Ms. Epstein began painting with watercolors in 1980 when she enrolled in the George Washington University Art Therapy Program. Bernard Levy, the director of the program, required all art therapy students to enroll in a fine arts class. Dr. Levy taught watercolor classes at the Washington DC Recreation Center and Ms. Epstein enrolled in his class mostly because it seemed like the politic thing to do. Never having worked in watercolor, she quickly learned the basic techniques under Dr. Levy’s tutelage and discovered that she enjoyed the fluidity and grace of watercolor. She painted off and on during the next several years, taking classes at the Alexandria Art League and Arlington County adult education. She has displayed her work at shows in Alexandria and Arlington, and has taken several commissions.
Ms. Epstein is a member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, the Potomac Valley Watercolorists, the Vienna Arts Society, and Falls Church Arts. She has participated in the plein air sessions at the Falls Church Farmer’s Market for two seasons. She especially likes painting the flowers and plants that are sold at the farmer’s market stalls and juried shows. The Cherry Hill Farmhouse and other historic homes in Falls Church have been the subject of Ms. Epstein’s paintings. Through the Vienna Arts Society, she has worked on art projects with soldiers and dependents at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. She often paints from photographs that she has taken from her vacations in the U.S. and Europe and has been commissioned to paint portraits of pets.
Ms. Epstein received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Art Education (University of North Dakota) and a Master’s of Science degree in Art Therapy (George Washington University).
Ms. Epstein can be reached at akepstein3555@gmail.com.
Website: AnitaEpsteinWatercolors.com