MAG Makes Room for Supersize Work

When you are an artist, space at galleries and in art shows is often limited, so for those who create larger paintings and photos, it's not always easy to have their work seen. That was the genesis behind the Mamaroneck Artists Guild's current exhibit, "Thinking Big," which is comprised of a collection of large works that will be on view through July 10.

"This show highlights the big work, because they rarely have room for these sort of paintings," said Hilda Green Demsky, whose "Water in Multen Gold" is on display. "This is a pleasure because I love to work big. I like to use my whole body to get into the work, rather than just taking little tiny strokes. I prefer being bolder and thinking broader. I love the whole idea of working on a larger canvas."

When it was time for Demsky to choose a piece for the show, she settled on this one because she wanted to send an important message.

"For quite a long time I have been concerned about water issues, so this painting plays on the fact that water resources are so valuable that we should treat them like gold," she said.

For Lynne Rose, this show was a chance to try something a little different, as she doesn't normally paint so large.

"It has challenges. This is the largest painting I have ever done, and this was a great opportunity for me to show it," said Rose, who has a watercolor abstract of tulips hanging. "I think it's a really nice opportunity for people who have larger works to be able to show them. It's really hung in a way where it's easy to look around and see, and everything is very unique."

There is a tremendous diversity in the media, subjects and styles of the 15 pieces on display, which include watercolors, acrylics, oils, photographs and even ceramics.

"Even though there were no guidelines, there seems to be a running theme of nature with many of the pieces in the show," said Catherine Caufiled Russell, who has a 44-by-58 painting of the Rye Marshlands hanging along the back wall.

"I first did a painting, and then a preliminary painting from that, and another to execute this large work," Russell said. "I do a considerable amount in this size. I made this specifically for this show. I love that you can be more expressive in your movement and it offers more of a challenge."

Jennifer Elhardt has her first-ever photo on display, a 24-by-36 blown up shot of the Parthenon.

"I feel like the photos I take look a little better larger than smaller," she said. "I'm a new member so this is my first show that I have shown something in. I think there are some very beautiful pieces here and I'm excited to be included."

Steve Jagoba did a pastel drawing that measures 40-by-22 inches, which is normal for him.

"I do a considerable amount of work in this size," Jagoba said. "It gives me a lot of freedom and a lot of room to play, so I'm not restrained like other painters."