Bill Graziano is the December Artist of the Month at Dunmore Senior Center. Graziano decided to tackle his “bucket list” after retiring 10 years ago.

“Since oil painting was far down on the list, I didn’t get to it until several years ago,” Bill explains. “Dolly Michalczyk suggested the Dunmore Senior Center, known as HUB, to me. She told me just to bring a canvas and some brushes.” At that time, the paints were supplied.

“To my surprise, Dolly was absent upon my initial visit,” Bill remembers. “Still, I found everyone to be most welcoming and friendly. I was also happy to find other men in the class.”

Bill says the instructor, Jill Swersie, is “the BEST!” He says she is helpful and encouraging.

“Jill often tells us that if you don’t put paint on the canvas, we can’t correct it.,” Bill says. More experienced fellow students often offer helpful suggestions as well.

Recalling his first attempt, a Tuscan scene, Bill says, “My nickname for it is ‘beginner’s luck,’ as it actually turned out pleasing to the eye. Others that followed were not as lucky, but each painting became an exercise in painting techniques for me.”

Graziano has tried different styles and subjects while seeking his comfort zone—landscapes, nostalgic scenes, romantic, modern, and even abstract. He enjoys them all, but favors landscapes.

“But as far as completing a picture, I don’t think an artist ever thinks he is finally done,” he confesses.

His class has participated in art shows, both at the center and in the local community at First Friday events. At shows, he not only exhibits, but offers paintings for sale.

Bill still considers himself “an art student,” and does not plan to sign any of his paintings until he feels he has graduated to “artist.” He looks forward to continued growth.

Graziano says the HUB is a great community center, offering many different programs and opportunities for fun and new friendships.

“We are very lucky to have such a new and beautiful facility right here in Dunmore,” he says.