I had an opportunity to dream a little. I saw the possibility of a growing body of work, of making inspiring connections, of having a sunlit studio and little collections of the things I love scattered among unfinished and finished canvases, open paint boxes, the smell of oil and spirits and a thin dusting of charcoal over a work table filled with projects in various stages of completion. In my dream, people chatted about process and intention, about years and transitions, about work and passion—we talked about art.

While visiting Dennis Sirrine at the Velvet Mill Studios & Gallery in Stonington, I had a chance to appreciate the exquisite beauty of an artist’s studio. A life of art, exploration, and possibilities displayed right on the walls. A dream come true.

Dennis Sirrine has a long Curriculum Vitae which details a career replete with honorable mentions, gallery exhibitions, directorship positions and memberships to premier artists groups. His formal education in the arts started in the late 1960s but when asked how long he has been painting, he gestured with his hand at waist height and said "since I was this tall."

I first saw Sirrine’s work on display at the Maritime Art Gallery in Mystic, Conn. Unlike the other seascapes, his work held my attention. I always felt that there was a little bit of soul behind his meticulous depictions of marshes and beaches.

In his studio, I was immediately drawn to a collection of abstracts hanging on the far wall. He has been working on these transitional pieces for nearly a year now. When asked why he was compelled to paint abstracts, he explained that they "were a release of emotions” illustrating a cross-roads in his career and inspired by his space at the Velvet Mill. He has opened up his soul and has painted it for all to see.

He continues to love working on the more traditional landscapes but a critical eye will notice that he has developed a looseness with brushstroke and color. Sirrine was always a great painter but there is a difference between someone that can paint and someone that can see.

The studio is warm and inviting. He welcomes people with open arms and tea and says his goodbyes with hugs and a warm smile. His door is always open and, during my visit, several other Velvet Mill artists stopped by to chat, look around or feed Sweetheart, the resident cat.

The space is just perfect and is worth a look if you are interested in seeing a studio transformed by the spirit of creation and the passion of the artist.

You can visit the Velvet Mill Studios & Gallery anytime by chance or appointment. The Velvet Mill is home to over 25 local, nationally and internationally recognized artists. Log on to www.velvetmillstudios.com to see a listing of upcoming events.

You can see Sirrine’s work at the Tradewinds Gallery, the Maritime Art Gallery, the Mystic Art Center all in Mystic, Conn., and the Cate Charles Gallery, Stonington, Conn.