#Painters westchester county

[cetpainting1]

Painters Westchester County I C.E.T. Painting

Whether interior or exterior, residential or commercial, our Westchester County house painters provide our clients with a job that looks great, lasts long and earns us repeat business and referrals. In addition to expert painting services, we provide siding installation, kitchen cabinet refinishing, deck staining, epoxy floor coating, pressure washing and even home remodeling services.

https://cetpainting.com/

[mgppaintingservice]

How Long Should You Wait After Washing Walls for Painting?

Are you planning to give your walls a fresh coat of paint? Before you start, it's essential to properly prepare your walls for painting to ensure a smooth and durable finish. But how long should you wait after washing walls before painting? This is a common question we receive at MGP Painting. 

The drying time can significantly impact the quality of your paint job, influencing how well the paint adheres to the surface and how it looks after drying. Understanding the factors that affect drying time and following best practices can make a big difference in the final result of your painting project.

Why Do You Need to Wash Walls Before Painting?

Properly washing your walls before painting is an essential step in achieving a professional and long-lasting finish. Over time, walls accumulate dust, dirt, grease, and even old paint residues, all of which can affect the adhesion and appearance of new paint. 

Here are the main reasons why washing walls is a crucial pre-painting step:

Removing Dirt, Grime, and Old Paint

Walls can gather a lot of surface contaminants, including dirt, grime, and old paint flakes. If these are not removed before painting, they can cause the new paint to peel or blister, leading to an uneven and unattractive finish.

Ensuring a Smooth and Even Paint Application

Cleaning the walls helps to create a smooth surface, which is essential for an even coat of paint. Any remaining debris or residue can create bumps and imperfections that are noticeable after the paint dries.

Improving Paint Adhesion and Durability

A clean surface ensures that the paint adheres properly to the wall. This improves the durability and longevity of the paint job, helping to prevent issues like peeling and chipping. Proper adhesion is especially important in high-traffic areas or on walls that are frequently touched.

Factors Affecting Drying Time

The drying time after washing your walls can vary based on several factors. Understanding these can help you determine the optimal time to wait before starting your paint job.

Type of Cleaner Used

Soap and Water: Using a mild soap and water solution is common for cleaning walls. However, soap can leave a residue that needs to be thoroughly rinsed off and allowed to dry, which can extend drying time.

Specialized Cleaning Products: Products designed specifically for pre-paint cleaning often dry faster than soap and water. They also tend to leave less residue, which can speed up the drying process.

Environmental Conditions

Humidity Levels: High humidity can significantly slow down the drying process. In contrast, low humidity levels help walls dry faster.

Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally accelerate drying, while cooler temperatures can slow it down. Maintaining a warm, well-ventilated environment can help speed up the process.

Wall Material

Drywall: Drywall typically dries relatively quickly, especially if only lightly cleaned with a damp cloth.

Plaster: Plaster walls can absorb more moisture and may take longer to dry compared to drywall.

Concrete: Concrete walls can also hold moisture longer, requiring more time to dry thoroughly.

If you're uncertain about the drying time or need expert advice, contact MGP Painting for a professional recommendation and assistance with your painting project.

Tips for Faster Drying

If you're eager to start painting but want to ensure your walls are properly dry, there are several strategies you can employ to speed up the drying process. Here are some effective tips to help your walls dry faster:

Increasing Ventilation

Open Windows and Doors: Allowing fresh air to circulate through the room can help moisture evaporate more quickly. Open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze that enhances airflow.

Use Fans: Place fans around the room to direct airflow onto the walls. Oscillating fans can cover a larger area and speed up the drying process.

Using Fans or Dehumidifiers

Fans: In addition to increasing ventilation, fans can be strategically placed to target particularly damp areas. Box fans and oscillating fans are especially effective.

Dehumidifiers: High humidity levels can slow down drying. Using a dehumidifier in the room can reduce humidity and accelerate drying by removing excess moisture from the air.

Timing Your Painting Project to Coincide with Dry Weather

Check the Weather Forecast: Plan your cleaning and painting projects during a period of dry weather. High humidity and rainy conditions can extend drying times.

Work in Warm, Dry Conditions: Warm temperatures help moisture evaporate faster. If possible, adjust your project schedule to take advantage of warmer days.

For more detailed tips and to understand the importance of proper drying times before painting, read our full blog. 

Potential Issues of Painting Too Soon

Painting over walls that haven't fully dried can lead to various problems that affect the quality and durability of your paint job. It's crucial to allow sufficient drying time to avoid these potential issues:

Peeling or Bubbling Paint

Insufficient drying time can trap moisture beneath the paint surface. This trapped moisture can cause the paint to bubble or peel away from the wall over time, resulting in an uneven and unsightly finish.

Uneven Finish

Wet walls can affect how paint adheres and dries, leading to an uneven appearance once the paint sets. This can create visible streaks or patches that detract from the overall aesthetic of the room.

Reduced Paint Adhesion and Longevity

Properly dried walls provide a stable surface for paint adhesion. Painting too soon can compromise this adhesion, causing the paint to wear away more quickly and requiring premature repainting.

Conclusion

Properly preparing your walls before painting by allowing adequate drying time is crucial for achieving a flawless and long-lasting finish. By following recommended drying times, checking for dryness with simple tests, and employing strategies to speed up drying, you can ensure that your paint adheres smoothly and evenly. Trust MGP Painting for professional advice tailored to your painting project needs.

[theworstfoundingfathers]

Who is the worst founding father? Round 2: John Jay vs Charles Willson Peale

John Jay (December 12, 1745 – May 17, 1829) was an American statesman, patriot, diplomat, abolitionist, signatory of the Treaty of Paris, and a Founding Father of the United States. He served as the second governor of New York and the first chief justice of the United States. He directed U.S. foreign policy for much of the 1780s and was an important leader of the Federalist Party after the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788.

