Making art from the city to suburbs

Artists from the Urban Sketchers NYC group recently visited Oyster Bay to participate in an en plein air painting session, bringing their brushes, pencils, and creativity to the historic Long Island hamlet. Organized by Suzala, a longtime member of the group, the event drew around 15 participants, offering an opportunity for artists to capture the hamlet’s scenery.

Urban Sketchers NYC is part of a global network of artists who gather to sketch on location. The group in New York City, known for its high activity with three sessions per week, regularly explores new environments, and Oyster Bay has become a favored destination for Suzala to bring artists.

“I started bringing people out to Oyster Bay about four or five years ago,” Suzala said. “The town is beautiful, accessible by train, and it has so many things to draw. It’s become a bit of a tradition.”

Although this year’s turnout was smaller than usual, with around 15 participants, the group was enthusiastic about the location. Sea Cliff artist Karen De Mauro, who participated in the event, spoke about the welcoming environment created by Urban Sketchers.

“The critical thing that Urban Sketchers NYC does well is welcoming people of all levels of artistry,” she said. “You learn from everyone, whether they’re professionals or beginners. It’s about making art together, not about competition.”

De Mauro highlighted the camaraderie among the artists, noting that the supportive community fosters creativity.

“It’s a really great way to be with people—live, in person, and in deep engagement with places,” she said. “We console each other with losses and share in the joy of creating.”

The Oyster Bay session offered artists a chance to sketch landmarks like St. Dominic’s Church and the town’s waterfront, with the day culminating in a meet up at the bandstand, where participants laid their sketches on the ground and shared their work. This tradition allows artists to showcase their perspectives on the town’s landscapes, learning from one another in the process.

Suzala praised the town’s charm and said it’s always been a draw for artists.

“Every year, I have people calling me during the week, saying they’re bummed they can’t make it,” she said. “They love coming out here.”

For those who made the trip from the city, the journey was well worth the early morning start.

“The fact that anybody shows up at all is a major accomplishment,” Suzala added. “But once they’re here, they’re happy they came.”