LATEST SITUATION UPDATE - MAY 2020
Annual Exhibition
Following the update on the Covid19 restrictions last weekend we have reviewed the feasibility of holding our summer exhibition in August.
Our view was that the only certainty in the announcement was that everything is uncertain and as we are now at a point when we have to commit financial resources to the exhibition we needed to make a decision on whether to proceed. 
It is just possible things will have eased by August but equally any setback could lock us down again. Perhaps the biggest logistical problem is the social distancing rules which will still apply whatever happens and it is clear that build, handing in, hanging, not to mention looking after the public when we open whilst maintaining a 2 metre distance, is not a practical option. We would have to cancel the preview evening and probably reduce the size of the exhibition to somehow construct a one way system around.
Finally we do not think it is right to ask our members to commit to taking part in an activity which may put you at risk.
So, sadly, we have decided to cancel this year's exhibition.
Changes to the rules of the Painting Competition
Following the Management Teams decision to cancel this year’s summer exhibition we have decided to change some of the rules on the Monthly Painting Competition. Due to the above we are using the Prize money normally awarded there to stimulate interest in the Monthly Painting Competition.

With effect from the next monthly competition starting on Monday 18^th May and for the next three months - June, July and August we will have a 1st prize of £60.00 of Picturesque vouchers, 2^nd Prize of £40.00 Picturesque vouchers, 3^rd prize of £20.00 Picturesque vouchers. We will also be increasing your choice to 5 pictures and at the same time increasing the number of first round judges from 3 to 5 committee members.

Firstly, get your brushes and paints out and enter. Secondly voting is open to all members so please get involved and vote for your favourite pictures.

Exciting new initiative – Online Meeting Demonstration

As you all know we are unable to hold our Monthly Demonstrations Meetings due to Coronavirus and we have cancelled all Trips, Workshops and Meetings for, at least, up to the end of August. We are reviewing all our activities on a regular basis and following government guide lines.

We felt we should try to offer alternatives where members could participate if at all possible and have, for the next 3 months, asked Vicki Norman to run on line demonstrations. This is an excellent way to keep your interest and knowledge stimulated.

The dates are our normal Thursday meeting dates as follows:-

11th June - Italian scene – 7.00pm on your computer

9th July - Skies and clouds

13th August - English harvest landscape

We will provide details of times and how to join the Demonstrations closer to the dates

About Vicki

In recent years she has studied with master painters from Italy and the USA, all the time searching for traditional skills She puts an emphasis on atmosphere rather than detail, and colour is the vehicle through which she seeks to capture light and place. Colour is everything, the harmony of colours together on the canvas and the thick, creamy blobs of paint on the surface inspire her every time. She really loves paint and loves making paintings. So, being an ambassador for Michael Harding Oils is really great for her, because he makes the best paint in the world. For more information on Vicki go to :  https://www.vickinormanstudio.com/about