Hello once again to all members.

What glorious weather we have had recently. Being able to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, be it beside an open window, in the garden or out for a daily walk, such a joy. As is seeing plant life starting to awaken giving us an array of wonderful colour and the promise of more to come.

Looking back for a moment to the Group’s AGM, as reported in the recent supplement, Carole Massey is now the Group’s President and will be setting a President’s challenge later in the year!

The Group’s Committee now comprise of the following members –

• Chairman – Yvonne Smart
• Vice Chairman – Jim Lait
• Hon. Treasurer – David Tennant
• Group secretary – Chris Robinson
• Membership secretary – Liz D’arville
• Programme secretary – Yvonne Smart
• Publicity secretary – vacancy
• Gallery manager – Yvonne Smart
• Exhibition manager – Jim Lait
• Exhibition administrator – Liz D’arville
• Tuesday evening technician – Chris Robinson
• General assistance – Helen Daniel and Geoff Christian

Non committee: Thursday afternoon admin – Margery Shaw and Tessa Aston

Publicity

As you will see, the position of publicity secretary remains vacant. Although I have been sending articles to Flyer, Spotlight (monthly) and Felixstowe magazine (quarterly) with information about Bent Hill, Suffolk Living gallery opportunity etc, to continue with this extra role, especially with all the changes following vacating Bent Hill premises, is not a practical solution.

Publicity is an important part of any group/organisation, as with all events and meetings they will fall flat if public are not made aware of such things.

As said at AGM, this particular role I held for five years some time ago so well acquainted with what it entails, that is, short articles to the above mentioned publications, about Tuesday evening meetings, other up coming events, and to add interest and freshness I used to sometimes write a little about the presenter, gallery, history of group, hints and tips, endless possibilities.

Committee meetings are arranged face to face only when absolutely necessary but generally matters are dealt with by email.

Volunteer Required

Whilst on subject of volunteers, Chris Robinson would like someone to step up to assist with video camera and projector when such items are required for Tuesday evening meetings as the member who was assisting is no longer able to attend Tuesday evenings due to work commitments This would ensure that when/should Chris not be able to attend, there is always someone on hand to do the business. Chris will show you what it entails and it would make sense for anyone volunteering to periodically set up even if Chris is about to ensure information about what to do is not forgotten.

Now you have an idea of what is required please phone one of the numbers on the back of your programme to speak to Liz or myself to register your interest in filling one of these roles. Look forward to hearing from you.

Programme Matters

Now to programme at Broadway House, Orwell Road.

The Creative doodling evening with Claudia Myatt was absolutely fascinating and many members attending were enthused to give it a go at home as well as planning to come along to the workshop evening on 23rd May.

As well as demonstrating and giving lots of helpful ideas to get going, Claudia kindly let us take photos of her work to give inspiration and explained Creative Doodling is making marks without a fixed end is a form of play – and playfulness is an important element of the creative process. It takes away from pressure of having an end result which can be judged good or bad.

Playing with colour and lines help to focus on what it feels like to draw or paint rather than what it looks like – and the results can be surprising.  Set aside a sketch book just for doodling. Keep it open on a table and doodle whilst on the phone, waiting for the kettle to boil, simply sitting and having a quiet moment of me time etc. Range of marks could include a repeating theme, such as shells, geometric shapes, pebbles, birds, spoons, leaves, hands, knots. Look around the room and use some of the patterns you see in the carpet, curtains, fabrics etc as a starting point for doodling. Perhaps the pattern on some of your items around the home started out as a doodle?!

Doodle in colour, trying a different selection of colours each day. This is a good way to get to know your colours and mixes. Add patches of colour to your pen doodles without feeling you are colouring in. Ignore some lines, follow others.

Although results don’t matter, sometimes they happen by accident and you will create something to keep, progress with or discover new colour combinations.

Paper, pen, pencil or brush at the ready …… enjoy the freedom to create!

Tuesday 13th June 7.30pm at Broadway House sees, at popular request, Anne Plummer return to this time demonstrate Capturing images of the humble marble in acrylic.

Coach Trip

Don’t forget —–  Coach trip to Norwich Wednesday 14th June Cost £12

• An opportunity to visit galleries, museums, check out art supplies, and more.
• Depart Great Eastern Square 9.00am and arrive outside Norwich Castle 10.30am
• Depart Norwich Castle 4.00pm and arrive Felixstowe Great Eastern Square 5.30pm

Members may bring guest(s) – Payment to be made when booking giving name of passengers and can be handed in on Tuesday 23rd May also during month of May Thursday afternoon meetings at Conservative Club to Margery or Tessa or phone membership secretary (number on back of programme card) for bank transfer details or address to deliver/send.

Important …..To avoid coach cancellation fee if not enough are seats booked deadline for booking seats, with payment, is Friday 2nd June.

