Toxic 'Essence' Of Gowanus Canal To Be Captured In Artists' Workshop

GOWANUS, BROOKYLN — It's a landscape few would want hanging on their wall.

An artist is hosting a session showing how to capture the subtle beauty of the Gowanus Canal – a Superfund site which is one of the most toxic waterways in the country.

Rachael Wren's free workshop is for artists of all skill levels and will be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on May 20 on the bank of the canal near 214 Third Street.

"In this workshop, participants will explore and experience the process of abstracting from the natural world," reads the workshop's website.

Using pencil, charcoal and ink, participants will produce as many small sketches of the canal as possible within the two hours, according to the website. Wren will guide artists through the concepts of rhythm, mark, shape, texture, space, scale and composition.

The project aims to "capture the characteristics or essence of the Gowanus landscape."

"She is intrigued by moments in nature when air has a tangible presence, almost becoming visible – fog playing between tree branches, light peeking through clouds, the darkening sky before a thunderstorm," reads Wren's bio.

Perhaps she'll also capture some poisonous fumes.

Lead image via Google Maps