En Plein Air in Hamilton Heights

Written by daiZart

June and July of this year I’ve committed myself to getting out in my neighborhood to paint outdoors. I am usually very shy about this because the process of painting for me has always been so personal I keep the actual deed private and in my studio, unless I could assure privacy. However, after all the isolation of 2020 I decided to come out into the light and show myself to my neighbors in Harlem.

Now, why did I wait so long? Most folks are curious and polite! Honestly, yesterday one guy driving by in his car yelled out “ Hey Lady! Nice Painting!” Thats it! It was sweet and damn I’m never going back in the “closet”

Here are my locations and the paintings of June 2021

148th Street Amtrack Overpass. 18” x 24” Acton canvas

This gorgeous old footbridge has been abandoned by the city and left to overgrowth and crumbling stone. It’s a damn shame but, regardless I do find it enchanting in it’s peculiar decay. It summons up images of ancient places of worship and sacrifice. Full of mystery and history.

137th Street Community Garden

As your walking in Riverside Park in this area you will see a small path leave the thoroughfare and go down a steep incline. You will notice it immediately in the spring for the abundance of blue hydrangeas. As you descend down the path the air cools and the noises of the city fall away to create an effect that feels a bit like entering a cathedral.

July

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Yes, this is Alexander Hamilton’s home. He is my neighborhood’s namesake and this is just a couple of blocks from my studio. All the charm of a bygone era in a park like setting.

I’m planning an outing next week and I’m considering the old convent which is now Colombia’s School of Medicine. You can see a tiny sliver of this location in the background on the left of the Hamilton Grange painting.

Stay tuned for more. Sincere thanks for looking at my work.

Love, Daisy

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