Thanks to the efforts of two artists from the Rockaway Artists Alliance — and several local sponsors — painters of all ages were able to heed her advice and create their own interpretations of the Howard Beach seascape.
Mandy Francin and Sophia Skeans, who head a nonprofit organization called Art Adventures and More, which presents artworkshops at public libraries and community centers, organized “Paint Out” as a way to galvanize local artists and those who are not art-oriented to come out and be inspired by their surroundings.
“It’s really a special place people are not familiar with,” Skeans said of choosing Charles Park. “It’s connected to so many natural, beautiful areas that have a lot of habitat.”
More than 30 children, teens and adults were treated to a free lesson in seascape art — otherwise known as en plein air, the French term for “in the open air.” Before retreating to various corners of the park with free art supplies donated by various local businesses, the group gathered around Francin for a demonstration. Backed by overhanging trees, a glistening bay and the distant steely serpentine bridge that gives the park its uniquely south Queens flavor — the seasoned artist proved the perfect seascape was born from a simplistic technique.
“Anyone can paint a seascape because it’s divided into three parts — clouds, water and land,” she said.
Paint Out had a huge turnout when the duo hosted the event in Rockaway earlier this month, but Saturday’s event is the first of its kind in the Howard Beach community. Skeans and Francin are hoping to organize additional art events in the area through Art Adventures and More.
“There’s nothing in Howard Beach,” said Francin, a fact many artists and residents repeatedly lamented that day. Despite displaying an obvious talent, Francin insisted anyone could paint. “The beauty of art is we are all different, so there’s no reason to ever try to make anything like anyone else.”
Skeans and Francin want to thank Frank Gulluscio for supporting the arts in Howard Beach, as well as generous sponsors Lenny's Clam Bar, Howard Beach Animal Clinic, Sal's Food Market, Gino's Pizzeria & Restaurant, Marlowe Jewelers, Lady JaneCraft, Howard Beach Ace Hardware, Sports Depot, Optical Illusions, A.C. Moore. Art class registation takes place Monday, Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m. at Rockwood Park Jewish Center, 156-45 84 St.
For more information, go online to artadventuresandmore.com.
|
|
