Conservatory Garden, Central Park

Here's my latest work, just finished yesterday. It's from the Conservatory Garden, Central Park's only formal garden. Although I'm a frequent visitor to the Park - and knew that the Conservatory Garden was among its most beautiful spots - this was the first time I had wandered up into that northeastern corner. I was not disappointed. Even at this point in the season, on the cusp of autumn, I was amazed at the number of flowers still blooming, particularly the butterfly bushes, which were attracting both butterflies and hummingbirds. Indeed, when I first walked into one of the paths full of blooming flowers, a pair of hummingbirds buzzed by and around me, chasing each other. This image was part of a bronze statue/fountain that attracted many birds - as well as other photographers and artists. I think the Conservatory Garden is going to be one of my new favorite places in Central Park, and I look forward to observing its metamorphosis through the changing seasons. There are several other fountains as well as a beautiful iron gate - usually called the "Vanderbilt Gate," because it had once graced the entrance to one of the city's Vanderbilt mansions. Fountain, Conservatory Garden. Watercolor, pen and ink, on Fabriano paper, 9" x 12".