Members have had a treat this week (commencing 10/10) that had been organised by the Programme Team. Firstly, on Wednesday we got to watch Hashim Akib on ZOOM as he created a summer street from one of his own photographic references. It was mesmerising to watch the image emerge and he seemed to create something out of nothing. He was also an engaging entertainer, answering members questions in a considered and in depth manner. A really delightful evening.
On Thursday of the same week Members were able to watch, in person, Lindsay Attwood paint a waterfall from one of her own reference photos. Lindsay used a different approach by starting with a black background- painting into the light. Again, fascinating to watch. Lindsay explianed her process as she went along and gave members insight into some painting tools - the silicone wedge; explaining its versatility and where to buy. We have been spoilt by the Programme Team - Thank you All.
Some photographs from Sarah Miles' Acrylic Texture Workshop which was held over two sessions. Everyone enjoyed the experience and came away with a lovely piece of artwork.
Another brilliant demonstration at the Monthly Meeting. Paul Berryman managed to capture the subject beautifully and what seemed to be very quickly. Well done Paul, and thank you.
We had a fascinating workshop with Peter Kotka, who showed us the process that Vermeer would have used when he painted ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’.
Peter had done extensive research and was able to demonstrate the techniques superbly! As usual, our talented Art Society members rose to the challenge and produced excellent work and were also great company to paint with.
We hope that Peter will do another workshop for us next year.
On Thursday 11th September we had a Special Meeting where Andris was thanked for his brilliant leadership for the previous two years. He then handed the baton to Paul who is our new President.
Then we were privileged to watch Claire Henley create an acrylic painting of the Swan Theatre. She shared her preferred materials and provided some cost cutting methods to maintain the workability of paints in a palette for longer, her preferred method/material for varnishing a finished work and showed us some methods for getting sharp lines in art. All, in all, it was an entertaining evening.
We had a lovely relaxed evening at our BBQ social evening (26th July). The weather was kind and we enjoyed good and plentiful food with great company. It was great to see many new faces, as well as established friends. Thank you to rosemary Cole for her amazing work in organising this event so well and also to Sue Bains for letting us share her characterful drawings
Members have been able to see the incredible work of Harriet Riddell. She is the master of creating outstanding artworks with her sewing machine. At her demonstration on Thursday evening (12th June) she had a volunteer peddle her bicycle to generate the electricity needed to run her machine. It was an effective way to show members how she manages to create her artwork in some of the remotest regions of the world. It was astounding at the speed at which her needlework is created, all freehand, with no preparatory drawing.
The following day members attended one of Harriet's workshops and created there own applique and finished with some tremendous pieces of sewing.
Congratulations to Lizzie Bentley, one of our members, who has had one her artworks accepted by the Royal Academy for its Summer Exhibition. Her print, 'Man Moth', was in her words, "a result of a series of prints that I did that were commissioned by Lainston House to reflect the Linden trees in the grounds that surround the house and interconnectedness of humans and nature".
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition runs from 17th June to 17th August at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London. W1J 0BD