Jay served as the governor of New York from 1795 to 1801. Although he successfully passed gradual emancipation legislation as governor of the state, he owned five slaves as late as 1800. In the waning days of President John Adams' administration, Jay was confirmed by the Senate for another term as chief justice, but he declined the position and retired to his farm in Westchester County, New York.

John Jay himself purchased, owned, rented out and manumitted at least 17 slaves during his lifetime. He is not known to have owned or invested in any slave ships. In 1783, one of Jay's slaves, a woman named Abigail, attempted to escape in Paris, but was found, imprisoned, and died soon after the illness. Jay was irritated by her escape attempt, suggesting that she be left in prison for some time. To his biographer Walter Stahr, this reaction indicates that "however much [Jay] disliked slavery in the abstract, he could not understand why one of his slaves would run away."

Charles Willson Peale (April 15, 1741 – February 22, 1827) was an American painter, American patriot, scientist, inventor, politician, and naturalist.

In 1775, inspired by the American Revolution, Peale moved from his native Maryland to Philadelphia, where he set up a painting studio and joined Sons of Liberty, the Pennsylvania militia, and ultimately the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington, where he participated in active combat against the British Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Despite his support of antislavery legislation and expressed distaste for human bondage, Peale was a slave owner for many years. Though Peale had freed Lucy and Scarborough [an enslaved couple he owned], their son Moses remained an enslaved apprentice until his manumission at the turn of the nineteenth century, at twenty-seven years old.

[kevin-roberts-painting]

Painter Westchester County

We are expert interior/exterior painters in Westchester County, offering professional design, color consultation, carpentry, and painting services. Get a free estimate!

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Trusted Painters in Westchester County

For reliable and high-quality painting services in Westchester County, trust CET Painting. Our experienced painters deliver superior results for both interior and exterior projects. Call us today to schedule your painting project and receive a free estimate.

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Bloglet

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

No joy in Mudville. The Yankees (of fable and song) are .500.

Article re Walgreen's in Chicago that had become a hangout for kids (with lots of pilfering going on). A solution, they think, is to play classical music. I remember, years ago, hearing that 7-Eleven, for the same purpose, had begun playing Montovani recordings. I remember when they tried this at the Port Authority to drive away the rabble. I remember taking a shortcut through there and hearing Debussy's "Fetes." (The wacky things you remember.)

No rioting in Atlanta, though they were prepared for it Lots of name calling and threats but no flag waving, bear spray crazies. Yet.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

I learn that Ikuko Roth, wife of Dick Roth, has died. The Roths were our Forest Hills neighbors. Both painters. I phone Kenichi to tell him the news but he already knows, having heard from one of the Roth sons. The funeral (which I thought might be in Queens) is in Westchester County. Valhalla. Kenichi says we might be able to go.

I feel guilty for having gotten out of touch with the Roths. I meant to drop by and see them. But so many things happened...I mean, the pandemic and my work and all that. Such interesting people. As the world counts success I guess they didn't have much, but they were able to keep painting, even in their nineties. Quite a story here.

[wilossspainting]

Painting Contractors In Westchester

Painting Contractors In Westchester

When it comes to finding reliable painting contractors in Westchester County, it can be a daunting task. However, with Wilos Painting, you can trust that you're in good hands. With years of experience, a skilled and professional team, a commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service, we stands out among the competition. They offer a personalized approach to each project, using high-quality materials and techniques to deliver outstanding results. Plus, with competitive pricing and timely completion, you can transform your home or business with ease.

We have built a solid Reputation and Experience Established Painting contractors in  in Westchester County,  for providing top-notch painting services to residential and commercial clients. With years of experience in the industry, they have honed their skills and expertise, delivering remarkable results that consistently exceed customer expectations. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, including interior and exterior painting, power washing, deck staining, and more.

with the Skilled and Professional Team we takes pride in its team of highly skilled and professional painters. Their crew consists of trained individuals who possess in-depth knowledge of various painting techniques, materials, and colour combinations. They are committed to delivering flawless results, paying meticulous attention to detail and ensuring a smooth and even finish. With their expertise, Wilos Painting can handle projects of any size and complexity.

Our Work Not only flashes by our team and work but also by Using high-quality materials and employing the latest techniques are hallmarks of Our approach. They understand that using premium paints, primers, and tools is crucial for achieving long-lasting, vibrant results. By staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements, they can offer their clients the most innovative solutions available. Whether it's selecting the right type of paint or employing specialized techniques, We ensures that every aspect of your project is executed to perfection.

The competitive pricing without compromising on quality. They provide detailed, transparent estimates, ensuring there are no surprises along the way. Their team respects your time and strives to complete projects within the agreed-upon timeframe. With efficient planning and execution.

When it comes to painting contractors in Westchester County ,We shines as a reliable and reputable choice. Their skilled team, dedication to quality, personalized approach, and commitment to customer satisfaction set them apart. Whether you're looking to enhance your home's interior, rejuvenate your business's exterior, or tackle any other painting project, Wilos Painting has the expertise and professionalism to bring your vision to life. Contact Us today and experience the difference of working with a truly exceptional painting contractor.

[salmapainting]

Painters Gordon Smith and Elmer DeWitt Smith

Painters Gordon slams down a forceful language of figuration, one that moves beyond the superficial and into unseen realms. Her paintings are self-portraits that explore her own experience as a biracial, queer woman.

A young artist, she has exhibited her work internationally, including New York, Los Angeles and London. Her paintings examine mental illness, racial prejudice, and societal stigmas of sexuality, among other themes. She is also interested in the way these issues impact the body and intimacy.

