Following in the footsteps of great artists, the art department from St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, organized a painting excursion.

Students from the Prep’s painting class led by Jeanne Buccino, art department chairperson, traveled to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to paint the rolling hills of cherry blossoms, wide-open fields of tulips and the beautiful architectural greenhouses.

Marc Salmin, one of the school’s art teachers, demonstrated his expert acrylic techniques to the 20 student-participants. It was an extraordinary experience for the students and park visitors alike.

“People came by to look at our paintings in progress and ask us about our work,” Buccino said. “It was a thrilling experience to paint in a public space, on site for all to see.”

The group packed up everything that would ordinarily be within reach in the classroom – easels, paints, palates, primed canvases, brushes, water and rags and brought them to the gardens.

“We painted all day; nature and serenity were all around us,” Buccino said. “The time flew and before we knew it we were packing up.”