Local Artist to Be Featured in East End Art Show

Port Washington resident Gary Blake is a man of words. So much so, he develops writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills to businesses in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has also authored several books, perhaps the most well-known, "The Elements of Business Writing." But there's another side to Blake: painting.

Blake is the kind of artist who paints every day. His dedication appears to have paid off – his paintings have been chosen for an art show hosted by Greenport-based DeCordova Gallery at a mansion at 228 Overlook Drive in Aquebogue.  The show, "Have A Heart," provides direct emergency aid to East End residents as well as benefitting local community-based organizations.

Two of his paintings will be featured at the Aquebogue show – one in silent auction, the other in a live auction. Bidding starts at $200.

It's one thing to get retail shelf space for your product and observe people bringing them to a register for purchase. It's quite another to see your creations in the middle of a live auction, with active bidding among art lovers. For an artist, perhaps it doesn't get more exciting than that. Just ask Blake.

"Although I have had books published and a play produced, I don't think anything will be as exciting for me as watching people bid on one of my paintings," Blake said. 

Blake has painted for the last 40 years and cites Seurat, Monet, Turner and Van Ruysdale as influences. and specializes in landscapes that pay homage to nature. 

Admission is $25 at the door, or $20 online via PayPal.