Paint Night Class, 2016

Photos by Julie Petersen

Art class instructor 

Richard LaRoshelle (center) 

with students using acrylic paint.

Betsy holds up her painting.

Richard LaRoshelle checks out

 Ann Donofrio’s painting.

Richard LaRoshelle’s drawing using pastel pencils

After little urging from Ann Donofrio and Julie Petersen, Richard LaRochelle, Abbey’s resident artist, agreed to conduct Paint Night, an evening that proved to be such a success, he has agreed to do it again next season. Class was limited to ten soon to be artists, all supplies were provided including canvas, acrylic paints and paint brushes. The inspiration for the first painting came from a palm tree by the ocean which Richard had painted. The women were nervous at the beginning, saying they could not paint, but as the evening continued and Richard patiently showed the "artists" step by step, how to take their blank canvas and turn it into a completed work of art they were pleasantly surprised to see, yes, they could paint! It was amazing to me to see the different variations, from a dark stormy sky to a pastel sunrise, emerge from the canvas’s, all were so unique in form and color variation. The women said they never took art classes and were amazed at their finished masterpieces, which they proudly took home to display on their walls. The evening provided residents a chance to meet neighbors and have a night of companionship, learning, fun and laughter. We are looking forward to next year, when Richard will again share his artistic knowledge and talent with the residents of Abbey Village. Dates and signup will be posted as soon as we have them, beginning in January 2017, class will be limited to ten, and a small fee will be charged to cover supplies. This will be our last article until November, when I will return to sunny Florida. Have a safe, happy, healthy summer!

Abbey Village Talent Show

March 18, 2016

Left to right: Yvonne, Karen, Lynn (the director), Nancy, and Salange.

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