She graduated from The Rhode Island School of Design in 2021, and was a recipient of a RISD Fellowship. She has also received an Emerging Artist Award and an Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant, and has been invited to participate in many group shows, including Jeffrey Deitch’s “Wonder Women” exhibition in Los Angeles and the Rudolph Tegners Museum in Denmark.

Her first solo exhibition was at the Matthew Brown Gallery in Los Angeles, which led to her first museum acquisition, at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami. Her paintings have been exhibited at numerous galleries in New York, San Francisco and London, and her work is included in private and public collections throughout the world.

In her earliest works, Gordon resisted depicting herself, choosing to focus on animals and friends rather than self-portraits. Her discomfort with depicting herself stems from her childhood in Westchester County, New York, and the cultural isolation she felt as a biracial Korean-American woman. She has since found that her paintings are a way to confront her feelings of alienation and self-discovery.

Smith, a British-born painter who emigrated to Canada in 1933, spent most of his life on Vancouver's West Coast, where he lived and painted until his death at age 97 in 2018. His landscape paintings drew inspiration from the local environment while also playing with representation and abstraction.

The early work of Smith was influenced by English Romantics, but he was quickly immersed in Modernism and abstraction when he moved to Canada. During his early years, he studied under Elmer Bishop at the California School of Fine Arts, and in 1939, he began experimenting with painting in the Abstract Expressionist style, working alongside his mentor, Arthur Erickson.

As he worked in this style, Smith became known for his lush, often monumental landscapes, like his 1996 Pond series. But he never stopped experimenting with style and form.

Though he was an accomplished landscape painter, he was also known for his use of color and texture. He had a unique and highly distinctive style that is reminiscent of both traditional painters and contemporary artists.

Besides his landscapes, he was also known for his paintings of portraits and interiors. He also used a variety of mediums, including pastel and watercolor, to create his art.

Gordon, the daughter of a Polish American father and a Korean mother, grew up in Westchester County, NY. She was a biracial, queer girl who struggled with her identity and self-image. Her discomfort with depicting herself, and her experiences with racial discrimination and mental illness, inspired her to begin painting in a more self-reflective way.

Offering quality services in the best possible pricing is the motto of Salma Painting and Decorating Services. Having started out in the year 2003, over the years, we have grown our clientele and engaged in a range of painting and decorating services for commercial, residential and industrial segments.

[wilospainting]

We are a local, family-owned, licensed exterior painting company in Westchester County homeowner's a new level of precision and professionalism.

[cetpainting1]

White Plains Painters I C.E.T. Painting

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner in Westchester County, if you are looking for a reputable, trustworthy company to improve your home or business, our Westchester painters invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation. https://cetpainting.com/westchester-county/

[tonkitheperfect]

Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats

#Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats how to

#Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats professional

On the other hand, if you use a paint sprayer, the paint that gets applied isn’t nearly as thick as a brush, or a roller, requiring the least amount of time. While a paintbrush may feel more comfortable to hold and dip directly into your paint, it’s application is thicker, and will take longer to dry. Paint drying time depends on the type of paint, sheen, thickness of application and application method.Īndrew Wilson, a contractor with Contractor Advisorly, says there is much more paint when using a brush. For the initial drying time, it usually takes 30 to 90 minutes to be dry to the touch. A paint roller is best for smooth to semi-smooth walls and will apply paint in a thinner coat. Your dry time will also vary greatly depending on how you choose to paint your wall. Thickness and application of your paint can directly affect how long it takes your paint to dry. The Process of Paint Drying Dry Time for the First Coat

#Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats professional

Matte paint dries faster than glossier paint, in fact, using a glossier paint can add up to an hour to your total dry time.Īccording to professional DIYer and interior designer Cara Newhart, there are three important time frames when it comes to paint drying: dry time, recoat time and cure time. A thicker paint (like two-in-one paint and primer) takes longer to paint (and dry) because it’s significantly thicker. Water-based paints dry faster than oil-based paints because they’re thinner, and easily affected by airflow. There are three primary types of paint: water-based, latex and oil-based. A few things to consider are temperature, humidity, type of paint and finish. While the painting process could technically be completed overnight you want to ensure that your paint is thoroughly dry before moving forward. According to design writer Emily David, “with modern convalescent paint technology, the paint dries quicker than ever.” This research can even help prevent uneven textures or visible imperfections during the process.īrooke Grasley, founder of Restore Decor and More, says as a general rule-in ideal conditions- you can usually apply the second coat within two to four hours of the first coat.

#Exterior paint 2 or 3 coats how to

Trying to figure out how long to wait can be tricky, and a little boring, but totally worth it in the end.Īccording to designer Anita Mullane, knowing the type of paint you’re using goes a long way in understanding how to get the best results. Sometimes, you just can’t wait to re-hang your art or move your furniture back into place after a fresh coat-but you should. Deciding to give your walls a new coat of paint is exciting, but the anticipation of waiting for them to properly dry can be torture. If you have questions about your Westchester or Fairfield County home, please contact us at A.G. Try using a tinted primer to smooth your transition from the old to new color! Talk To a Professional Painter About Your Exterior Painting Goals If you’re painting a lighter color over a darker, on the other hand, you may need more than two coats. This is particularly true if you are painting a dark color over a lighter, existing one, as you’re guaranteed to have good coverage. Two coats is typically all that’s needed, if you’re painting over a well-prepped, primed surface. So, How Many Coats of Exterior Paint Should You Apply? Wood rot repair, patching, sanding, cleaning, and more… All of these contribute to your paint’s ability to adhere well and truly endure. Part of the value you receive when you hire a professional painting company is the benefit of skilled, experienced, thorough surface prep. The success or failure of your exterior painting endeavors is largely determined before you even open a paint can. Don’t Forget To Thoroughly Prepare the Surface Before Painting Exterior paint provides too much essential protection and practical value to hold back on the application.Īs you decide how many coats you really need to get the job done, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. You don’t want to overdo it, but you also certainly don’t want to apply too thin a coating either. Color, brand ( invest in high-quality paint !), quantity, and, of course, how many coats to apply. As you plan your exterior painting update, you have a lot to consider.

