Snowy days and cold winter rays inspired a group of local artists to bring sunshine and warmth back into their lives by exploring the power and depth of painting, through the challenge of completing 30 pieces in 30 days. 28 artists joined the challenge, where they motivated each other and shared their experiences online. Their journey became known as 30 Squared.
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Artwork by Joanne Rosko. (Courtesy Photo) |
“Many of us paint outside and we really couldn’t this winter because it was such a challenge weather wise,” Aubrey Grainger, a local painter who started the challenge, said. “Instead we painted in our studios and set up flowers, pitchers, bottles, fruit or anything else that could keep us producing.”
Painting in their home studios, the artists experimented with different surfaces and subjects – each bringing their own creativity and rationale to the group. Now, 18 of the artists will be proudly displaying their best works in an exhibit at the Water Mill Museum from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, July 12th.
The paintings represent personal and artistic achievement completed in the company of a community of artists. And, for artists like oil painter Pam Thomson, the challenge as a whole was a reminder of the power of painting.
“It was a discipline that pushed me into painting every day, which is something I haven’t done in years. I was so happy to have support and feedback from a whole group of people,” Thomson said. “Painting is a very solitary pursuit, and to not be alone for that month was wonderful. And, perhaps next January we can do it again.”
An opening reception will take place on Saturday, June 20th, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Water Mill Museum is located at 41 Old Mill Road in Water Mill. For more information, visit watermillmuseum.org.
