The East River Queensboro Bridge (a.k.a. 59th Street Bridge) as seen from the promenade with the smokestacks from the Ravenswood Generating Station in the distance. After years of renovations, the pedestrian promenade along the East River to finally opened in 2010. Although it was right next to the FDR Drive, it still provided a soothing relief with the busy city. There was a tangible connection to the ocean tides, as well as seagulls, cormorants and the ubiquitous pigeons. It was from this promenade that I sketched this “East River Queensboro Bridge” drawing with a far-reaching perspective showing iconic structures in the background. Highly detailed sections are juxtaposed against large white areas; the near and small next to the far and large.
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This “East River Queensboro Bridge” features the Queensboro Bridge which connects 59th Street in Manhattan with Long Island City in Queens. The bridge has been officially renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in 2011. This is in honor of Ed Koch, who served as Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. Similarly, because the Manhattan end originates at 59th Street, people still refer to the bridge by the old name – the 59th Street Bridge.
The Ravenswood Generating Station is a 2,480 megawatt power plant in Long Island City in Queens, New York. It has been owned by many energy suppliers, but currently it is owned and operated by LS Power/Helix Energy Solutions Group. The plant is fueled primarily by fuel oil (no. 6) and natural gas. The power plant’s boilers helps in the supply of steam to the Manhattan steam system when needed, via the Ravenswood Tunnel under the East River. Wikipedia
This original drawing was made freehand using lead pencil and paper. I think that it looks great as a wrap-around print on a white, glossy ceramic mug, and is available for purchase.
