Area Artists Paint More Than Just A Picture

They are eclectic in genre but identical in passion for self-expression. The artists group, “Just Painters,” is comprised of people from Bucks and Montgomery counties with varying levels of experience.

Ivyland resident and artist, Miriam Warfield, holds weekly painting classes at her home. Her small group of artists look forward to each class as an opportunity to express a part of themselves, most having waited until retirement to do.

Huntingdon Valley resident, Jerry Mandel, has been a student of Warfield's for more than 10 years. He started painting when he retired.

“I always wanted to try it," Mandel said, "but never had an opportunity. Now I really enjoy it.”

The term 'relaxing' comes up often by students to describe the benefits they receive from painting. Mandel said it's relaxing because you really can't think of anything else while you're painting. Mandel's wife, Benita, also attends classes.

Being the only other male in the group, Arnold Rosenthal of Willow Grove seconds the relaxation aspect of painting. Rosenthal started his art pursuit in the 1990s to find something to fill the time after retirement.

Barbara Rosenzweig, a biology teacher of 36 years, said she started painting as a child and then “real life"  happened, putting the artist in her on hold. Through a series of events that led to her finding Warfield's class, Rosenzweig has never looked back.

Getting something to look like you want it to is very challenging, said Rosenzweig – challenging but fun. She paints what she enjoys and relishes those who appreciate her work. Rosenzweig's art can be seen on her website at: www.watercolorsbybarbara.com.

You can also meet Rosenzweig in person tonight at Meet the Artist Night, 9 p.m. at Congregation Beth Or, Olitsky Gallery. More than 40 pieces of her original work will be displayed.

Warfield has an expansive background which includes teaching and displaying her work at art shows and galleries, both locally and in New York. Her students admire her expertise as her weekly classes include different techniques with varying mediums of oil, water and pastel.

Warfield previously taught at the Painter's Nest in Southampton and displayed her work at the Phillips Mill Art Show in New Hope and the Upstairs Gallery in Peddler's Village.

Them most humorous reason for painting? It was agreed that being at a weekly class meant they didn't have to do the dishes.

For more information about Warfield's classes, contact her at 215-357-4052.

Just Painters will be holding an Annual Art Show and Sale this Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at , Carriage House, 1255 Second Street Pike, Southampton. Admission is free, refreshments will be served.