Drawn to faces

The artists practice their craft while enjoying social time.

By WILLIAM D. LEWIS

VINDICATOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

WARREN — Artists affiliated with Trumbull Art Gallery have gathered most Tuesday mornings since 1981 at the SCOPE Center here to practice their craft in a portrait session.

“That’s a lot of faces,” said Marie Dippolito, a local artist who is part of the group and has exhibited some of her work in a show at TAG called “Many Faces, Many Years.”

The portrait sessions are not only an opportunity for artists to exchange ideas and techniques but also are a social gathering as well.

Between sketches and brush strokes, the artists keep up a healthy conversation on topics ranging from politics to family matters.

The subject of the portrait session is often a SCOPE member. In this case, it was Gail Brady of Warren, who just happened to be at SCOPE and volunteered.

Brady, donning a dark turtleneck sweater and ball cap, held a cup of coffee while posing for the group of artists.

Many of the artists participating in the SCOPE portrait sessions have exhibited their work at TAG or other local galleries. They work in a variety of mediums including pencil and watercolor.

Some have even sold pieces of their work. TAG member Judy Waid of Howland said making portraits is good practice for an artist, adding that some of the artists make several sketches in one session. Waid stressed the session was not an art class but a group of artists working in one place.

Anne Pachos, another local artist participating in the session, said, “I paint for my own amazement. I’m always amazed at what comes out of the brush.”