[mgppaintingservice]

Are you in need of a reliable and trustworthy painting company for your home or business? Look no further than MGP Painting. With our expert team of professional painters and commitment to excellence, we have become the trusted choice for interior and exterior painting in Orange County, Westchester County, Bergen County and Rockland County. Our passion for creating beautiful and personalized spaces shines through in every project we take on, whether it's a small residential job or a large commercial project. When you choose MGP Painting, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Contact us today for a free estimate.

[doubleepainting]

Checking the Interior And Exterior Painting Services of the House

Really take a look at The House Exteriors

Something to keep an eye out for is indications of wear on the rooftop. This is evident assuming the wear is exceptionally cutting-edge; be that as it may, more unobtrusive indications of rooftop maturing can be very difficult to take note. Know that restoring a rooftop might cost truckload of cash, and it might try and cost more assuming the current material surface should be supplanted before re-material.

As well as checking the rooftop, the siding of the house should likewise be investigated, particularly since dwelling a house can cost large number of dollars. Different things you really want to investigate are the:

Windows-on the off chance that they are old and imperfect, they should be supplanted

Land around the home-it should be appropriately reviewed to redirect water from the house. This

will bring down the chance of water interruption.

Investigate The House Interiors

Perhaps of the main thing you want to investigate prior to purchasing a house is the storm cellar. You and the home monitor should decide whether the cellar is inclined to flooding. The storm cellar region should be checked for water stains, smell of clamminess, shape and buildup, harmed and measuring floors, flowering on the walls, etc. You should likewise decide whether there are any water sealing frameworks and sump siphons in the cellar. These frameworks can bring down the gamble of flooding; nonetheless, it can't wipe out water interruption. On the off chance that the house doesn't have a current water sealing framework, it can cost thousands.

One more significant element to consider is the protection and ventilation of the house. Assuming the house has insufficient ventilation, it can result to quicker disintegration of the rooftop deck. At the point when this occurs, you will confront gigantic fix costs since you really want to eliminate and supplant the material shingles, the rooftop deck, and the rooftop rafters.

At long last, you should likewise really take a look at the state of the paint. Check assuming the paint utilized have lead in it. You can decide such things by inquiring as to whether the paint utilized are more up to date kinds of paint. Furthermore, the monitor might propose a x-beam assessment of the paint to check for lead content. Lead paint is an immense issue in the event that you are arranging a wall redesign, or different types of revamping.

For more information about Interior And Exterior Painting Services and Westchester Power Washing and visit Double E Painting.

[westchesterpainting-blog]

Painting Ideas That Can Add Element of Magic to Your Home

The idea of painting the walls is really exiting one as it can jazz up the aesthetic of your home to an extent that you cannot imagine.  

If you're still stuck to the notion of plain paints and simple brushes for the home painting job then you really have to update yourself. If you're planning to color your home wall surfaces then prior to going ahead and deciding, you need to go through some ideas we have mentioned below that will change your notion on painting job forever.

Painting approaches

If you thought merely dipping a brush in paint and painting wall space was the only path of wall painting in homes, you are incorrect subsequently. You'll find so many methods to paint walls using special techniques that are followed by experts. The one of many approaches can by using sponging method; this technique involves painting walls by using a sponge which later provides very interesting turn to the painted surface. The color gets to the wall space from the skin pores with the sponge and provides a distinctive feel for the wall surfaces. You can find easy means of getting this effect done on the walls that will take less commitment. But if you value the hand-made fine art you will have to use the extra energy and get the true sponging effect that will surely make people to praise the result.

Complementary colorings

Usage of complementary colors within home wall surfaces can add a new turn to it. Ordinary colored surfaces have a tendency to start looking dull and flat after sometime; in order to avoid this it is advisable to coloring them with two complementary shades. If you're painting some of wall in virtually any room with yellow paint which really is a bright color, you can develop equilibrium on the edges of the walls by painting it with the color crimson. Complementary colors happen to be those that are usually opposing to one another within the color graph level. To understand this idea better it is advisable to hire Painting Contractor Westchester Country, they can make reference to a color wheel and let you decide which paint hues would suit your house walls in the perfect manner.

DIY or Professional Help

Wall painting may be the opportunity for property owners where they are able to draw out their creative best without spending too much money. Home means serenity, tranquility and much more to every human being and giving much attention it deserves can be fruitful and the same can be followed to make  wonder in the simplest way while painting. With little initiatives and a research you may make your abode appear to be a magnum opus which in your surprise won't even be considered a costly affair. Utilizing the right knowledge you may get to know the way the color hue works. It always best to get in touch with Westchester Painters,who have knowledge on how color science works. DIY is always risky especially if you are novice in these things.  

[pamphletstoinspire]

A Padre Pio Inspirational Story

Let us always keep before our eyes the fact that, here on earth, we are on a battlefield, and that in Paradise we shall receive the crown of victory; that this is a testing-ground, and the prize will be awarded up above; that we are now in a land of exile, while our true homeland is Heaven, to which we must continually aspire. – St. Pio of Pietrelcina __________

Alexandra (Alix) Brown grew up in a wealthy and socially privileged family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised as an Episcopalian and although she attended church regularly with her family all throughout her youth, it was not something that she enjoyed. At that time, she could describe churchgoing in one simple word, “boring.” To Alix, people went to church because it was a social custom and obligation and nothing more. Religion was simply a crutch to try to come to terms with what no one could really understand. And God? God was a “dead word” in Alix’s way of thinking. Church was dry and meaningless and Alix felt that for her, it was unnecessary.

