Tag Archives: people

2021 Calendar

New Year's Time Square Animation
Animation by Veronica Lawlor

Happy New Year!

Studio 1482 would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you that visited our site, liked our work, or just offered a note of support this year. It made a very difficult situation a little bit easier knowing you were there.

Because we couldn’t physically mail our annual calendars to you this year we have made them available as a FREE pdf download. We hope that our art brings you joy in the year to come.

DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR HERE

If you prefer a print edition you can purchase it at cost here

 

Wishing you all the best in 2021!

ARMCHAIR TRAVELS – TIMES SQUARE, NYC

Welcome to Armchair Travels, an invitation to travel around the world through the reportage illustration of Studio 1482.We have gathered art from our travels to share with you in the hopes that, while you can’t get out and see these places (yet), our experiences may bring some happiness and light to your day. Please check back often as we will be posting new adventures weekly.

Enjoy Times Square, NYC by Greg Betza…

Times Square, that section of midtown New York City that has been referred to as the “Crossroads of the World”amongst other things (both favorable and not so much). It is a place that many native New Yorkers avoid at all costs and yet it is a not-to-be-missed destination for all tourists.

As a New Jersey native that spent a great deal of time in New York City, I have a certain fondness for Times Square, though I completely understand why you’d want to avoid it as well. What a contradiction!

Get me outta here!

Speaking of contradiction, could there be a place more antithetical to our current “new normal”? To think of the thousands of people that would traverse the area each day; have it reduced to a near ghost town in a matter of weeks. Chalk that up to things I’d never thought I’d see.

It was the masses of people that first brought me to Times Square to draw. It was a challenge. So many people, so much movement, even more personality. The architecture, the advertising, the lights! To learn to capture and tell that story was a lesson so important in my development as a reportage artist and illustrator. Here are a few early attempts.

Trips to draw here gave me the full sensory experience. Ears assaulted by honking horns, indiscernible shouts, tourists asking for directions…, music, discernible expletives, and of course, the pigeons!
The smells. Oh boy. From hot garbage in the summer, to the constantly wafting smell of something frying from the endless row of chain restaurants.
And watch your step, the garbage cans often overflow!
Now while this may sound horrible, it is what makes Times Square unique and as an artist you need to take it all in…the good and the bad, to tell the truth with your reportage. And despite all of this (and there is more) people flock here anyway and stay awhile. As did I, many, many times.

On a more positive note, looking up and around when you are here is inspiring. On the surface it can appear a soulless theme park devoted to consumerism, but if you can get past that tired and overused criticism, Times Square is home to so many visions realized. As a student of advertising I love to see the campaigns compete with each other publicly. How each brand approaches this space and how they utilize technology to bring their message to the masses is truly impressive. It’s a constantly evolving gallery.

One of the last times I spent a long day drawing in Times Square was back in 2010 when Mayor Bloomberg closed several sections to traffic, allowing the area to become more pedestrian friendly. I remember it was a very peaceful day, the people seemed to enjoy the space more than they had in the past and I believe I noticed more native New Yorkers hanging around that day too :)

Bloomingdales live paint portraits | Greg Betza

Bloomingdales

I was commissioned by Bloomingdales to ‘live-paint’ portraits of their customers. It was so nice to see their clients’ faces when they saw their likenesses appearing on paper. I don’t often talk about art with people who are not artists and it amazed me how impressed and fascinated they are by the process of creating art. Their observations and opinions are diverse and genuine. I learned a lot.

I went into the day thinking mostly about the job that I had to do and how I would execute it. I came away with so much more…meeting new people, of all ages, and hearing their thoughts on what I was doing and how much they enjoyed the process.

Thank you to Bloomingdales for asking me to live-paint portraits of your patrons. Great day!

Bloomingdales live paint portraits | Greg Betza

Bloomingdales live paint portraits | Greg Betza

Bloomingdales live paint portraits | Greg Betza

Bloomingdales live paint portraits | Greg Betza

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns | Greg Betza

Downtowns for NJ Monthly

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns | Greg Betza

I was commissioned this summer to work on a reportage assignment for NJ Monthly magazine. Being born and raised in New Jersey it was just that much better to be asked to drive around the state to visit and draw different “landmarks” throughout to help make the case for the best downtowns in New Jersey. I had a great time. Here are the drawings which appeared in the magazine (out now!) and the additional ‘rejected’ pieces that I made as well.

