Painting Ability

by Rose Smeenk

My neighbor suggested that I join her to go to the Bronx Y for swimming in the pool. Of course this appealed to me and I found myself exploring the other activities offered there. The club president approached me to ask if I would be interested in going to the painting class. As I had never even lifted a paint brush before, I hesitantly decided to try it. In the class I was given all the materials necessary to get started. I learned about color combinations and how to applying the shades to create flowers, etc. Before long I discovered that I had an aptitude for painting and I was hooked. Since then I've been a steady student in the painting and drawing classes. I've many canvases stacked away as proof of my painting ability and can proudly claim that I have sold some of my creations. That was a lucky day when my neighbor brought me to the Bronx Y.


Color Influences

by Rose Smeenk

I was always attracted to bright colors. Drab shades depressed me and I particularly dreaded black. Black was funereal or associated by me with monsters like Dracula. When I owned my own house I had a garden in which I planted flowers that bloomed from early spring to late autumn. Just after the frost disappeared there were white snowdrops and crocuses of hues from pink to dark purple. There were tulips from bulbs that were sent to me from Holland that started early; short ones and later blooming tall Darwin; colors ranging from white and yellow, to vivid reds. There were rosebushes, marigolds, portulacas, snapdragons and zinnias. In autumn I planted asters, chrysanthemums, and a blue hydrangea. Neighbors in the apartment houses overlooking my yard would complement me on my lovely garden. I often go to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy their arrangements from colorful ground covering like creeping phlox to the blossoming trees. At the Bronx Y where I started painting, I indulged myself in applying bright colors to my canvases. It cheers me greatly that I have access to all the colors I desire for my pallet and enjoyment.