beth breakstone

Artist Statement

Dr. Beth Breakstone, a resident of New Rochelle, NY, did not come to art in the usual way. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her degree in Medicine from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She trained as a pathologist and was the Assistant Director of Pathology at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY for the bulk of her career. She always believed if she had not become a physician, she would have been an artist. She was fortunate to retire early and pursue her creative dreams. When asked why a physician would become an artist, Dr. Breakstone answered that it allowed her to combine her artistic interest with her power of observation. Her choice of media is dictated by the subject matter and includes watercolor, acrylic, pastels, oil, gouache, and India ink. Although she studied Botanical Art and Natural Science Illustration at the New York Botanical Garden, her interest is not limited to classical botanical subjects. Her latest paintings are predominantly landscapes inspired by her travels and the beauty of nature. Her work has been exhibited in juried and invitational shows in New York City and Connecticut.