homeexhibitionsdemos workshops & eventsrecent eventsmembershipmembers' gallery

Recent Events

9

March

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: STONEY PARSONS “Contemporary Landscape”

After last night’s demonstration Stoney returned to lead the follow-up workshop. She gave a quick resumé of her methods to those who had not attended the demo and for all those who wished to emulate her approach she supplied a photographic reference as a starting point. Comfort zones were certainly breached by many but with satisfying results. We all went away with new knowledge and new possibilities for developing our painting styles. A really enjoyable afternoon.

8

March

7.45–10.00pm

Demonstration: STONEY PARSONS “Contemporary Landscape”

The Society welcomed a new demonstrator, Stoney Parsons, who gave us a fascinating insight into her working methods. After a career as a stained glass artist Stoney has now become a full-time painter - mainly of landscapes in a semi-abstract style. She explained that what she was attempting to do in her work was to go beyond a representation of what she sees before her and to respond to the subject emotionally using a variety of mark-making implements – conventional brushes, synthetic wedges, straight edges, credit cards and even a kitchen fork. A really interesting and informative evening.

24

February

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: ELLA HAYWARD “Working on a Black Background”

There was an embarrassment of members attending the workshop but we just managed to accommodate everyone. The packed hall was, as usual, infected by Ella's enthusiasm and went on to create a wide variety of images in different media but all on a black background. Ella was kept very busy getting round everyone to offer help and advice and the warmth of the appreciative round of applause at the end was evidence of very enjoyable afternoon.

10

February

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: RONNIE IRELAND “Coloured Pencils”

After Ronnie's masterclass in colour pencil technique on Friday evening a full house turned out for the follow-up workshop. Some brought their own objects to draw from, others referred to items supplied or worked from their imagination. Ronnie was on hand to give additional help and advice and the gallery of our collective efforts was testament to the versatility of this sometimes overlooked medium. A really enjoyable afternoon.

9

February

7.45–10.00pm

Demonstration: RONNIE IRELAND “Coloured Pencils”

Ronnie came prepared with a selection of recent work using waxy coloured pencils (Polychromos by Faber Castell) which demonstrated the versatility of this medium. He talked us through his working method and emphasised the portability of the medium ... easy to carry about and minimum set up time. He then set about making a drawing of two soft toys, keeping the marks as fluid as possible. By changing the pressure and speed of application of pencil on paper and the weight of line used an amazing variety of marks are possible. Quite quickly a charming rendition of the subject emerged from the tangle of lines on the paper. A really entertaining and informative demonstration which was enjoyed by all.

27

January

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: SALLY MINNS “Keeping a Sketchbook”

Sally came prepared with a collection of her own sketchbooks together with a variety of art materials. She also set up a still life arrangement as a subject for studies in our sketchbooks although we were free to use our own references. Sally encouraged us to be experimental in our approach and was on hand to give help and advice throughout the session. This was no small task as the workshop was packed with enthusiastic participants, making for an enjoyable and creative afternoon.

13

January

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: MARGIE HASLEWOOD “Stormy Skies”

Margie picked up the impasto baton from last night's demo and hosted a full house for the workshop. For those not doing their own thing there were plenty of reference photos to choose from and impasto paste and acrylic medium to help create our own stormy skies. Margie tirelessly toured the hall offering help and advice and at the end of the session the collection of paintings made an impressive gallery. A really good start to the new year of creativity.

12

January

7.45–10.00pm

Demonstration: KEVIN CHAPMAN “Stormy Skies”

For the first demonstration of the new year local artist, Kevin Chapman, took the work of Chris Bushe as his starting point to create a moody seascape in acrylics. The first stage was to lay in a ground of bright crimson on a board prepared with several coats of primer. Then, using a variety of palette knives and brushes Kevin gradually built up layers of colour starting with a relatively fluid mix of paint and medium and progressing to a thicker, more impasto effect and the end result was a vibrant and dramatic painting. The well-attended demonstration was much appreciated and members will attempt to do something similar at the workshop on Saturday.

2

December

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: ELLA HAYWARD – “Abstract”

Following on from the previous evening's demo Ella arrived with a huge collection of references and collage material and encouraged us all to step out of our comfort zone to create an arresting image. Members used whatever medium they preferred - watercolour, acrylic, pastel - and then incorporated elements of collage from a variety of sources including magazines, sheet music, handwritten letters, tissue paper, etc. etc. The sub-zero temperatures outside were soon forgotten as members got down to an afternoon of enjoyable creativity and Ella was on hand to give guidance in her usual helpful way. The afternoon concluded with a constructive critique of our efforts and the very warm round of applause for Ella at the end was evidence of a good time had by all.

1

December

7.45–10.00pm

Demonstration: KIM PAGE – “Abstract”

On a really cold evening there was a good gathering of members to see Kim create an abstracted acrylic painting of run-down farm buildings in an autumn setting incorporating elements of collage. He started by blocking in areas of the picture in paint and then applied pieces of collage chosen for their autumnal colour values. The painting was gradually developed with further layers of paint, some of which were applied over the collage material. At the end of the evening he had created a cohesive image where the collage played a subdued but important part in the overall effect, much appreciated by his audience.

