SKETCH AND THE CITY
The New York City Sketching Experience hosted by Australian/New York based artist Benjamin Ponté.
Exploring the experiential aspects of sketching in and around the iconic buildings of New York City.
For visitors, locals, artists, non-artists, organizations and families!
The New York City sketching experience
hosted by Australian/New York based artist Ben Ponté.
Exploring the experiential aspects of sketching
in and around the iconic buildings of New York City.
“So unexpectedly eye opening!”
“Funny man and so patient! ”
“I cannot express how much l loved this experience. Very unique and inspiring. Met some super friendly people and Ben was a fantastic host. Would recommend if you want to learn a new way to appreciate the world around you.”
“Ben is very patient, kind and profound in his manner of encouraging you to explore yourself and the world around you through your sketches. I would definitely recommend to anyone willing to connect through art or simply looking for something fun and different to do.”
Whether you are a practicing artist or have not drawn since childhood this experience inspires a personal interpretation of the city and the fun and friendly group atmosphere encourages a non-judgemental appreciation of every unique perspective.
As a teacher and guide Ben is passionate about cultivating and accentuating the joy and wisdom latent in alternate ‘ways of seeing’ and in helping guests uncover an ongoing connection to their own limitless reservoir of creative intelligence (that sounds good ey)!
This experience is suitable for all ages, great for families and kids, and is an insightful corporate team building exercise. (Past clients include Google, Amazon, Spotify, Linkedin, Facebook, Nike.)
All guest receive their very own pocket sketchbook to fill with miraculous musings, unreal observations, imaginary realities, profound profundities, profane redundancies, nice little squiggles & shopping lists.
“Ben is an artistic guru! He is a warming and enthusiastic individual which spreads a wonderful vibe throughout the group. If you are looking for an experience that will have u asking for more then this is for you! ”
“Ben was immediately warm and inclusive and reminded us of the meditative quality that drawing from observation brings even in a bustling city. Sign up for this experience whether you identify as an artist or not. ”
“This experience changed the way I express myself creatively. Ben is AMAZING, and also a total laugh. The drawing book & supplies he gives is fantastic. I find myself living an eraser free life & it’s all thanks to Ben! ”
“Totally brilliant. Encouraging, positive, informative. Extremely valuable as an experience and for opening our eyes & for making us look properly at N.Y as opposed to through the eye of a lense or screen.”
“This was an AH-mazing experience!!! Loved meeting a few new people and Ben was a gem - I love his work and his gentle, thoughtful approach to teaching. His way of seeing individual abilities, encouragement and recommendation for improving was truly special. Such a unique and fun way to see the city from a “local”, creative perspective. I can’t recommend it enough for any skill level. Everyone will get something out of this - even children!”
“My 10 year old son says, “I say 1000 star review.””
“ He is funny and knows a lot about sketching.Art is awesome!””
“The experience with Ben in Sketch Your Way around Grand Central was absolutely awesome. He made every one feel comfortable, with simple and great orientation. Beautiful sketches were drawn, and it was fun meeting people from different parts of the world. I strongly recommend it!!”
“This is such an interesting and immersive way of interacting with the city. Every moment is made into art, including travel time between destinations. Your sketchbook will be filled with wonderful captures of the city and the life within it. Ben is a wonderful and friendly host who connects deeply with each member of the group personally. ”
“Ben made this a fantastic and very personable experience - I had “sketched” years ago but the perspective he has to really allow you to be creative is unique. He is also very personable and it was an absolute pleasure to spend the time with him. It actually encourages me to start sketching as a great way to destress!”
“Ben was amazing. The session was fun, inspiring, and great for anyone who wants to gain confidence in sketching. I’d even recommend this experience to local friends, it’s a good way to take a different look at the city you call home. Great for both adults and kids!”
“This was supposed to be a birthday gift for my girlfriend. Not only she loved it, but I ended up having one of the greatest experience in the city!”
“The perfect way to start my long weekend in this incredible city! Ben is such a great guy - fun, arty, easy to chat with. If you love art and architecture - or simply want to soak up NYC in a new way - i truly recommend this tour. Definitely a highlight for me. ”
“The sketching session was awesome, we received from Ben many spiritual tips about sketching that can extend your abilities to capture now moments - I’m probably not an artist but I can tell that now I know better how to become one :-)”
“We absolutely loved it! Ben’s tour really offers a very different and exciting way to experience a vibrant and intense city like new york. He is a fantastic teacher so all of us felt well taken care of. Even if you do have no idea about sketching and do not feel like an artist in the beginning, Ben will help you get started and bring out your hidden sketching skills. The atmosphere during the tour was very relaxed and Ben tailored the experience to our individual skills and needs. ever since the tour we kept on sketching and are enjoying this new way of capturing little moments in time. Thank you, Ben!”
“Don’t miss this chance to record your experiences with some of NYC’s most iconic views! My teen son and I loved our time with Ben. Not only is he skilled, but a patient and encouraging teacher, making everyone feel a part of the group. We all met new people before parting two hours later as friends. I can’t wait to use my sketchbook to record my time in New York. Again, this is a Don’t Miss It experience to enjoy in New York!”
“Ben is crocodile Dundee reincarnated as an artist! With Ben as our guide we braved the NYC outback, crowds at grand central station and canyons of skyscrapers, to find unique beauty within.”
“Now I see New York the way I’ve never seen before. I’ve never imagined that just having a pencil, sketch book and walking around the city will be this fun. It’s like you are having your own moment but still feel connected to the people and environment around you through sketching.”
Surely all art is the result of having gone through an experience all the way to the end, to where one can go no further...
...therein lies the enormous aid the work of art brings to the life of the one who must make it- that it is his/her epitome...
the ever returning proof of unity and genuineness.
Rainer Maria Rilke