Artist of the Month: Meet Patricia Reilly

By Patricia Reilly

Note: Dunmore Activity Hub, or Dunmore Senior Center, has seen a resurgence in interest in its painting class. Each month, The Dunmorean will introduce you to these talented artists and their artwork with the assistance of Dolly Michalczyk

My love for painting began in the 70’s at the YWCA in Scranton, where I took art classes with Ms. Haddie Emmick. It was there that I completed my very first still life. Those years sparked the love of painting in me.

I stepped away from painting for a few years, after we moved to New Jersey, to focus on raising our three children, Debbe, David, and Jackie. Painting slowly found its way back into my life when my husband Jack and I moved back to Pennsylvania.

Nearly 18 years ago, my sister in law Maria, invited me to join her for an art class at the DSC. Since then, we have been painting together side-by-side, sharing stories and laughter, and forming meaningful friendships with fellow painters. Even my husband Jack joined the class for a few years. It became an enjoyable way to spend our leisurely retirement together.

My paintings are inspired by the beauty around me and special moments with my family and my four grandchildren, Damian, Ashlynn, Avery, and Gabriella.

Dunmore Senior Center art teacher Jill Swersie has inspired me through sharing her expertise in painting.

From her, I have learned how to add shadows, to add a touch of red to bring a painting to life, and to use color in a new and exciting way. Jill has helped me see painting differently, which has given me the confidence to try new ideas with my paintings.

Looking back through the years, painting has been woven through different chapters of my life. It has brought me joy, connection, and a beautiful sense of belonging. I’m truly grateful that, after all these years, I’m still holding a paint brush and enjoying every moment of it.