Local woman named finalist in L.I. art competition

Who ever knew painting could be so delicious? Susan Eckstein, of West Hempstead, did, and that's why she entered her yummy works of art in The Long Island Museum's annual juried art competition Let's Eat.

Eckstein and her two water color pieces Hors D'oeuvres and The Baker were recently named finalists in the competition. The works will be on display at the Stony Brook museum through Sept. 6.

The painter, who's been painting for six years, studied Art Education at the University of Bridgeport and now focuses in art concentrate in water color style paintings. And this is not her first competition. Eckstein told the Herald that she has done many community art shows similar to this one in the hopes of getting her paintings out into the community.

Aside from her food theme in this competition, Eckstein's favorite themes to paint in her spare time vary from porches and restful places to restaurants from unusual viewpoints.

“I love the look of light when it hits from odd angles on an area,” Eckstein said, adding that she tries to portray that unique imaging style in her paintings. It seems that very style is what caught the eyes of the competition's judges.

Eckstein said she likes to paint people, but without faces. "When I look at people in reality I tend to focus on their faces and nothing else, that is why when I paint I try to take out that aspect.”

The Long Island Museum has summoned artists from across the country to participate in its open works painting competition. Each artist was permitted to send in three pieces, of any type of art, for a chance to be one of the finalists and win one of four cash prizes. Each piece had to follow the theme of food: cooking, eating, or kitchens.

The final winners will be chosen at an artist’s reception on Sunday, Aug. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4pm. The award ceremony is open to the public. Refreshments will be served, and there will be a live performance of classical music by The Fox Hill Consortium woodwind trio. Each winning entry will be displayed in the Art Museum from Sep 10. through 20, along with the exhibition America’s Kitchens.

Eckstein is looking forward to hearing whether she's been chosen as a winner. “I’m thrilled to have been selected,” she said. “Good luck to everybody.”

For more information, call (631) 751-0066 or visit the museum’s website, longislandmuseum.org.