Look forward to hearing from you about coach trip, volunteering roles and of course your entry for Annual Exhibition which preparation for is already well underway.

Yvonne

(Chairman)

The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of – Leonardo da Vinci

Although it remains cold the winter sunshine is most welcome, bringing a few more people out enjoying walks along the promenade, some visiting the gallery, others simply looking in the window.

Gallery news

Despite the economic downturn we are all experiencing there continues to be a slow trickle of sales taking place, so good news indeed.

Now not so good news –

Regrettably our time occupying the gallery is now very limited due to the owner, our landlord, placing the property up for sale very soon. He has been asked if we might stay until completion of sale takes place and hopefully this will be permitted. Our thanks go to Group Treasurer David Tennant, for his time corresponding with the landlord over the years and more recently his great help on this latest matter.

We have been most fortunate to have had the use of the space for nigh on 43 years at a peppercorn rent, which we may not find elsewhere.

You will be kept posted. In the meantime changeover will still be 27th February 9.30-11.30am unless you hear otherwise.

Ideas to continue the opportunity to showcase and sell members work will be explored and we certainly welcome input from members.

Turning now to more welcome news –

New Year Social Afternoon

The feedback on the day and since has been most encouraging, so thank you for your thanks!

Liz and myself give our thanks to Helen Daniel for helping to set up on the day and all who pitched in at the end of the afternoon to clear tables, sweep floor etc. Will such an afternoon be repeated, most certainly, with different activities of course and variety of raffle prizes on offer.

Group workshops

Another activity offered to members is the occasional Saturday workshop. An acrylic session with experienced tutor Carole Massey has been booked for Saturday, 28th October. Further details will follow later in the year but thought you might like to note in your diaries.

Workshops offered by various artists

Another advantage of being a member is that from time to time we receive details of workshops offered by artists who have demonstrated to the Group.

Issy Coe, Group President, holds monthly workshops at her studio Jassamine Studio 10.00am – 4.00pm The mediums this year cover pastel, oils and watercolour. Fee per workshop £45. All workshops offered by Issy are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced as plenty of one to one tuition.

For further details/book call Issy on 07990573818 or email – issyart210@btinternet.com

Carole Massey, also a Group member, has a number of painting holidays lined up, such as in Italy plus closure to home there are various sessions at Aldeburgh, Flatford Mill and Watershed Studios.

Last year the monthly workshops in Leiston proved very popular, covering a variety of subjects and medium aimed at all abilities. 10.00am-3.30pm Fee per workshop £45.

Further details can be found on Carole’s website: www.carolemassey.com or email – carolemasseyart@gmail.com

Leaping forward for a moment (or maybe a little shuffle) on –

Program updates

Tuesday 28th March

Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm is the Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge.

The three categories, as indicated on your programme card are –

• • Spring begins
  • 3 garden tools
  • an insect

and Just a reminder of the guidelines:

• • members may enter one drawing per category
  • drawing to be monochrome using pencil, ink or charcoal
  • each entry to be mounted but not framed, up to a maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount.
  • for artists to remain incognito please sign the back of work only
  • please hand entries in by 7.40pm
  • please kindly note all works must not infringe copyright or have been previously shown elsewhere

The event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades of grey using the humble pencil, ink pen or stick of charcoal but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing, do come along, vote for your favourite in each category and see who, in each category is awarded a trophy and prize with the runner up being awarded a prize.

As well as light refreshments provided the evening will include gathering your ideas for further topics.

Returning to February meetings at Broadway House –

Tuesday 14th February 7.30pm – Chris Parfitt – illustrated presentation ‘Scilly art’ – Chris takes us on a tour of the main lslands, gardens and artists work.

Tuesday 28th February 7.30pm (members only) – Life drawing with a new to the Group experienced male model.

Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm  – Jim Lait has kindly stepped in as Stuart has been offered work to teach on board a cruise ship, something he does from time to time. Stuart’s evening has been rescheduled for Tuesday 24th October 7.30pm

* Please bring your watercolour materials as the session with Jim will be a work evening.

Concluding this newsletter – news of a recent charity fund raiser.

By request of her husband Martyn, a collection of art books that were in the estate of his late wife, Marguerite, known for her beautiful flower work, was brought in by member Colin Millar and placed on sale at the Thursday afternoon painting session on January with proceeds to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. The sale went well with a total sum of £44.15 raised by members. A cheque has been sent for this amount to the Society and the remaining books were taken to the Cancer Research shop in Felixstowe and handed in for sale with Colin’s gift aid contribution. Thank you from us all for organising this Colin.

That’s all for now folks before my feet turn to ice. Reynolds and cold weather do not go well together!

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Keep creating

Hello and welcome to the last newsletter for 2022. Although the year has brought much anxiety for many with regard to the economic situation we do hope you have found some respite from your art, although we appreciate it can be hard to maintain ones mojo.

