Behind the Scenes of My Central Park Series: Inspiration, Smiles, and the Art of the Everyday

October 6, 2026

Creating the Central Park Series has been one of my most fulfilling projects, and I’d love to share what goes into capturing those scenes you see on the canvas. On many days, you could find me walking through the park with my favorite playlist streaming, a camera in hand, and a smile on my face as I soak in the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Those walks are about more than just gathering references—they’re filled with little moments that spark inspiration and shape each piece.

One of the things I love most is the connection with the people around me. There's a natural energy in Central Park, and when I’m out there with a smile, it often feels contagious. People passing by notice, sometimes smiling back or offering a nod, and it reminds me how art, even in its early stages, can connect people. Every smile exchanged is like a moment captured, and that warmth finds its way into my work, lending a sense of life to each brushstroke.

As I wander, I snap pictures of scenes that catch my eye—whether it's sunlight filtering through the trees, the texture of leaves on a windy day, or the lively colors of park-goers. Those snapshots become the foundation for each piece, helping me recall both the visual details and the feelings they sparked. Back in my studio, I’ll sift through these photos, focusing on the elements that tell the strongest story. I let those initial moments of connection, color, and movement guide the piece from beginning to end.

With each painting in the Central Park Series, I’m not just depicting landscapes; I’m sharing slices of real experiences, moods, and the beauty of everyday interactions. It’s a series born out of a love for the park, the people, and the vibrant scenes that come to life when we simply take the time to look.

I look forward to sharing more about my Central Park Series with you, along with glimpses into my NYC studio, insights into my creative process, and the techniques that bring each piece to life. Join me each week as we explore this journey together.

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Painting the Bethesda Terrace: The Journey of Capturing Majesty in Central Park

October 6, 2026

Ah, Bethesda Terrace—the crown jewel of Central Park, and also the location where I willingly risked my life (sort of) for art. Let me take you through the process of creating my painting of this iconic landmark, which, let’s be honest, involved equal parts creativity, grit, and a touch of madness.

The Quest Begins: Snow, Solitude, and Suspicious Looks

It was 8 AM on a snowy morning when I set out to photograph Bethesda Terrace. Why so early? Because I wanted fewer people in my shots—an artist’s dream, right? Of course, fewer people also meant more potential for encountering… let’s say, “questionable characters.” But I figured, worst-case scenario, I can run fast. (Fun fact: art supplies double as defensive weapons. Palette knives are surprisingly intimidating.)

I snapped my initial reference photo that morning, capturing the serene emptiness of the terrace in the snow, with a lone man walking through the frame. The quietness of the scene was exactly what I wanted to convey—Central Park, stripped of its usual hustle and bustle, standing regal and timeless.

The Ceiling Chronicles: Perfection Takes TimeThe Bethesda Terrace is breathtaking from any angle, but the real masterpiece is above you—the Minton Tile ceiling in the arcade. Let me tell you, painting that ceiling was no walk in the park (pun intended). I went back another day, this time in full daylight and surrounded by tourists, to study the intricate patterns and analyze the sheer beauty of those 15,000 tiles. Yes, fifteen thousand. Recreating the ceiling was the most challenging part of the painting. I painted it, repainted it, and then painted it again until it looked as majestic as it felt standing underneath it. That’s the thing about art—it’s a labor of love, and sometimes it involves a ridiculous amount of trial and error. But hey, it’s worth it to get it right.

A Little History: The Heart of the Park Now,

Let’s dive into why Bethesda Terrace is so special. Designed as one of the first architectural structures in Central Park, its construction began in 1859 and wrapped up in 1863—yes, right in the middle of the Civil War. It was conceived as the “heart of the park” by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the dynamic duo behind Central Park’s design. The terrace is split into an upper and lower level, connected by grand staircases. The lower level is home to the iconic Bethesda Fountain and offers stunning views of the Lake. The interior arcade, where the Minton Tile ceiling resides, was intended to be a richly decorated counterpart to the open-air terrace. Fun fact: those tiles are usually found on floors, but here they grace the ceiling, making Bethesda Terrace the only place in the world where you’ll see this. Talk about flipping expectations on their heads!

The Final Result:

Art Meets History After months of work, I finally completed my painting. It captures not just the architecture but the essence of Bethesda Terrace—its history, its beauty, and its role as a place where city-dwellers come to escape, mingle, and marvel. Looking back, would I do it all again? Absolutely. Even if it means braving the snow at 8 AM and outrunning the occasional shady character. Because at the end of the day, art is about going the extra mile—or, in this case, the extra lap around the terrace. So, here’s to Bethesda Terrace: a place that inspires awe, wonder, and maybe a little adrenaline. Stay tuned for photos of the painting and the process—because if I ran for my life to get them, you’d better believe I’m sharing them!