Alix was interested in other things. She enjoyed the wide variety of cultural events that were available in Philadelphia. She found enjoyment in art, music, and the theater. She loved elegant dinner parties, beautiful clothing and the “good things” that money could buy. In her privileged upbringing, money could buy almost anything she wanted.

After completing high school, Alix enrolled in the prestigious Briarcliff womens’ college in Westchester County, New York. There she met many women who, like her, were from wealthy families and who, like her, had been somewhat “spoiled” by an abundance of material advantages.

As the scriptures note, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) The “season” for searching out the deeper meaning of life, came to Alix while attending Briarcliff College. Even though she did not believe in God, in some mysterious way, she was searching for Him. She began to spend a lot of time in the college library, reading books on world religions. The Eastern religions of India and Asia attracted her. However, in her study, she found that there were many doctrines in the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism which she could not accept.

Alix moved to Florence, Italy in her second year of college to study classical art. She had been accepted at the Simi Art Studio in Florence, which was considered to be one of the finest art schools in Italy. One of the students she met at the Studio was a wonderful and gifted man named Antonio Ciccone. Alix enjoyed his friendship and admired him for his remarkable artistic talent.

Antonio, who had grown up in San Giovanni Rotondo, had experienced many hardships throughout his childhood. His father, a widower, was very poor and could barely provide for Antonio and the other children. Antonio tended sheep like many other young boys in the area. He loved to draw and sketch and it soon became obvious that he possessed an amazing artistic talent.

Throughout Antonio’s youth, he had many opportunities to visit Padre Pio and to attend his Mass. Antonio used to try to memorize the fine details of Padre Pio’s face in order to draw it. One time, Padre Pio turned Antonio out of the confessional because he realized that he had come primarily to study his face. Padre Pio had an aversion to being stared at and made it quite clear to Antonio.

Padre Pio used to go to the monastery garden at the end of the day where he enjoyed the company of his friends and fellow-Capuchins. Antonio was able to visit with Padre Pio in the garden on many occasions. Antonio found the time in the garden to be a wonderful opportunity to carefully concentrate on the details of Padre Pio’s face for his drawings. Padre Pio would notice it and say to Antonio, “Why are you looking at me like that?” Antonio would answer, “I am studying.”

Padre Pio used to call Antonio, “Pitturi” (little painter) and he always had Antonio’s best interests at heart. He wanted him to lead an exemplary Christian life. Once, in the confessional, Padre Pio took both of Antonio’s hands in his own and held them for the duration of Antonio’s confession. “Please don’t disappoint me,” he said to Antonio.

At one time, Antonio thought that he might have a vocation to the religious life and considered joining the Capuchin order. In clear and unmistakable words, Padre Pio said to Antonio, “No, you must paint. That is your path.” Years later, Antonio’s remarkably beautiful religious paintings would be placed in the Capuchin monastery of Our Lady of Grace as well as in Padre Pio’s hospital, the Home for the Relief of Suffering.

A wonderful opportunity opened up for Antonio when a devout couple from Florence who knew Padre Pio, invited Antonio to live with them and study art in Florence. They had the financial means to provide for his education. Padre Pio was very happy about the arrangement and Antonio left for Florence with Padre Pio’s blessing.

Alix Brown considered Antonio to be the most gifted student at the Simi Art Studio in Florence. He used to wear a Rosary around his neck, which always looked very striking to Alix. She admired him for his deep spirituality. Antonio told her many stories of his childhood, and of his experiences of knowing Padre Pio. He encouraged her to visit Padre Pio’s monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo.

Because of the example of Antonio, as well as that of other devout Catholics that she had met in Florence, in her private and ongoing study of world religions, Alix decided to take a closer look at Christianity. The information that Antonio had shared with her about Padre Pio was very meaningful to her. She began to ponder the fact that Padre Pio was a Catholic and she had a desire to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Alix Brown’s study of Catholicism eventually led her to the decision to enter the Catholic Church, a plan that her family members were opposed to. Her parents would not give their permission and instead told her to delay her decision for two years, until she was twenty-one years old. Alix did what her parents asked of her. She waited patiently until her twenty-first birthday and was finally received into the Catholic church in 1961.

After her conversion to Catholicism, Alix received an invitation from a good friend, Louise, to make a visit to San Giovanni Rotondo. Alix remembered the interesting conversations she had with Antonio Ciccone about Padre Pio and was happy to accept the invitation.

It took thirteen hours for Alix and Louise to drive from Florence to San Giovanni Rotondo. It rained heavily for most of the trip. They felt fortunate to find lodging in the one and only hotel in the area. The town was rural and undeveloped and lacked many of the amenities that most people take for granted. For instance, there was very little hot water available in the hotel, something that Alix found surprising.

The next morning, the girls got up very early in order to attend Padre Pio’s Mass. The “new” church where the Mass was said had been constructed in 1959, and was built right next door to the older one. San Giovanni Rotondo had outgrown the small but beautiful 16th century church of Our Lady of Grace. The new church was large and spacious compared to the original and could accommodate one thousand people. When Padre Pio was taken to see it for the first time, he spoke prophetically, “It is not big enough.” And it was true. Not estimating accurately the crowds that would be coming to San Giovanni Rotondo in the future, those who laid the plans did not make the church large enough. On many occasions, Mass had to be said in an outdoor portico, because the church could not contain the people.

