Painting Astoria Park and the Hell Gate Bridge

In this workshop, Gavin Snider will focus on the architecture of Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria Park. This Beaux-Arts and NeoClassical icon of NYC was constructed in 1916 to carry rail traffic from New Jersey to New England. It was "over-engineered" and is expected to last over 1,000 years.

Gavin will show how he builds up watercolor from the blank page, "carving out" the painting with increasing levels of detail.

He'll talk about composing with negative space, applying light and shadow, and approaching a scene that includes architecture, landscape, and people.

We'll meet on the South Lawn of Astoria Park, at the intersection of 19th Street and 23rd Avenue. Restrooms are located down the hill beside the Charybdis Playground and the Astoria Park Pool.

In the event of rain on Saturday, October 3rd, the workshop will be moved to Sunday, October 4th. Ticket purchasers should be aware of the Rain Date to ensure their availability. If the Rain Date is necessary, artists will be notified by email in advance.

What students can expect:

• 30-40 minutes: Gavin demonstrates his approach to watercolor.
• 1-2 hours: the group breaks off to paint around Hell Gate Bridge. During this time, Gavin will walk around and give one on one guidance to each sketcher (or leave them alone if they prefer).
• 30 minutes: the group reconvenes to share their work and discuss challenges, approach, and discoveries from the painting session.