Elmont Memorial Library’s month-long exhibition of watercolorists Veronica Piselli and Phyllis Cox has taken its final bow. The exhibit was celebrated at a Nov. 16 dual-artist reception that highlighted more than 30 of their vibrant paintings. And while this show has closed, the library has more opportunities for residents to experience local art in the months ahead.
Piselli, of South Hempstead, had an interest in art dating back to her days in elementary school in Brooklyn, where her placement in an accelerated enrichment program allowed her to visit museums and galleries.
Several years later, she began teaching in the New York City school system — using her love for art in an interdisciplinary approach to help her students.
Piselli draws her inspiration from Claude Monet, a French painter during the Impressionist movement whose depiction of nature “inspired her.”
She also explained that her artwork reflects a “translation” of Monet’s environment and vision, from his famous painting titled “Monet’s Garden,” to his paintings of lily gardens and murals.
“I feel a closeness and kinship with Monet,” Piselli said. “It feels relaxing.”
Piselli follows a consistent process, starting with drawing a subject in pencil. She proceeds with her watercolor painting, and sometimes acrylics when she thinks something “needs more definition.”
“It’s the mood and the colors,” she said.
Piselli’s commitment to her work was temporarily derailed in 2023 following a stroke, which impacted her balance and communication skills.
Piselli tried picking up other hobbies like memoir writing, which she found “extremely frustrating.” Returning to watercolor painting provided her with a medium to express herself during the recovery process.
“When I rediscovered art, I relearned calmness,” Piselli said. “There’s tranquility, and that relaxation is important to me.”
Like Piselli, Cox can trace her artistic roots back over four decades.
When Cox, of Oceanside, started her journey painting with oils, she found it brought its own set of messes. It wasn’t long that the artist began experimenting with watercolor, where she found a new love for painting–utilizing her interest in nature and the outdoors as a medium.
Like her mediums, Cox is also loves contrasts and the ability to weave colors in her paintings. One painting she highlighted was a depiction of a countryside road leading to a cabin with a front-yard tree, which she saw in a photograph.
During the process, Cox explained that because trees are naturally dark, she needed a background that would bring the painting to life.
“The gold and the field behind it makes things pop,” Cox said.
Another painting highlighted her love for sailing, a pastime she engaged in with her husband.
“If it doesn’t really interest you, you don’t do it with your heart,” Cox said as she explained her artistic calling.
Adult Reference Librarian Lee Gorray, who curates the exhibits, was enamored with the pairs work.
“I couldn’t be happier with the result,” she said. “Their art compliments each other–a lot of watercolor, and the art is very bright and uplifting. I’m very happy I made that decision.”
The Elmont library hosts local artists throughout the year. The December exhibit, featuring Ray Mondesire and his afro-centric art, will open Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m. For more on programming, visit ElmontLibrary.org/events.
