Demonstrations are free for members   and they may bring along a guest for a fee of £5. Workshops and Trips are worked out at cost, to members and guests can attend trips if requests are made to The Programme Manager via the Society's email.

Special Ticketed Events for Members and their guests:  We run several extra social events during the year, which are ticketed and charged at a subsidised rate. During 2024 we had a BBQ and a lecture about putting on an exhibition and a Christmas Lunch in December. We are had another BBQ in 2025.

Wednesday 10th December at 6.50pm is a ZOOM demonstration in watercolours, by Ian McManus

Ian is a professional artist specialising in watercolour and full member of the IEA.

His atmospheric paintings capture a moment in time from everyday life.

Well known for painting street scenes bustling with figures and the hubbub of everyday life but equally for exploring many genres such as coastal, pastoral, figures in landscape or interior settings and more. He strives to catch the energy and essence of a location through lively application of paint using direct brushwork, without overlays of washes normally associated with watercolour painting; he believes this gives each finished painting transparency and freedom of expression.

Thursday 8th January Monthly Demonstration by Susan Watt: Collage

Creativity is at the heart of all that I do. I like to see the world in unexpected ways and enjoy nothing more than repurposing or recycling something ordinary into something extraordinary or surprising. My collages are full of hidden messages and images that trick the eye and amaze when viewed close up.

​ I love creating original works, exhibiting at local exhibitions and galleries and running workshops. Please contact me for the latest information on any of these. I am also very happy to speak with you about a commission.

Wednesday 14th January is a ZOOM demonstration in oils, by Vicki Norman.

Based in Newlyn, Cornwall, Vicki Norman received her BA in Fine Art in 2000 working initially as an illustrator and then a full time fine artist.

Inspired by both contemporary and past masters, Vicki’s paintings employ an historical skill set with a fresh, personal approach.

“My fondness for travelling and painting has naturally led me into the world of Plein Air painting. Working quickly on location to capture the essence of a time and place encourages a looser, more impressionist style of painting. This puts an emphasis on atmosphere rather than detail, and colour is the vehicle through which I seek to capture light.”

Thursday 12th February is a ZOOM demonstration in the style of Van Gogh, by Sarah Wimperis.

Sarah Wimperis is a traditional figurative artist who paints plein air in oils or watercolors. Larger studio paintings are completed using plein air references, either at home in a Cornish studio or while traveling in a mobile studio. Inspiration is drawn from travel and the experience of visiting new places. Wimperis is particularly drawn to domestic subject matter, including complex interiors, markets, and gardens, and is a dedicated sketchbook keeper.

28th February 2026 Workshop

Popi Koutentaki: 'Try it' Oil Painting

10am-4pm

At The Memorial Hall Art Studio, Hathaway Lane, Shottery, CV37 9BL

£41

Members Only.

Discover the Joy of Oil Painting in a Day! Join our Taste of Oil Painting Workshop — a one-day immersive experience designed for absolute beginners and art enthusiasts alike. In this friendly, hands-on class, you’ll learn the essentials of oil painting, from mixing colors and blending techniques to creating texture and capturing light. Guided, step-by-step, by Popi Koutentaki, you’ll explore the magic of oils in a relaxed, supportive studio environment. No prior experience is needed — just bring your curiosity and creativity!

By the end of the day, you’ll leave not only with new skills and confidence but also your very own finished oil painting to proudly take home. Whether you’re looking to spark a new hobby, reconnect with your artistic side, or simply enjoy a day of creativity and relaxation, this workshop offers a perfect introduction to the timeless beauty of oil painting. All materials are provided — you just bring yourself and a willingness to get inspired!

Popi Koutentaki – Artist Biography

Born in Crete, Popi Koutentaki lives and works in the UK. Her paintings combine fluid lines and vibrant drops of color, freeing hidden forms within the canvas. When color is absent, black and white dominate—reflecting life’s contrasts. Her works are filled with symbols, both subtle and direct, expressing personal and universal life lessons.

Popi’s love for art began at age four; by ten, she was drawing portraits. She studied Art and Design at Akron University, training in portraiture with artist Bill Kufahl. In Crete, she continued her artistic journey, experimenting with diverse materials and techniques. While taking painting lessons from Greek artist George Thomas Georgiades, she learned loom weaving and metal embossing and began painting with encaustics—the ancient technique using wax, resin, and natural pigments.

Later, as a mature student at WCG Warwickshire College, she continued her Art and Design studies, exploring eco-printing and papermaking at Malvern College and Art Therapy with Jane Sheuer at Royal Leamington Spa College.

Popi has exhibited in Greece, the USA, France, Italy, and Cyprus and the UK. She has taught art extensively, organized workshops, created public and private murals, and illustrated 16 children’s books. She is currently developing a Mandala series and a children’s book promoting ocean conservation.

She has been awarded a stand by Warwickshire Open Studios for Plein Air Competition at Compton Verney to exhibit her paintings at the Leamington Art in the Park Festival in August 2026.

Looking at Art 2025

The Glasgow Girls: Unveiling the forgotten heroines of Scottish Art

“The Glasgow Girls were a group of women artists and designers active in Glasgow at the turn of the 20th century, particularly associated with the Glasgow School of Art. They are known for their contributions to various art forms, including painting, illustration, stained glass, and decorative arts. Key figures include Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald, Jessie M. King, Bessie MacNicol, and Jessie Newbery.” 

Thursday 4th December Christmas lunch 12.30pm

Stratford Golf Club
Free single drink of your choice at the bar

Acoustic Musical Entertainment by Max Stockin

As we have had a very successful year, we have decided to subsidise this Christmas Lunch, which is why the price is so reasonable. Places are limited so book early!

Starter

Classic king prawn cocktail 

Stilton and broccoli soup served with parmesan croutons and baked ciabatta

Ardennes pate served with toasted brioche, red onion chutney and micro wild rocket

Main

Carved Norfolk roast turkey and sirloin of beef served with pigs in blankets, Brussel sprouts with chestnuts, glazed carrots, roast potatoes, honey Glazed parsnips, cranberry stuffing, bread sauce and gravy

Nut roast (walnuts and cashews with butternut squash, sweet potato, red onion marmalade, apricot, cranberries and flaked almonds)

Dessert

Traditional Christmas pudding served with brandy cream custard

Chocolate and salted caramel tart served with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce

Honeycomb ice cream 

Coffee and mince pies

Cost £25