The local Italian people were territorial and aggressive when the church doors opened in the early morning. There was plenty of pushing, shoving, and elbowing that occurred as the people rushed forward to the sanctuary of the church. They obviously felt entitled to the best seats which were closest to the altar. Their conduct did not bother Alix. She had an understanding of the culture from her time spent living in Florence. Although it was noisy in the church as people hurried to find a seat, once the Mass started, the congregation became completely silent and all eyes were on Padre Pio.

Padre Pio said the Mass slowly and prayerfully. One could sense his union with God. Deeply recollected, he seemed to become lost in the mystery of the Mass. A sense of the sacred pervaded the church. Alix was awed by the experience.

Alix had decided that her trip to San Giovanni Rotondo would be an act of thanksgiving for her recent entry into the Catholic church. Yes, she had come to attend Padre Pio’s Mass, but she had also come to thank God for the great gift of faith that she had received and for the blessings of being Catholic. It was easy to pray in San Giovanni Rotondo. It was easy to think about God. The entire area, though poor and unimpressive outwardly, was pervaded with a sense of the supernatural.

After Louise and Alix attended Padre Pio’s early morning Mass, Alix stayed inside the church to pray in silence. It was there that she received the incredible grace of a religious vocation. In an instant, and “deep down in her soul” Alix was suddenly and unmistakably aware that God was calling her to leave everything in the world, and become a religious. It was something she had never even considered as a possibility. She had never felt the slightest attraction to the life of a consecrated religious. She had thought at length about her future and was intending to pursue a career in art. For as long as she could remember, she had wanted to marry and raise a family. She assumed that her future husband would probably be Italian, since she loved living in Italy and planned to live there permanently. But in a flash, everything changed.

Alix felt that she had been given an invitation by God to follow the path of the consecrated life. She knew what that meant. The strict vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience were nothing to take lightly. But she felt convinced that it was God’s will for her and she wanted to follow His will. She knew what a privilege it was to be called to such a vocation. As to which religious order to enter, she did not have the slightest idea. Each order had its own unique charism. There were the Franciscans, the Benedictines, the Cistercians, the Carmelites, and many more. There were missionary nuns, contemplative nuns, teaching nuns, and nursing nuns. She had a great desire to speak to Padre Pio about the matter. She hoped that he would advise her and direct her to a holy religious congregation.

When it was time for Alix and Louise to go back to Florence, Alix knew for certain that she wanted to return again to the monastery of Our Lady of Grace. The visit had been a remarkable experience. She had been able to talk to a number of the residents in the area who shared many stories with her about Padre Pio. The miracles that surrounded his life and his extraordinary spiritual gifts were well known and well documented. They were of course, a part of his spirituality, but to Alix, they were not the most important part. To her, the most significant feature of Padre Pio’s life centered on his all-consuming love for God and for the Church. After attending his early morning Mass, Alix came to the conclusion that his Mass was without a doubt, the greatest miracle of all.

Alix returned to San Giovanni Rotondo the following month. She made her confession to Padre Pio and told him what had happened on her first visit to the monastery, when she felt that God was calling her to a vocation in religious life. She asked him to advise her on the next step she should take. “You must pray,” Padre Pio said simply. He gave her no other words of advice on the matter. Alix was hoping that he would make the decision for her as to which religious order to enter, but no such luck. She made many subsequent confessions to Padre Pio and always spoke to him about her vocation, asking for his guidance and direction. His advice was always the same, “You must pray.” “Padre Pio made me do all the work in finding the right congregation,” Alix said, “He would not do the work for me.”

Alix returned each month to San Giovanni Rotondo for the next six months – sometimes for a few days and sometimes for weeks at a time. She did not mind the thirteen-hour journey from Florence. It was well worth every sacrifice and every inconvenience.

Through her many visits to San Giovanni Rotondo, Alix became acquainted with Padre Pio’s American secretary, Mary Pyle. Mary had become almost a legend in the town. Everyone either knew Mary or knew of her. People sought her out because she had worked tirelessly for Padre Pio and had faithfully assisted him for many years.

Mary, who was born into a wealthy family in New York City, visited Padre Pio’s monastery for the first time in 1923. She was so impressed by attending his Mass and receiving his priestly blessing that she decided to move to San Giovanni Rotondo permanently. When Alix met Mary, she had been living just down the hill from the monastery for more than thirty-five years. Like many others, Alix had a great admiration for Mary and as time passed the two became close friends.

Mary felt a special call, a special vocation to make Padre Pio known to others. Her workload was always heavy as she answered the letters that came into the monastery, baked the hosts that were used for Holy Communion, sewed the priestly vestments of the Capuchins, and greeted the pilgrims who visited San Giovanni Rotondo. Mary had many other duties, too numerous to mention. She was generous and kindhearted and always available to help anyone who needed assistance. Her charity and her many good works were an inspiration to Alix. Alix described Mary Pyle as having a “beautiful radiance” about her person.

Mary would talk about Padre Pio for hours to the visitors who came to the monastery. She never tired of telling the same stories about Padre Pio, over and over again. Alix recognized Mary’s availability to the pilgrims and her willingness to share anecdotes and stories of Padre Pio’s life with them as an important “apostolic work.” Literally thousands of people were introduced to Padre Pio through the years because of Mary Pyle’s efforts.

Mary wore the brown habit of the Third Order Franciscans. On one occasion, she sent one of her new habits over to the monastery to have Padre Pio bless it. However, whether he was jesting or not, for a reason that no one knew, he did not readily bless it but instead complained about it. Mary was told what had happened. “Did he finally bless my habit?” Mary asked. “Yes, he did. He made the sign of the cross over it,” the Capuchin replied. “Where was the habit when he blessed it?” Mary asked. “It was sitting on his lap,” the Capuchin answered. “Well, that is good enough for me!” Mary said and she was filled with gratitude. Mary treasured a word, a glance, a blessing from Padre Pio. Her dedication to him was total.

