by Heather Hanson
View vibrant pops of color and warm, welcoming landscapes through the captivating watercolor paintings of Marcos Oksenhendler and Thomas Augusta, on display throughout August and September at the Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg. Both local artists have called the Pocono area home for over 20 years and have recently lent their collective experience as Art Directors at prestigious NYC companies to the Pocono Community Theater, as Chair and Co-chair of the Art Committee. “ We wanted to give back to our community and get involved with the artistic renaissance we see happening here” explained Oksenhendler. To both talented artists, the Pocono Community Theater has been the venue that many budding artists in our community have been looking for. With a different show occurring every two months and the public responding, both Oksenhendler and Augusta see big potential in the PCT gallery. “We have had several pieces sell from each exhibit,” said Augusta, “the public is certainly taking notice.”
Marcos Oksenhendler is most pleased with his paintings when the realms of realism and abstraction play an equal part. “ It forces the observer to look at a piece in two ways at the same time” he explained. Examples of this are evident in the bright, swirling colors of his work, which after closer observation become reminiscent of the tangling vines and broad leaves of water lilies. His love of art was sparked as a child, while watching is father sketch clothing designs at his tailor shop in Morocco. After migrating to America at the age of 11, Oksenhendler pursued his passion for art and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. For over 20 years Oksenhendler built a fruitful artistic career in New York City, as both a freelance illustrator for companies such as Tiffany’s and Estee Lauder and worked his way from Fashion Illustrator to Art Director of the Daily News. Inspired by the natural aspects of the Poconos, Oksenhendler took up watercolor painting 15 years ago, and devotes much of his creative energy to the medium. “ I like watercolor because there is a challenge that I enjoy in controlling it” said Oksenhendler of his art.
Thomas Augusta considers himself a watercolorist with a graphic eye, often thinking about lines and negative space before ever touching a brush to the canvas. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Augusta cultivated his artistic talents at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and in recent years has dedicated his talents to supporting local artistic efforts through organizations like the Pocono Arts Council. After working as a well-respected designer in the fast-paced advertising industry of New York City for 20 years, Augusta has now taken up watercolor painting as a full-time career. In the bucolic setting of his home in Portland, Pa., nestled near the Delaware River, he has found an abundance of inspiration for his work. “ I paint what I think is pleasing to the eye. Landscapes, cityscapes, and still lifes all begin with strong composition and a sense of design. “ Often, Augusta’s works combine expertly placed negative space and complex color, bringing to life an amber field or inviting garden scene.
View vibrant pops of color and warm, welcoming landscapes through the captivating watercolor paintings of Marcos Oksenhendler and Thomas Augusta, on display throughout August and September at the Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg. Both local artists have called the Pocono area home for over 20 years and have recently lent their collective experience as Art Directors at prestigious NYC companies to the Pocono Community Theater, as Chair and Co-chair of the Art Committee. “ We wanted to give back to our community and get involved with the artistic renaissance we see happening here” explained Oksenhendler. To both talented artists, the Pocono Community Theater has been the venue that many budding artists in our community have been looking for. With a different show occurring every two months and the public responding, both Oksenhendler and Augusta see big potential in the PCT gallery. “We have had several pieces sell from each exhibit,” said Augusta, “the public is certainly taking notice.”
Marcos Oksenhendler is most pleased with his paintings when the realms of realism and abstraction play an equal part. “ It forces the observer to look at a piece in two ways at the same time” he explained. Examples of this are evident in the bright, swirling colors of his work, which after closer observation become reminiscent of the tangling vines and broad leaves of water lilies. His love of art was sparked as a child, while watching is father sketch clothing designs at his tailor shop in Morocco. After migrating to America at the age of 11, Oksenhendler pursued his passion for art and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. For over 20 years Oksenhendler built a fruitful artistic career in New York City, as both a freelance illustrator for companies such as Tiffany’s and Estee Lauder and worked his way from Fashion Illustrator to Art Director of the Daily News. Inspired by the natural aspects of the Poconos, Oksenhendler took up watercolor painting 15 years ago, and devotes much of his creative energy to the medium. “ I like watercolor because there is a challenge that I enjoy in controlling it” said Oksenhendler of his art.
Thomas Augusta considers himself a watercolorist with a graphic eye, often thinking about lines and negative space before ever touching a brush to the canvas. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Augusta cultivated his artistic talents at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and in recent years has dedicated his talents to supporting local artistic efforts through organizations like the Pocono Arts Council. After working as a well-respected designer in the fast-paced advertising industry of New York City for 20 years, Augusta has now taken up watercolor painting as a full-time career. In the bucolic setting of his home in Portland, Pa., nestled near the Delaware River, he has found an abundance of inspiration for his work. “ I paint what I think is pleasing to the eye. Landscapes, cityscapes, and still lifes all begin with strong composition and a sense of design. “ Often, Augusta’s works combine expertly placed negative space and complex color, bringing to life an amber field or inviting garden scene.
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