Four Creative Visions - September 30 - October 20, 2023

Featuring Dorothy Fortuna, Lynn Kinsella, Lynn Staiano, Robert Wallkam

Visit our YouTube Channel to view videos of the exhibit

Landscape artist Dorothy Fortuna enjoys exploring as she travels in search of new subjects for paintings. “The passion I have for the world around me inspires creativity. Pastel painting and the techniques involved in placing color and blending color then allow me to achieve the sense of water movement or a perspective of the land that can create depth and value, transforming a flat surface into a place we can recognize and relate to. The delicate touch I use to present a subject requires layers of pastel to bring it to life. The process is daunting, but I thrive on the challenge of trying to achieve both realism and abstract views when painting our local landscapes. Sometimes the process I experience can be frustrating, especially when starting with a blank page. However, as I study my subject, I am able to vanish frustration and see the path to begin painting.”

Lynn Kinsella attended Phoenix School of Design in Manhattan and went on to work in book publishing specializing in layout and illustration. After retirement, she decided to expand her creativity by taking watercolor classes. Lynn’s watercolor paintings have been exhibited in galleries across Long Island and her work has been selected for exhibition in juried exhibits across Long Island. “I paint primarily in watercolor with a focus on nature. I enjoy painting scenes reflective of the local environment here on Long Island.”

Smithtown artist Lynn Staiano is a licensed psychotherapist by day, and a landscape artist in the evenings and weekends.  She is a self-taught artist who has always been a lover of the arts. However, in recent years, Lynn has developed a passion and talent for painting landscapes.  “The isolation of the pandemic opened up my ability to really observe and appreciate little details in nature; reflections in water, how the sunlight diffuses through the trees, how cloud formations change and how their shadows cover the grass,” she said.  “I try to capture these elements and hope that my paintings evoke emotion or give the viewer an experience. Lynn is now further developing her technique and style through classes and tutorials.  Some of her favorite things to paint include rustic landscapes, old farmhouses or uninhabited buildings, barns, quaint restaurants, and lakeside scenes.   She paints in studio or plein air, primarily in acrylic, and has tried pencil sketches, pastels, and has recently begun to work with oils.                 

Instagram :  @CreativedesignsbyLynn

Robert Wallkam received a Bachelor of Art Education from the University of Bridgeport followed by receiving a Master of Arts from New York University. Robert pursued a career at the Half Hollow Hills School District in Dix Hills NY, teaching all grade levels and subjects related to art. At the same time he enjoyed acting as set designer for the Half Hollow Hills high school plays. He served on the Board of Directors at Theater Three in Port Jefferson. His work has been widely exhibited throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. His paintings are derived from his mind’s visions and childhood memories reflecting his love for Long Island and its many beaches. He has worked in many mediums but currently acrylic is his chosen medium.  Instagram: Robert Wallkam (@robertwallkam)