Daydreaming

Lena loves her cozy new bedroom, but she's not sure about this painting of mine. 

I had to move it in from the hallway. It's a favorite, but a bit snug in these surroundings. If anyone out there has some extra wall space ~ Big Beach Octy is one from my dimensional Blip Blop series. It's 6' x 9' / (3) 3' x 6' panels. In the open areas you can see the little gesturally drawn people out on their beach towels :)

The full title is Big Beach Octy Looms Large Over Tiny People Tanning. Just contact me if you'd like to make a studio visit, see more pics on my site. 


I wasn't able to cover the National Stationery Show 2011 last week, but I've been able to catch up with some of my favorite designers on Oh So Beautiful Paper Take a look to see Nole Garey's thorough overview (9 parts, so far) and beautiful detailed photographs :)
Happy midweek ~Allyn

Walking Down Washington Avenue

I recently had the opportunity to work on the 2nd season of HBO's Boardwalk Empire filmed at Steiner Studios (part of it, that is). The sets are fantastic, unfortunately I can't share those photos with you (just yet). Besides being a civilized and fun work environment, I get to walk the lovely Washington Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn on my way to and from the Navy Yard. It's quite a hike from the Clinton/Washington stop in the winter, but in the spring it's a delight! Fort Greene is filled with beautiful old brownstones and it's been experiencing a vibrant revitalization as of late.

Love these two window balconies :)

This large home has one of my favorite rooftop styles, plus I appreciate a nice porch.

Talk about a nice porch! Adore these unique places below, not your typical city homes.

Doors and Details ...

Fun to see the renovation of older buildings.

Of course, revitalization means more & more people moving to the area. Some Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods are glutted with new glass structures. This is the only one I've seen over here. I'm more of a townhouse type myself, but this looks very clean and must get some great light :D

As you near Steiner, quite a few places are in disrepair patiently awaiting their facelifts!

Kinda love this strip and the building below could be fabulous as a theater or as live/work spaces :)

Alas, enter ...One of the coolest aspects of living in New York is being surrounded by water. I continue to be fascinated by these cranes and I try to imagine this place when it was building ships in full swing.

The photo above is from the The Brooklyn Historical Society blog. Long long time ago.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is continually expanding and I'm sure many of these empty warehouses nearby will eventually be occupied by thriving businesses.

Here, some useful reference for aging surfaces and signs :)

Re Pop looks like a swell vintage furniture shop, but I haven't ventured in yet.

Another super rooftop :')

windows!

This garden is across form the G train I take home, so time to bid adieu until the next day.

This is only one small trip down one avenue in Fort Greene. There's so much more to explore, including Pratt Institute, BAM and a slew of restaurants and bars! 

Lena wishes you one heck of a Sunday! She will likely be poised on a window sill or in her red chair much of the day :x)
Thanks for stopping by! ~A

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

My mom was in town last weekend and I had not been to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden in many years. Mother's Day seemed like the perfect time to visit. I'll just say, I wasn't the only one with that idea! 

Love Peonies!

Melissa came with us after a lovely group brunch at Frankies :D

Not everyone would pose, you know who you are ;)

These beautiful grounds were transformed from a city ash heap 100 years ago this summer! Read more about it's fascinating history, research and educational programs or simply go and relax and appreciate :) 

We did not cover the full 52 acres on this trip, opting to stay on a path that lead the way to a women's room and then onto the Japanese Gardens ;) Not a bad plan really.

Bit of a feeding frenzy above.

Sadly, upon exiting this oasis, a Wendy's awaits.

I missed the Cherry Blossom Festival but I treasure this tree that blossoms each year right outside my front window :') 

*To support victims of the Japanese earthquake just click here to learn more on BBG's website.

Thanks for stopping by today. I look forward to updating you on my studio to apt move, it is improving bit by bit! -A