At the suggestion of Jenny and Jim Sandling, my wife Cynthia and I recently participated in a two-hour acrylic painting workshop at the Rye Arts Center. We enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with Rye Record readers who might be interested in future events of this nature.

The workshop gave participants an opportunity to create our very own landscape painting. We learned how landscape artists use composition, depth, pattern and brush handling to create paintings. Participants copied landscape paintings they chose from images that the instructor, Nicole Zahour, provided. No experience was necessary and all supplies were provided.

Most of us created excellent copies of beautiful paintings, though I cannot say mine was excellent. But it was an enjoyable educational experience — the first time I painted an image since I was a child. More importantly, it allowed me to appreciate even more the paintings I view on the tours I give at the Bruce Museum.