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Fair Painting for joy
L.I. artist has summer display at Wantagh Library
For some, painting is simply a hobby, while for others it is their passion.
Ruth Lawrence, 88, of Woodbury, said she believes that painting is her passion. The now-retired art teacher devotes much of her time to painting and creating her masterpieces. For the months of June and July, some of Lawrence’s artwork are on display at the Wantagh Public Library.
“Painting allows me to run away from reality,” she said. “It was God’s gift to me.” Lawrence added that earlier in her life, she dealt with hardships. She said painting brings her happiness and gives her a new road to take.
Lawrence has painted all of her life but says it was a paint set given to her by her sister’s boyfriend when she was 11 that triggered her love for the arts.
Later in life she attended Nassau Community College and C.W. Post, completing all the necessary courses to become an art teacher. After substitute teaching all throughout Long Island, Lawrence realized being an art teacher was not for her. “I could not handle the disciplinary role,” she said.
Throughout the years, Lawrence created her own style of painting. Rather than using an assortment of colors, her style tends to primarily focus on only one particular color. She also says that her style includes many crossing brush strokes. “Not every line connects so it forces people to connect the lines,” Lawrence says. “I think it makes my paintings fun and exciting.”
Recently, she also began her “Fabulous Fake” series where she attempts to recreate a painting previously done by a famous artist. Lawrence created a fabulous fake for Renoir, Picasso, as well as Van Gogh.
These pieces have helped her understand each artist’s style better and even enhance her own style. Lawrence said Renoir is her favorite artist to imitate. “I love the colors and brush strokes,” she said. “I have the most success with his style, and it is the most similar to my style.”
Nearly 30 years ago, Lawrence completed one of the pieces she is most proud of. The eight-foot by four-foot canvass now sits above her couch. Through her painting she depicted Plato’s great dilemma. “This painting shows a man riding a chariot with two horses pulling him in opposite directions,” she said. “The two horses are passion and reason; a man’s greatest dilemma.”
Throughout her lifetime, Lawrence estimates that she has completed more than 200 different paintings.
Depending on the type of paint and the subject, it can take up to a week, a month or even five years for her to complete a piece.
Though she emphasizes that she painted all throughout her life, she said that upon retirement nearly 20 years ago, she began to promote her artwork.
So far, Lawrence said she believes the public has been very receptive to her artwork. “The librarians love my art,” she said.
More than 20 pieces are available for viewing to the public. Lawrence said she gave all the paintings a price, and they are available to buy. For those interested, a pricing list for each piece of art is available at the front desk of the library.