Mary Pyle was advanced in years and was beginning to have numerous problems with her health when Alix met her. It became difficult for her to walk. After Mass, Alix used to take Mary’s arm and help her down the hill to her home just below the monastery. Mary had a little basket in her home that contained memorial cards with prayer requests for the deceased. Mary referred to the basket as a little “graveyard.” If any memorial cards came in, she asked Alix to be sure and put them with the others. Every day without exception, Mary faithfully prayed for the souls of all who had memorial cards in the basket.

It was Mary’s habit, especially in her later years, to take a nap every afternoon after her midday meal. Alix used to help her up the stairs to her small bedroom on the second floor of her home. It took a great effort for Mary to get up the stairs. She often asked Alix to read to her until she fell asleep. Because Mary had led an intensely active life, it was very difficult for her to accept her declining health. After Alix moved back to the United States, Mary had a stroke. She wrote several letters to Alix and asked for her prayers so that she would be able to accept her condition and surrender completely to God’s will.

Alix knew how fortunate she was to be able to spend so much time in San Giovanni Rotondo, meeting the Capuchins, the pilgrims, and great souls like Mary Pyle, as well as others who had dedicated their lives to assisting Padre Pio’s work.

To Alix, San Giovanni Rotondo, from an architectural and artistic standpoint, was a town that was greatly lacking in style and beauty. It did not have the old world charm of places like Pietrelcina, Assisi, or Perugia, with their cobblestone streets, interesting structures, quaint buildings, and beautiful churches.

While the architectural style may have left much to be desired, Alix nevertheless felt inspired by the geography of the area. The wide-open expanses, the rocky, barren hills, heavy rains in the autumn and winter, the strong winds that often howled and whipped down the Gargano mountain, the cold, bright stars that filled the early morning sky – this was San Giovanni Rotondo. To Alix, there was a mystical feeling to the landscape and the terrain. And most important of all, Padre Pio lived there.

Alix was also aware of the invisible forces that were at work in San Giovanni Rotondo, the age-old battle of good versus evil. Although it was not something that she could see with her eyes, she could sense it and feel it. One recalls that Padre Pio had a vision when he was fifteen years old, of that very battle of good verses evil which takes place within the human soul. His vision was a revelation of the spiritual warfare that he would encounter throughout his life.

In the vision, the young Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) suddenly saw a majestic and beautiful figure standing beside him. The man had a radiant countenance, similar to the brightness of the sun. He said to Francesco, “I am here to tell you that you are going to have to fight like a courageous warrior.” The resplendent figure took Francesco by the hand and led him to an open field. In the field stood two large groups of men. One group had beautiful and shining faces. They were wearing robes of the purest white. The other group was dressed in black garments. They were ugly and frightening in appearance.

Francesco stood in the middle of the open field with the radiant figure beside him. Suddenly he saw a treacherous and hideous being coming toward him. The gruesome figure was so tall that he appeared to be a giant. “You must fight with this creature,” the resplendent man said to Francesco. “But do not worry because I will be with you.”

Francesco became terrified as the monster-like figure advanced toward him. He felt weak and began to tremble uncontrollably. He thought that he was going to faint. Francesco’s spiritual guide then took his arm to support him. He felt strengthened by the celestial man’s touch. Francesco entered into a violent battle with his dangerous adversary and finally conquered him. The radiant figure placed a magnificent crown on Francesco’s head but then quickly removed it. He said to Francesco, “You will receive a crown that is even more beautiful than this one if you will continue to stand up to the dark being whom you just fought. Be strong and do not fear. I will always be near and will always help you.”

Shortly after, Francesco had another vision and was given the realization that the beautiful and resplendent man who had stood beside him in the vision was Jesus. In truth, it was Jesus who was always with him, assisting him in the many trials and tribulations of his life. In his fight against evil forces and in his life-long battle against demons, Padre Pio would always remain close to God and would be victorious.

If the demons attacked Padre Pio at times, the angels were always nearby to shield and protect him. The angelic realm was very real and very much alive to Padre Pio. Whenever he spoke about angels, he spoke from his own direct experience. He had been able to see and communicate with angels from his childhood.

Monte Sant Angelo, the beautiful shrine dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, was located approximately twenty-five miles from San Giovanni Rotondo. Padre Pio, who had a life-long devotion to St. Michael, had made a pilgrimage there in his youth. He often encouraged people to visit the shrine. On one occasion, Alix was invited to go with a group of friends to Monte Sant Angelo. They intended to make the pilgrimage on foot, as an act of penance and sacrifice.

In the confessional, Alix told Padre Pio about her plan to visit the shrine and asked him for his blessing on the trip. Padre Pio made no reply. Thinking that he might not have heard her, Alix repeated her request, this time even louder. Once again, there was no response. As it turned out, on the day of the pilgrimage, Alix became ill and could not go with her friends. Most likely, Padre Pio had known that she would not be able to go on the pilgrimage and so had not given his priestly blessing.

Alix went to confession numerous times to Padre Pio. In the confessional, before Alix could name her sins, Padre Pio often began by asking her a number of direct questions regarding those very sins. “Have you told the truth?” he would say. “Have you exaggerated?” he would inquire. While many people do not consider exaggeration to be a matter of consequence, Padre Pio obviously did. It was something that needed to be addressed and corrected. He was particular and exacting to the smallest detail.

Other than a few simple questions that he might ask, Padre Pio usually said very little in the confessional. If he was asked a question directly, he often answered by a simple “yes” or “no.” Although confessions to Padre Pio were generally short, they were extremely beneficial, as so many people testified. Padre Pio was concerned with the soul and how that soul could be saved. Everything else was secondary. “Trust in God and pray,” were his frequent words. There were always long lines of people waiting to make their confession to him and there was simply no time for discussions or extended conversations.

