Susan Grossman's Cinematic Drawings of City Life

"Sunlight in the Afternoon" Susan Grossman

I am spending this afternoon searching for a new home in New York City for Larry and I. We will rent at first so we are certain of what we like before plunking down that massive amount it takes to purchase a nice NYC apartment. As I studied the floor plans for the apartments I will see today, my mind was awash with thoughts of how I would decorate city-style. Some of my ideas are on my Pinterest board, City Apartment.

As I contemplate our new life in NYC, the art of Susan Grossman seems particularly relevant. Describing her work, Ken Johnson of The New York Times, said, "With a deft touch in a loosely-photoreal style, Ms. Grossman captures the exhilarating vitality of metropolitan street life." Her work speaks to why I am so excited about this next chapter in my life.

Susan draws in charcoal and pastel, and her choice of medium gives her work the feel of an old-time movie. Her style is realistic and, gazing at the drawings, you are drawn into a timeless narrative. What I find most interesting is that, while at first glance the pieces seem to be in shades of black and white, the more you look, the more you can discern highlights in color. Its much like New York City itself--sometimes you need to pause, and look deep, to see the beauty.

Mesmerizing, don't you agree? Obviously, I would love to hang one of her drawings in our new home.

Susan Grossman is represented by Birnam Wood Galleries and all full size images of her work are from them. Detail Photography by Lynn Byrne.