For Year Seventeen in my 20-Year-Guggenheim series, I returned to 89th Street and 5th Avenue to paint on-location. Once again, the vibes, energy, conversations and weather dictated the canvas… my reason for creating on-site.

Twas’ a day, devoid of sun, wet and dreary. I set-up my easel, no sense of weary. I began with a black ground on the canvas, figuring I’d channel the energy of my recent Masters painting. Mother Nature had other ideas.

As every second on Fifth Avenue is precious, particularly when based in Idaho, I decided to paint through the rain on day one. Through wet and cold conditions, I decided to work with a palette knife… paradoxically easier to control… and thick paint withstood the dampness.

This is one of those moments I realize, in retrospect, this would have been a lovely painting as-is. Of course, solving the puzzle this early would not make for a great Wheel of Fortune episode… so I pressed onward.

I spent several sessions painting indoors, as the rain became far too intense. The first move? A re-paint of the Gugg itself, followed by deep read outlines. Mostly palette knife, and this was the last time the brush would be involved. For this session, the wind was so intense, I had to hold the easel with one hand.

The tree above was intriguing, so I painted it… the first time that tree has been part of this series. Strangely, this is the first time I included the street signs in front of the Guggenheim. You can find the street-side traffic light on Guggenheim #1, but that’s it. Curious, I didn’t realize that until I just reviewed the gallery… as they say on every golf broadcast — moments ago.

Another session indoors at the rooftop lounge in Dan and Kathleen’s building. Here, I was still unsure of how things would finish, but the idea was slowly solidifying. One of the great assistants in creating is space and time… between rain, golf and painting… I had time to look each night. Much work is done away from the easel.

The final session, while windy, was far more beautiful. I was inspired to finish with a palette knife, and, in fact, purchased a smaller one for detail work at the Art Student’s League on Central Park South.

It’s ironic, the painting felt very gritty, and with each layer, the grit became more pronounced. But, it was here, that I added the hand-mixed, near black outlines that would inspire the work’s title.

And year 17, in the books. But, why “Cartoon Cake Guggenheim”? Well, a group of friends came by, and my friend Mary said, “I love the effect, it reminds me of a cartoon cake.”

When she showed me what they looked like — I realized, the painting found it’s title. And now, for some action from the streets and beyond.

My friend from high school, artist Chris Pace, stopped by to keep me company. As you can see, some men showcase crisply trimmed haircuts and well maintained beards. Others are me.

My Mentor, Robert, spent nearly the entire final day with me on the streets. He supplied a ridiculously large lunch, which we enjoyed, along with great conversation and many fabulous interactions.

We even ran into a group of Robert’s friends from college… and Mary, center, was the one who ended up creating the title for the painting.

Now that we have a puppy, dogs are cool with me. We’ll call this Borbay’s Dog Pound.

While in town, I participated in the “Studz Cup” golf tournament. When we arrived at Montammy Golf Club, our host Barry rolled out the red carpet… we even had personalized lockers. I loved the course and company so much, I swung the sticks 101 times, to extend the day.

Well, Michael and Joe threw the party, and they tied for first, with exceptional rounds at Fresh Meadow… both shooting personal bests. It will be tough to unseat the Cogan Contingency for next year.

Bet my sticks never figured they’d find their way to 86. After my 101, I thought about 86ing the sticks.

While gallery hopping in Chelsea for the first time in a decade, I ran into artist Jim D’Amato… tremendous guy, fantastic artist. We ended up at the Whitney for a members event, many great conversations.

Also got to see my very good friend Nelson, here we are, at Scarlett, enjoying some smokey cocktails.

I also got to catch up with these beauties, Brody and Heather, in from Chicago. We hit up the Blind Tiger for cocktails with their pal Rich, then went out for a magnificent French dinner.

Kathleen, Tim and I got to celebrate Dan’s birthday with him. We had some serious Margs and Guac baby! Thank you for hosting me Kathleen and Dan.

We even ran into Dan’s best friend from yester-year, Garrick. He was taking clients to the Knicks game, and purchased that shirt minutes before we met up. Hard core fan.

Here’s yours truly, slightly out of focus, in front of Rothko.

Interaction with art isn’t what it used to be. And yet, the MOMA remains wondrous – thank you for the hook-up Ray.

And, finally, a tour of Rashid Johnson’s fabulous exhibition at The Guggenheim. My goal remains… all 20 Guggenheims, in The Guggenheim.

Oh yes, before I hit up Manhattan, the family took a trip to Vegas, and I joined my man Landstrom at Red Rock for Member Guest. NGL, we won our flight, and it was absolutely sensational.

Always a pleasure NYC, love it, love you all.