Alix investigated many different religious orders in an effort to find one that would be suitable for her. As Padre Pio advised her, she spent many hours in prayer, invoking God’s intercession. When she read a biography of St. Teresa of Avila, she felt drawn to the Carmelite spirituality. She visited a cloistered Carmelite congregation on the East Coast to inquire about their way of life. The moment she walked through the door, it felt like home. She was accepted into the congregation. Since she chose an enclosed order, there would be no going out into the world, no traveling about. She did not think it would be a difficult adjustment. For Alix, the greatest difficulty that she faced was leaving Padre Pio, knowing that she would never see him again. Before joining the Carmelites, Alix wanted to visit Padre Pio one last time.

In 1963, Alix spent four months in San Giovanni Rotondo. She attended Padre Pio’s early Mass every morning and then spent the greater part of the day in church. At 11:30 a.m. each day, Padre Pio went to the balcony of the church for his private recitation of the Rosary. Most of the pilgrims who visited the monastery were not aware that he did this. Because Alix had spent so much time in San Giovanni Rotondo, she was very familiar with his daily routine. She made sure that she too was in the church at 11:30 a.m. each day to pray her Rosary and to unite her own prayers with Padre Pio’s. It was always a consolation for her to look up into the balcony and see Padre Pio deeply engrossed in prayer. She felt that she benefitted just by being near him.

When Padre Pio finished praying his morning Rosary, he would walk across the upper balcony of the church and through a connecting door into the old church. There he would recite the Angelus, the beautiful prayer to the angel of God, with all who were gathered. Afterward, he would bless the crowd. Daily, Alix recited the Angelus with Padre Pio, and then received his blessing.

Alix attended Benediction every afternoon in the church, with Padre Pio presiding. It was truly a blessed experience. The way Padre Pio held the monstrance for Benediction was something that Alix had never seen before. He was so aware of the true presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament that he held in his hands. His face was radiant during the Benediction. Mary Pyle played the organ and directed the choir which sang at Benediction every afternoon.

In the evening before retiring, Alix joined the local people who stood at Padre Pio’s window and sang their goodnight songs to him. Buona Notte, Padre Pio (Good night, Padre Pio) was one of the favorites.

Alix entered in the cloistered Carmelite convent in June 1964. After six months as a postulant, she became a novice and took the religious habit. At that time, she was invited to choose a new name. The Carmelite tradition allows the novice to choose two names – a first name and a religious title to follow. For her, the decision was easy. Her new name became Sister Pia of Jesus Crucified. She wanted to stay as close to Padre Pio as she could. Taking his name would be a constant reminder of him.

Of all the memories that Sister Pia has of visiting San Giovanni Rotondo, attending Padre Pio’s Mass is the one that she treasures most. The way Padre Pio celebrated Mass was a sermon in itself. His recollection, his reverence, his long pauses of prayerful silence, all spoke of his great love for God. A man who attended Padre Pio’s Mass once said, “When I saw Padre Pio genuflect, I was deeply edified. It reminded me of Jesus, beneath the Cross. I had never seen a genuflection like it before and I have never seen one since. I will never forget it for as long as I live.”

Padre Pio wanted people to make a good preparation before receiving Holy Communion and a thoughtful and prayerful thanksgiving afterward. “The thanksgiving after Mass is something that must never be neglected,” he once said. His own thanksgiving after Mass lasted at least forty-five minutes.

Padre Pio strictly observed the fasting rules of the Church before receiving Holy Communion and he insisted that everyone else do the same. He wanted people to dress modestly in the house of God. He was accused of being old-fashioned and unbending in this regard, but he would not compromise. People would not be admitted inside the church if they were not dressed modestly. There were to be no conversations, no talking for any reason, once inside the church. Instead, a strict silence was to be observed. God was very near; it was a time to put everything else aside but the thought of God.

These considerations are especially important for the times we live in today, when many beautiful and devotional Catholic practices and traditions have been long-since abandoned. Sadly to say, many people have lost a great treasure – a spirit and an attitude of reverence and a sense of the sacred. But in truth, what has been lost can be reclaimed. Let us hope and pray for this intention.

Throughout her many years as a Carmelite nun, Sister Pia has frequently gone back in time to those early days, when she visited Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. Nothing had been a coincidence. It had all been a God-incidence, leading her step by step to the place where she belonged.

Sister Pia has pondered the fact that she received the grace of a religious vocation, not in Florence where she had studied art, or in New York where she attended college, or in Philadelphia where she had grown up, but on a visit to San Giovanni Rotondo, that small and remote town in southern Italy that seemed so very ordinary and unimpressive and lacking in so many ways. There, in the church of Our Lady of Grace, where Padre Pio had said daily Mass for most of his priestly life, where he had spent countless hours in prayer and in hearing confessions, she received the call to offer her life totally to God and to dedicate herself to prayer and reparation, and live hidden from the world.

In 1965, Padre Pio sent a message to Sister Pia through his assistant, Padre Pellegrino Funicelli. The message said, “Tell Sister Pia to keep herself burning ardently like a little lamp before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.” That is exactly what Sister Pia has been doing for these many years. __________

Let your desire be to see God; your fear that you may lose Him; your sorrow that you are not having fruition of Him; your joy that He can bring you to Himself. Thus you will live in great peace. — St.Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

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Sasha Gordon’s Perturbing Paintings of Recreation

Reimagining scenes from her childhood, Sasha Gordon creates vibrant worlds brimming with quotidian details incongruous with memory’s elusive nature. Using vibrant colored pencils and neon oil paints, the Brooklyn-based painter depicts versions of herself engaging in the recreational activities typical of her suburban upbringing in Westchester County, New York. While her palette is often unnaturally […]

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