God Don't Like Ugly

Seen in Chelsea next to the entrance to an art gallery.
This is a familiar phrase heard when growing up in New Orleans. It is roughly translated as, "God hates it when you are mean!"
The bad grammar helps to sell it!

Your imaginary friend,
Patsie

Chelsea Flower Mart in New York City

Dear Flower Lovers,

Our hotel in New York was amidst the flower shops in New York City's Chelsea District. The glories of Spring: cherry blossoms galore, as well as hydrangeas, orchids, palms, etc. I loved seeing everything! As well as the fluffy white kitty "guard cat."

Your erstwhile gardener,
Patsie

I Eat Mice, Too

The Flower Scene on 28th Street

Lemon Trees

The Setai in New York

On Fifth Avenue, the wealthy of New York congregate, to see and be seen. A gracious place to visit while people watching is The Setai Hotel on Fifth Avenue in midtown.
The breakfast area is blessed with onyx tables. Vases of live cherry blossoms abound, and a cool pendulous sculpture hangs within the circular staircase like the pendulum of an anniversary clock.

Your imaginary friend,
Patsie

Mr. Brainwash

A street artist whose work we saw in Chelsea in a chic gallery calls himself Mr. Brainwash. Only in New York!
He was actually hired by Madonna to create the cover art work for her Celebrations album in 2009.
I was amazed and amused by his piece on display at Tarantella Gallery: a spray can of Pepto Bismol!

Amazed,
Patsie

Chelsea Eats

My favorite dish during this trip to NYC was at Cook Shop on Tenth Avenue-- get the shrimp, grapefruit and fennel salad.
Go to Chelsea for the art galleries, and stay for the great restaurants!
Walk the HighLine to work off the calories.
Until I saw it myself, I was mystified as to what exactly the HighLine consists of. Here goes: it is an elevated former train track. There are small trees, blooming bulbs and flowers planted along it. For resting your weary feet, there are benches, seats like bleachers, and actual loungers for the truly tired. There are quite a few European tourists who will be right there, people watching just like you.

Then head to Trestle on Tenth Avenue for the wild bass and the cocktail called the Fender Bender!

Next day, visit Red Cat, on Tenth Avenue also. Get the tempura green beans for a spicy treat and the bass in a lemon mini broth. The wines by the glass are wonderful!

Swing by The Setai and have lunch on the main floor while you watch Fifth Avenue stroll by. I loved the shrimp and avocado tartlet, pictured.

Many thanks to Barbara Rachko for her excellent suggestions! She is an artist with a studio in Chelsea and know her neighborhood well. And please get reservations.

Your fellow tourist,
Patsie

At The Setai

At Cook Shop

A Little Bit of Octopus Won't Kill You!

A Building Along the HighLine

View of the River from the HighLine

Grumpy Cat

Today's completed painting is Grumpy Cat, 8 x 10", oil.

Kurt Schwarz

Today's demo painting, at The Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.