Join us for a gallery opening celebrating the graphite artwork of Trish Weisbrot. Her hand-drawn pieces explore the depth and subtlety of black and white, using tone and texture to bring each subject to life.

Experience the beauty of graphite and the depth of simplicity in this intimate exhibition. The opening reception is a drop-in event with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.

Artist’s Statement

In the summer of 2002, looking over the shoulder of an artist at work, I said, “Wish I could do that!” She replied, “You can!” as she handed me a pencil and a piece of paper, and I haven’t put the pencil down yet.

“Why graphite?” I have been asked that question many times. Color can distract the eye. Are you looking at the color or the subject itself? I love working with a palette of two colors: tone and texture. It is like sculpting, molding, and painting with tones. So, to answer the question: Why graphite? For the challenge of it.

As Spike Milligan said, “I’ll draw a sketch of thee. What kind of pencil shall I use? 2B or not 2B?”

About the Artist

Trish Weisbrot earned a B.F.A. in Drama and an M.A. in Education. She has worked in the film industry in New York City, as a teacher for children with learning disabilities, and has owned an independent bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Artistically, she has explored various mediums, including graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor. She states, “I am exploring, learning, and loving each step of the way. Art is in the doing… so the journey continues.”

Trish has exhibited her art at the Kittery Art Association, the York Library, Arts in the Barn, and the Lobster Festival Show in Maine, as well as at the Southern Vermont Art Center here in Manchester. She specializes in traditionally hand-drawn pet portraits of dogs, cats, horses, or frogs, but “no snakes, spiders, or any creepy crawlies.” Working from customer-provided photographs, she asserts that her graphite portraiture method “allows for subtlety and range of tones to create not only likeness but also the unique spirit that makes your pet special.”

Trish offers commissioned pet portraits, hand-drawn with graphite on Bristol, acid-free archival drawing paper. Each picture is roughly 8” x 10”.