friend's train to arrive at NYC's Grand Central Terminal. Looking around I took several photos of the bustling activity and architectural details of this always interesting and thankfully saved from the wrecker's ball space. An intriguing view with beautiful glittering lights reflected against the walls and windows of this iconic NYC interior caught my eye. 

I never know when I will see something that excites my imagination and ends up on my easel. This image just jumped out and was a thrill to see come to life on the canvas. GST Reflected Light has been sold and is heading to a corporate collection where I hope it will shine bright and delight the personnel in their workspace.

 

5 O'Clock Shadow
Oil on canvas
32x40 inches
1987

A few weeks ago I received an email from an art consultant who was handling the deaccessioning of a corporate art collection and wrote asking if this was my painting and if so, would I want it returned. I replied indeed it was - a commissioned painting created in 1987 of the view from the roof of the offices of a large public relations firm where I'd worked for many years, the last 13 of them in the word processing/desktop publishing department 4pm-midnight shift so that I could paint during the day. 

 

I explained all and offered a price I'd be willing to pay, explaining that most working artists do not have a resale value and if this painting would go to auction it would probably not fetch what it was worth. Corporations often deaccession their collections upon a merger, a move or a closing. Museums regularly reevaluate their holdings and they too often move works along, especially the many that are in storage, rarely if ever to be on view. Art, once it leaves the studio takes on a life of its own. The client accepted my offer and the painting was returned with some areas that required touch-ups. I let the art advisor know, she let the client know and below is the response I received - needless to say I was delighted.

 

"In the spirit of being a former employee we would like to gift the piece back to Sharon Florin and appreciate her generous offer. Thank you for the background on the piece and allowing the agency to display for many years."

 

This painting is now propped up in my studio, minor retouches done and it's looking wonderful. Of course, the view has changed dramatically with all of the new construction projects that have taken place since this was painted but I find myself looking at it remembering the work I was doing over 30 years ago and marvel that this painting has held its own and stood the test of time. A happy ending.

First sale of 2024

 

Paramount Reflections I
Oil on canvas
36x30 inches
Sold

This reflection painting of the Paramount Building in Times Square is one of 3 paintings sold to a corporate collection in Manhattan. I've painted this iconic landmark several times and have a few ideas for new paintings to come. A great way to start off the New Year!

 

Happy 2024

 

I'm so happy that these paintings have all found new homes in 2023. 

Looking forward to seeing what comes off my easel in the New Year.

Wishing you good health, happiness, prosperity and most importantly peace in the year to come.

The Back Wall Gallery at Studio41

 

I am delighted to be exhibiting a selection of small paintings on Studio41's Back Wall Gallery during the month of November. 

In addition, I will showing newly created machine pieced and some quilted pillows featuring themes of the borough of Queens, Long Island City and New York.

The exhibition is on view from November 4-26, open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm. Studio41 is located 1 block north of Queens Plaza. https://www.studio41lic.com/

 

LIC's Court Square Diner

LIC Court Square Diner Sitter
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

A new painting literally just off the easel. This diner is a longtime mainstay in the neighborhood and I always enjoy meeting an artist friend for lunch to chow down and talk shop. Back in the 1980's I remember seeing the artist Romare Bearden there as his studio was nearby. I will be installing this and other paintings at the cozy LIC Corner Cafe next week and they will be on view through the month of November. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood, have a bite to eat and enjoy the artwork. The fresh baked scones are to die for.

The Chelsea Hotel

 

The Chelsea Hotel
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

"I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel..." 

Listening to the great Leonard Cohen song as I painted this small study of the iconic Chelsea Hotel on 23rd Street. Shrouded in netting and scaffolding for years, I often wondered as I walked by what the facade would look like when it was removed. I'm happy to report that he old hotel, built in the late 1880's,  looks gorgeous and happily is still standing. So many creative people spent time here over the years, adding to its allure and mystery. May it stand tall on 23rd Street in Manhattan for many years to come.