Community Corner

Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society Sponsors Art Classes at Sands-Willets House

Classes for young artists will be on Saturdays, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 26.

Impressionist landscape artist Lawrence Chrapliwy will be teaching classes in Plein Air Painting for adult and young artists at the historic Sands-Willet House in Port Washington starting in August. 

"Plein Air" paintings are works created while painting from life in the open air. Chrapliwy will teach the basics of painting outdoors in simple step-by-step classes, according to event organizers.

Recently, Chrapliwy and his wife, Lynne, donated a painting of the historic Dodge House to kick off the art classes. “Dodge House” was painted plein air and "alla prima" — in one, 2-3 hour session. The painting was presented to President Chris Bain and vice president Fred Blumlein and now resides at the Sands-Willets House.

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since moving to Long Island in 2007, Chrapliwy said he decided to pursue his passion for traditional oil painting with his wife, who is also an artist. He has since developed a strong following of admirers and collectors, both locally and nationally.

Chrapliwy is a member of the Central Park Plein Air Painters who meet weekly in good weather to create paintings outdoors at various Central Park locations. 

Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When about his inspiration, Chrapliwy said, “Painting the light of the landscape is my passion. I am inspired by masters Joaquin Sorolla Bastida, Nicolai Fechin and John Singer Sargent.”

The couple will demonstrate Plein Air Painting at the annual Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society Country Fair Sept. 21 at the Sands-Willet House fairgrounds, 336 Port Washington Blvd.

Also at the event: a petting zoo, pony rides, storytelling, face painting, colonial-era games and an authentic fire truck. There will be Civil War re-enactors, a blacksmith demonstration and many exhibits and vendors  — including the sale of our local honey, raffles and tours of the historic house. 

Live music will be provided by the LI Harmonica Society.

Classes will be held for adults and young artists (age 8-12) in beginner and intermediate levels. Adult classes will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays for five sessions starting the second week of August. Classes for young artists will be Saturdays, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 26.

All painting classes at the Sands-Willets House are an opportunity for the artist to learn to paint and draw from real life. There are many things to paint — the home, barn, trees, landscape, flowers, birds, antique farm tools and still life.

For more info or to sign up for classes, visit: www.cowneck.org (click education tab/painting classes) or contact the instructor: larry@cowneck.org  at (516) 855-4260.

For information on Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society, including membership and a link for donations go to www.cowneck.org.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here