One of the most memorable aspects of art, whether it’s painting, sketching, singing, dancing, or anything in between, is its ability to bring people together, and that certainly held true this past Sunday at the Islip Arts Council Gallery in Bay Shore.
Everyone was invited to celebrate the many talented artists participating in the annual Student Showcase from 1 to 3 p.m. Students from the Watercolors For All class, Open Studio class, Stained Glass class, Colored Pencils/Pastels class, and Drawing & Sketching class have their works on display until Feb. 1.
Gallery manager Katrina Kuan shared that the annual Student Showcase started in 2022. In the past, they would only showcase art from one class at a time. Still, this year, they decided to combine the artwork from each class into one exhibit, which Kuan plans to continue in the upcoming years.
No piece of artwork was alike. Each artist told beautiful stories through their use of watercolor, pastels, or pencils. One of these stories involved a beagle named Sonny. Artist Suzie Araujo, a student in the Drawing & Sketching class, did a sketch of the side profile of her beloved dog, Sonny. Araujo used meticulous shading technique to emphasize the soft texture of his fur and the delicate contour of his features. The dark background makes the lighter tones of the dog pop and bring him into focus, with Sonny’s expressive eye being the focal point.
The sketch is based on a photo of Sonny taken the year before he died. Although he was blind, they would often visit the beach, where he would sit and rest. During one of their visits, Araujo saw the sun shining in Sonny’s eyes as he looked towards the sky, and that was when she took the photo that served as her inspiration.
“He was so happy all the time, and he could be sassy, but he was just always so happy,” Araujo said as she described Sonny.
Brazil native Norma Malinverno has been a student since 2017 and attends both the Colored Pencils & Pastels and the Watercolor for All classes. She had two works on display, which were also inspired by photos. The first is called “Into the Woods.” The piece displays a peaceful tree-lined pathway, where tall tree trunks and vibrant greenery create depth and perspective. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting soft shadows along the dirt path. The repetition of the trees guides the viewer’s gaze toward the vanishing point, creating an almost immersive experience.
The photo that served as Malinverno’s muse was taken at a park in New Jersey. While she was looking at the sculptures, she happened to come across a beautiful path, and she took a picture. Although Malinverno worked from the photograph, the painting is not exactly the same.
Malinverno’s second piece is nothing like her first. Her watercolor painting named “Seville-Spain” depicts a charming exterior scene featuring a turquoise arched door surrounded by bright pink-purple flowering vines and lush greenery. With its glass panes and lace curtain detail, the door opens into a warmly lit interior with a wooden floor, adding depth. A tiled-roof overhang with cascading ivy contrasts with the cool-toned walls. Malinverno utilizes fine, delicate lines to capture the intricate detailing of the vines and leaves, while the use of soft colors and shadows bring dimension to the building’s features.
As the name suggests, her watercolor painting was inspired by a photo she took while traveling in Spain with her husband. The piece took about three months to complete.
All are welcome to visit the gallery Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see the unique works by the very talented students. Visit Islip Arts Council on Facebook or @isliparts on Instagram to find out more information about the classes that are offered.