25

November

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: SALLY MINNS – “Life Model”

Sally made a welcome return to host another life drawing session with a clothed model. The workshop was very well-attended and Sally took us through several short warm-up exercises and then there were a couple of longer poses before the break. That was followed by one pose but with the model turning round half-way through so that everyone got both a front and a back view. A challenging but rewarding afternoon - stepping out of our comfort zone is good for us!

11

November

10am–5pm

AUTUMN FAIR 2023

Judging by the number of visitors we had over the weekend our Autumn Fair is becoming something of an institution! The weather seemed to have no effect as we had the same number visitors on the sunny Saturday as we did on the wintry Sunday.

There was a very positive atmosphere throughout the weekend with people complimenting us on the high standard and variety of work on display. As well as regular exhibitors we have a new generation of artists whose work, judging by their sales, was appreciated. The Craft tables were busy selling, among other things, cards, jewellery, woodwork, and Christmas decorations, all handmade.

All in all a successful weekend with record sales for our artists.

21

October

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: MARGIE HASLEWOOD – “Autumn Fruit”

In spite of a dull rainy day a good number of members turned out for Margie’s Still Life workshop. The display of autumn fruit and foliage was laid out ingeniously so that we had a choice of subjects to choose from, and once the introduction was over the room was silent as we all set to sketching the layout for our paintings. A convivial hum started up when Margie gave individual tuition to each of us, always positive and very helpful. Her enthusiasm for her subject was infectious and was evident in the body of work which we achieved by the end of a very successful and enjoyable afternoon.

7

October

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: SHARON HURST – “Winter Scene”

Sharon returned on Saturday afternoon after the previous evenings demonstration to host a workshop which was very well-attended. Building on what she had talked about she patiently guided us through the various techniques with a step-by-step approach and one-to-one advice. Some members chose to work on their own ideas while others tried to replicate Sharon’s charming winter scene. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

6

October

7.45–10.00pm

Demonstration: SHARON HURST – “Winter Scene”

For the gathered members - some familiar faces and some new ones - Sharon set about demonstrating the creation of two winter scenes in watercolour. She talked about using gummed tape to attach the paper (Bockingford NOT) to the board to make the wet-into-wet method more practical. She used a limited palette but explained about colour combinations that were good for granulation such as cobalt blue and light red and French ultramarine and burnt umber. She also talked about the creative use of masking fluid and masking tape, table salt and iridescent medium. The demonstration was peppered with amusing anecdotes and the whole evening was an informative and entertaining event. Sharon will be hosting a follow-up workshop on Saturday afternoon.

23

September

2.00–5.00pm

Workshop: FREDA ANDERSON – “Portraiture”

The opening of the autumn season of workshops was really well-attended and Freda was kept busy answering questions and giving advice. Her patient tutoring obviously paid off as the end result of the afternoon was an impressive collection of portraits.

14

September

10am

2023 Plein Air Session 5

On a beautiful, warm and sunny morning a group of society members met at the cricket club by the river and after some had refreshments, off we went in search of a view. There was no need to go very far as the riverbank provided lots of subject matter - house boats, glorious trees and occasional passing river traffic, all reflected in the calm waters of the Thames. What a splendid way of passing a few 'creative' hours.

27

August

10.00am–5.00pm

Towpath Exhibition 2023

The occasional dark cloud and brief spot of rain were troublesome on Sunday, less so on Monday but otherwise the event took place in relatively warm sunshine. Over 20 members turned up on both days and enjoyed a relaxed an enjoyable time showing their creative efforts to the passing strollers, dog-walkers and cyclists - those sensible enough to get off their bikes. There were lots of positive comments from members of the public and a good scattering of modest sales made the exhibition a very worthwhile event.

17

August

10am

2023 Plein Air Session 4

Hilary Jones kindly hosted another plein air session in her delightful garden on a warm and sunny morning. Conditions were perfect for a few enjoyable hours sketching and painting. A lovely way of spending some creative time with like-minded people.

10

August

7.00–10.00pm

2023 Annual General Meeting

Held in our regular venue, the 2023 Annual General Meeting was well-attended by many familiar faces but also a number of newer members, which was good to see. As members gathered there were refreshments available before the formal proceedings commenced, hosted by Paul Potter (Chair). The principal items on the agenda were Paul's review of the last year followed by the financial statement given by Stephen Waxman (Treasurer). The overall picture was a very optimistic one with excellent results from the previous Towpath Exhibition, the Autumn Fair and the Spring Exhibition. There were very encouraging sales of both paintings and crafts at all the events but the Spring show was particularly gratifying. There then followed the presentation of awards from the spring show and the announcement of member promotions to Associateship, Fellowship and Life membership. Questions from the floor followed and these were mainly related to the continued use of cash for small payments at our events and these concerns will be discussed at future committee meetings and any changes will be advised in due course. The formal proceedings of the AGM were followed by a very entertaining demonstration by Sharon Hurst in which she created an impressive portrait of a male lion in watercolour but also using permanent ink and masking fluid. So the meeting ended with a roar rather than a whimper!