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns Cape May | Greg Betza

Cape May, NJ

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns Montclair | Greg Betza

Church Street, Montclair, NJ

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns Princeton | Greg Betza

Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns Summit Diner | Greg Betza

Summit Diner, Summit, NJ

New Jersey Monthly Downtowns Red Bank | Greg Betza

Waterfront, Red Bank, NJ


These below were unpublished:

Downtown Red Bank, New Jersey | Greg Betza

Downtown Red Bank, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey | Greg Betza

Cape May, NJ

Raymond’s, Montclair, New Jersey | Greg Betza

Raymond’s, Montclair, NJ

Summit Train Station New Jersey | Greg Betza

Summit Train Station, Summit, NJ

Palmer Square Princeton New Jersey | Greg Betza

Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ

Porta Jersey City New Jersey | Greg Betza

Porta, Jersey City, NJ

In Dylan Town Cover | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan Cover

In Dylan Town Cover | Greg Betza

Last year I attended a Bob Dylan concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York. I made a few drawings, and David Gaines, the author of a new book on Bob Dylan, saw one of the drawings which I had posted on One Drawing A Day and asked if he could use it for the cover!

As a fan and admirer of Dylan, I could not be happier that I made those drawings. Here is the book, a display at BookPeople in Austin, TX and a few more drawings from that dark evening in New York. Thank you David and Iowa University Press.

In Dylan Town Cover | Greg Betza

In Dylan Town Cover | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan | Greg Betza

Bob Dylan | Greg Betza

Art in Space | Greg Betza

Art in Space

Art in Space | Greg Betza

I’m excited to share this latest bit of good news with you. I was contacted earlier this year by a company designing a new Chicago office space for a global consulting firm. The company had seen my reportage drawings of Chicago and thought they would make a great addition to the space. I’m truly satisfied when I do work that I love and enjoy doing and someone finds a use for it. Here are a few photos from the new space. You can see the rest of my reportage here.

Art in Space | Greg Betza

Art in Space | Greg Betza

Art in Space | Greg Betza

American Family Insurance | Greg Betza

American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance | Greg Betza

I have been working on a large series of illustrations for American Family Insurance. With Father’s Day just passing I’m happy to post this first illustration because I was able to use my son as my model.

This Shel Silverstein inspired ad is appearing regionally in issues of Sports Illustrated.

American Family Insurance | Greg Betza

Chicago Magazine Moving on Up | Greg Betza

Chicago Magazine

Had a chance to do some intricate line drawing for this illustration! It was interesting, and almost therapeutic, drawing all of these buildings and windows and streets and antenna and, and, and… And then I got to loosen up and work on a few lifestyle spots of  things happening in front of the architecture. Great layout by the AD too.

Chicago Magazine Moving on Up | Greg Betza

greg-betza_Chicago-spot1

Chicago Magazine Moving on Up | Greg Betza

Chicago Magazine Moving on Up | Greg Betza

Chicago Magazine Moving on Up | Greg Betza

Waitrose Kitchen | Greg Betza

Waitrose Kitchen

I had a chance to learn about cricket! Waitrose Kitchen, the magazine of the British luxury supermarket chain Waitrose, asked me to do a series of illustrations to accompany a story about ‘team’ of cricket player chefs, restaurateurs and foodies. Unusual combination, but I always enjoy illustrating a topic I know very little about. Here are the drawings of the cricket pavilion, stumps, ball…and of course, tea and scones!

Waitrose Kitchen | Greg Betza

Waitrose Kitchen | Greg Betza

Waitrose Kitchen | Greg Betza

Waitrose Kitchen | Greg Betza

Sketching The Line | Greg Betza

Sketching The Line

I’m honored to be included in the Canadian ART IN TRANSIT show “Sketching The Line”, an exhibition of reportage drawings made while of commuters and subway-goers.
Back in 2007-8 I took advantage of my time on NYC subways by drawing anyone I could. For practice, yes, and because I just love to do it. I find that the older I get, my career and the opportunities presented to me all seem to fall in line with my interests. A lot can be said about continuing to “do what you love”. Do the work that you want to do and that work will continue to find you. If you’d like to see more of my drawings from the commute, click here

Thank you to Sharon for organizing the exhibition.

