This Week, I decided to do a rubbing of a man-hole cover in Central Park. The color pallete I chose is more subdued b/c of the more tranquil atmosphere where the rubbing was done. The technique I used was only slightly different. First, I used oil pastels in the more neutral colors like yellow, then, I used regular pastels over the top of them. The layering of the oil pastels on the bottom caused the other pastels to stick to the paper better. I feel like I’m getting closer to finding the best technique! The North Woods in Central Park is one of my favorite city destinations because you can go there and completely forget you are in one of the largest cities in the world. In the fall, its quite possible to stroll through the woods in the evening and not encounter another person at all.

The Ravine in Central Parks North Woods

NY City Parks & Recreation Image

Cover the Surface in tracing paper, and secure it with duct tape.

I chose a soft color pallet to match the tranquil mood of the location.

The finished product is a soft combination of pinks, greens and yellows.

I also did a rubbing of only the leaf. I liked the combination of the manhole cover type texture and the leaf detail including the veins.