Painting Astoria Park and the Hell Gate Bridge

Learn to build a watercolor from the blank page, focusing on the architecture of the subject and adding more levels of detail.
About this Event

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.

Suggested Art Supplies

At least two round watercolor brushes, one larger, one smaller. A fine tip is more important than size. Gavin uses sizes 10-12 round for washes and sizes 3-6 round for detail.

Arches watercolor block, 140 lb or 300 lb Cold Press, minimum of 10x14 in size. Or any similar large, thick watercolor paper with a bit of texture.

Two water cups and a sketch board with holes to hold them.

Travel stool

Watercolor tubes or pans. Again, the color matters less than the technique. Some options are listed below.

Winsor & Newton Prussian Blue

Winsor & Newton Yellow Ochre

Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna

Winsor & Newton Alizarin Crimson

Winsor & Newton Hooker's Green

Winsor & Newton Winsor Green (Blue Shade)

Daniel Smith Moonglow

Daniel Smith Indigo

Daniel Smith Green Gold

Legion Paper is a sponsor of this workshop. @legionpaper

Please Note: There will be no refunds or exchanges on this workshop. For this workshop, ticket purchasers should be aware of the Rain Date to ensure their availability for both dates.

About the Instructor: Gavin Snider

Gavin Snider is an artist who lives and works in Brooklyn. He spends his days painting New York City and the people in it. Gavin has a background in architecture and focuses much of his work on buildings and cityscapes. He uses on-site observation, pens, markers, and watercolor to document urban life, brownstones, and neighborhood landmarks. Additionally, he creates site-specific murals, public art installations, and commercial commissions - such as artwork for the New York Knicks. For examples of his work, see his website https://www.gavinsnider.com. or on Instagram @gavindedraw

Tickets for this event are not refundable or exchangeable. For this workshop, ticket purchasers should be aware of the Rain Date to ensure their availability for both dates.