- By Ben Widmer -
Eleanor Seidenglanz, one of our own
Tidings reporters, has offered to show some of her treasures in the Lakeside display cases for January. This reporter went to see some of these needlepoint and cross stitch creations and was surprised to learn they were all done by her late husband Edward.
He graduated from Villanova University as a mechanical engineer. In his work, he was instrumental in changing aircraft catapults from hydraulic to steam which proved very beneficial to operations aboard a carrier. This busy engineer in his spare time was interested in music, art, photography and became an expert in needlepoint and cross stitch.
Some people watch TV, travel, or just loaf in their time off. Edward did needlepoint. How many hours were consumed creating these pieces of art? Eleanor couldn’t guess. She remembers he was always busy.
There are many pictures of landscapes, designs, and characters all expertly done. There are also many hand cushions with very interesting pictures. I’m sure you’ll enjoy some of Eleanor’s treasures.
In Fairway’s display cases this month, LCG resident and artist Joyce Patrick treats us to many of her beautiful paintings. Many years ago, a friend suggested to Joyce that they take up “tole” painting, a colonial art form of painting done on prepared surfaces of metal or wood. She never had enough time to do all she wanted to do from then on…her artistic career was launched and this passion took over her life.
She prefers acrylic paints over oils because they can be used in the manner of oil or water color paints, since they dry quickly for an impatient artist.
Joyce sees things as shapes and colors. She begins by designing her subjects. If you want to try, she suggests that you look in the mirror to see a face that is round, triangular, square, or rectangular. Draw the shape, add the features in a simple way, color and
voila!