On the Boulevard, Just Like Cezanne, Cranston Student Learns to Paint En Plein Air

CRANSTON, RI -- Not too many art shows need the qualifier "weather permitting," but Lola Rael's exhibit is unique.

The Cranston student received an invitation to show her paintings on the East Side's Blackstone Boulevard. The exhibit goes off on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m., according to School One's Diana Champa.

Lola is part of a special inter-generational class in landscape painting, Champa said. Rhode Island artist Ida Schmulowitz teaches "a small group of students the craft and technique of landscape painting" right one the Boulevard. Lola is one of just five School One high school students selected to mix the paints with their elders at Hamilton House under Schmulowitz's direction every Thursday during September and October.

Every week they set up their easels "and look for the play of light on the tree branches and pitched roofs," Champa said.

“Word has gotten out about the collaboration with students from School One, participants have rearranged their schedules and appointments to make time to be a part of the landscape painting class,” said Jessica Haley, Executive Director at Hamilton House.

Schmulowitz is a Rhode Island School of Design grad known "for her practice of painting urban scenes through the changing seasons" and hours of the day, Champa said.

Photo Courtesy School One