More about the show from their website:

“An international exhibition of 78 sketches drawn by 13 artists from around the globe, features brief impressions of fellow commuters that document place, time and movement while simultaneously revealing a myriad of personal moments.”

Sketching The Line | Greg Betza

Public Speaking | Greg Betza

Public Speaking

Public Speaking | Greg Betza

Apparently Pearson has been publishing this book for quite some time and was looking to update the cover. From what I was told they always use illustrated covers for this series, so I was thrilled when my work was selected for the ninth edition.

Public speaking has never been my favorite activity, but it was a fun cover to do! And I hope it helps me warm to the idea of speaking in front of large crowds.

Thanks to Maria, Carolyn and Mika for thinking of me for the illustration.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mast Stepping

The other day in Mystic Seaport, there was a ceremony to mark the “stepping” of the foremast of the Morgan. That’s when the mast of a ship is erected onto the ship. The Morgan of course is the last wooden whaling ship in the US, and it has been through a massive restoration and will soon be on it’s 38th voyage.

I was so pleased and honored to be at the event, along with friends from Dalvero Academy. And even more pleased to don a hardhat and draw the action from the front line. The hard hats did give a the scene a sort of battle feel, especially when the crew worked and shouted out commands and codes and jokes.

I had a ball. I started drawing from land and followed the mast onto the ship where I continued the reportage from the deck. Next time I hope to do the opposite- start on the boat- so that I can get a glimpse of the coin being place at the bottom of the mast for luck. The second mast will be stepped in November. I can’t wait to go back.

First, here is a drawing I made of the overall scene. There is the Morgan in the background, waiting for her foremast. The crane, that was towering over me at one point, and I have to say, it made me nervous. And of course the massive mast in the foreground with the crew.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

The crew had not much to do as they waited for the green light to begin the work. They were itching to get started and were in good spirits.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Next, the go ahead was given and the ropes were the first to get attention. In fact, most of the action revolved around the ropes.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

With the ropes secured onto the mast, it was time for the crane to lower the hook to be secured to the ropes.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

They took a while making sure that the hook was perfectly secured. I don’t blame them! And overseeing the whole process was Quentin Snediker, the white bearded director of the restoration of the Morgan.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

As the mast began it’s slow rise into the sky, onlookers were a mix of joy and nerves. It was exciting.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

The crane let go which meant that the crew on the ship had the mast in their hands. It was time for me to leave my post and hit the deck.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

The first thing I noticed was the hugging. I thought it was cute how the only way to steady the mast was to hug it.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Through this portal, I saw some of the crew below as they watched.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

And from this view I could only see hands gently guiding the mast into position. I was told the bottom fits like a key into the keel. Another reason to draw from down there next time!

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

This is Alex, and he seemed to have an integral role in the process.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Next, a head popped up from below deck to announce that the mast was in place.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

The bell on deck was rung and the next phase was swiftly underway.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

The ropes from the top of the mast were then attached to the sides of the boat. Every rope has a name on a boat, hence the term “learning the ropes”. Because it takes a while to learn the name of what looks like a thousand ropes!

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

And the work was winding down the same way it began, with a lot of rope work.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

I was pleased to see a woman on deck. It was once considered the worst of luck to have a female aboard.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Below is who I thought to be the director of the crew. The captain? Not sure, but this guy did most of the shouting of the commands and the pointing, so I’m pretty sure he was in charge.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

At last, the mast was in it’s place and the sun made a brief appearance in approval.

Mystic Foremast Stepping | Despina Georgiadis

You can click on this link to see more about that day.

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

I recently received my printed copy of the Premier Sotheby’s Privileged Access brochure. I was commissioned to illustrate the brochure late last year, and while it took a long time to get to production, I think the final piece looks great. The team at Strada were great to work with and I love what they did with the design and layout.

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | Greg BEtza