February 22, 2010

Visiting Illustrator and Watercolorist Elaine Verstraete visits Hilton High School Art Department

Illustrator and watercolorist Elaine Verstraete of Middlesex, New York who teaches Illustration at Rochester Institute of Technology, visited the Hilton High School Art department in February for a series of watercolor workshops. Ms. Verstraete is a 1980 graduate of Hilton High School. 

"Elaine Verstraete has been working as an illustrator and artist in the Rochester area since 1988 and has built a reputation as a fine watercolorist," teacher Christine VerWeire said.  "Her paintings have been published on a number art festival posters including the Lilac Festival, Corn Hill Festival, Gardenscape and the Naples Grape Festival. She has illustrated many children’s books including a series of 'On My Own' biographies for Lerner Publishing that are filled with detailed figurative watercolors and colorful portraits for the covers.  A recent book, The Star of Christmas, was published by Winterlake Press."

Ms. Verstraete's illustrations can be found on Wegmans Brand product packaging including gourmet coffee, frozen yogurt and premium orange juice. Landscape and still life images have appeared as Easter and Christmas Seals for the American Lung Association.

"This is a unique opportunity for our students" said Christine VerWeire, teacher in the High School Art Department.  For further information: Elaine Verstreate website.