Travels in Watercolor at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

For nearly a decade, Elanore Abrams and Harriet Davidson have traveled the globe as inspiration for their unique works of art.

About eight months ago, the duo approached the director of thewith hopes to showcase their work in the library's gallery.

"Its so nice and fresh and airy," Abrams said of the space. "The viewing is terrific and they're very welcoming. It's just a lovely place."

Abrams, a Queens native who now resides in Hicksville, began painting in the 1970s and fell in love with watercolor. "It's very satisfying and it's pliable," she said of the painting style. "It's like a mystery; you never know how it's going to develop."

Since the 1990s, Abrams has visited several countries across the globe with her friend and colleague, Davidson. Her favorite place is Italy, more specifically, Venice or Sorrento. About 10 of the featured watercolor paintings are based on her travels in Italian cities, along with many based on scenery from around the world.

Davidson primarily uses  watercolor for her work, just like Abrams, along with pastels, gouache and pen. "I gradually moved into working with pastels, I love it," she said. "I love incorporating it in with the water color. I use gouache because it is another technique to use with watercolor and I like to do things that are kind of out of the ordinary."

Before the economy took a turn for the worst, Abrams and Davidson would travel at least two times per year. They've had to cut back in recent years. No plans are set for the upcoming year but both artists hope to visit Spain sometime in the future.

The exhibit is now running at the Plainview Old Bethpage Public Library until Jan. 31. An opening reception was held Saturday afternoon where family, friends and community members gathered in honor of Abrams and Davidson.

Although many of the pieces are only for show and not for sale, both artists have reproduced their artwork as greeting cards which are available at the library.