Barbara Lewin Opens Winter Landscape Exhibition at Mineola Library

Focusing her work on serene countryscapes, acrylic artist Barbara Lewin of Westbury began her month long exhibition at the with an opening reception Saturday afternoon.

Encouraged by the magnificence of the natural setting, Lewin returned to painting in 2004 at the advice of her physician as part of therapy for a physical disability. She said that she finds it soothing and relaxing to be surrounded by the pure beauty that is captured in all of her work.

"I get inspirations from whatever is flowing around me. I like to show the wind, things going through the tree and bringing it all out so people can see it," Lewin said. "I want people to feel the sun coming through and touching the trees and to feel the water going down the waterfalls. I try to do everything that expresses whatever is going on in one picture, whether it is the waves or the pristine snow.

Lewin's work utilizes a rich and deep, yet serene and muted palette, building on the different layers that naturally occur in the wild. The experience of each and every environmental element coming together can be felt throughout her paintings. Evergreens stand tall over blankets of snow in her winter pieces, while intensely colored leaves surround wooded cabins in the autumnal paintings.

Her technique is distinctive, using a black background as her base. This allows the depth and detail of the landscapes to truly come through to the viewer.

Lewin began showing when she met her mentor, Sandee Larsen, in a dermatologist's office by chance. She showed her some of her paintings while they were both waiting. They later got in contact and Lewin joined the Rotational Artists Circle in Oyster Bay. It was through Larsen that the whole process of showing throughout Long Island started to take off.

"I like her attitude with painting and the speed she paints with because she knows what she is doing," Larsen, a Hicksville native, said. "She paints on wood, so if I see something unusual I pick it up for her. Next thing I know it is in a show."

Having shown her work at libraries, banks and businesses throughout Nassau County, Lewin is currently displaying work at three libraries this month alone, including Glen Cove, Oyster Bay and Mineola.

The show at the Mineola Library has only been open since the beginning of last week, but there are already three pieces on reserve. "It is very encouraging," Lewin said.

"Winter Magic" will be on display until the end of December. Art enthusiasts can view more of Lewin's work by visiting her website, www.brushstrokesbybl.com

Next month the Mineola Library will be hosting an exhibit featuring Robert T. Bloom and his Long Island themed photography, which will be on display beginning the first week of January.