Starting with a few dates for you to note in your currant diaries.

Gallery changeover – Monday 19th December 9.30-11.30am

Just a reminder to not only write details of your work, ie your name, title of work, price, but also complete a form with the same details on (If no form to hand, just write said details on plain sheet of paper)

Thursday painting at Conservative Club 1.00 – 3.00pm

The last session took place on 15th December with sessions recommencing on 29th December.

During this particular afternoon Christmas cards were entered for the competition. Members favourite was by Chris Robinson and second choice by Sheila Wilson.

Thank you to all members who help with the smooth running of these afternoons.

Now with your 2023 diaries at the ready –

Saturday 14th January 2.00 – 4.00pm

New Year Social at the Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin (next door to Sports and Social Club)

Free parking behind the Hall. Bus stop nearby which is served by 75 and 77 buses.

Although the change to an afternoon meeting for the social has met with positive feedback please call either of the telephone numbers on the back of your programme card so we have an idea of how many members (with a guest if wished) will be attending.

Tuesday evening meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road

Recommence on Tuesday 24th January with Jim Lait demonstrating ‘Street Scene with water/reflections’ using acrylic paints.

The last Tuesday session of the year, where the warm refreshments upon arrival were welcomed, saw Chris Cushing presenting an illustrated talk on ‘Understanding the art world’.

As Chris said at the time, it is not what he thinks, but how things have evolved over the years by experts in various fields. Certainly a thought provoking topic with an interesting to and fro during the evening.

This was the last presentation by Chris as he has decided, after many years giving talks, to hang up his clicker. Thank you Chris for your interesting talks over the years, all thoroughly enjoyed in your most relaxed way.

To round of this particular session the Christmas cards entered for the competition saw members present voting for their favourite. First choice was John Bowers with Gillian Lait second choice.

With regard to the Group’s Tuesday meetings many members will be familiar with the problems experienced regarding video camera. The problem has finally been solved (or are we tempting fate by saying that). A huge thank you to Chris Robinson and David Tennant for their diligence on getting to the bottom of solving the problem.

Looking back to another recent meeting Claudia Myatt’s presentation ‘My artist’s residence in Antarctica’. Well what an experience for Claudia. Some wonderful sights captured on film, photographs as well as in her sketchbooks. The chin strap penguins made many members smile! Whilst Claudia took the briefest supply of art materials on the trip she kindly sent a basic list of art materials that some members new to the subject might find useful –

Drawing –

• Sketchbook. any kind for practising but the more you spend the nicer the paper will be to use
• Pencils, sketching pencils which range from HB for hard clear lines through to 9B for smudgy blacks (if you only get one sort, go for 2B)
• soft pencil eraser
• sharpener – scalpel is better for long point but sharpener will suffice.

Watercolours

Small box of watercolours – Winsor and Newton Cotman sketching set is good value, or a few tubes. If buying individual colours, only need a few to start with. Ones used by Claudia –

• raw siennna/cadium yellow/aureolin yellow
• alizarin crimson/cadium red/burnt sienna
• colbalt blue/utramarine/indigo/winsor blue green shade

Use lid of paintbox as a palette or a white plate

Brushes

• Round watercolour brushes (Daler Rowney Aquafine are good value, blue coloured band)
• Brushes should come to a fine point and be soft and not hard bristly ones which are for acrylics.
• Bigger the number, bigger the brush. Numbers 10,6,3 (or similar) will do everything you need.

Paper

• To start, a pad of watercolour paper will get you going. Avoid poor quality paper such as that from The Works. The more you pay the better the paint will flow.
• Three types of surface of watercolour paper – Rough/NOT/Smooth
• Smooth is known as HP or Hot Pressed
• Most watercolour pads are NOT, a good all rounder and simple means Not hot pressed
• If pad comes as a block, that is, gummed down on all four sides to keep it firm whilst painting, to remove a sheet of paper find the section that is un-gummed and slide the end of a paintbrush in to unstick it. If use finger it will tear.

Do hope you have found above basic list from Claudia useful.

During her talk Claudia encouraged members to try to draw/sketch everyday, even for ten minutes. With this in mind, perhaps as deciduous trees shed their leaves, there is a chance to artistically capture their rugged shapes and bare beauty. Create their twigs and textures using pens, pencils or charcoal. Just a thought from moi!

This just leaves me to say Seasonal Greetings to you all and may we go forward into 2023 with optimism of better times ahead.

Enjoy your journey in art, wherever it may take you

Yvonne (Chairman)

Welcome to latest members newsletter.

During these turbulent times it is perhaps a relief that one has the opportunity to become absorbed in art or whatever hobby we might have. Admittedly for some it can be difficult to maintain motivation which is where coming along to the Tuesday evening meetings might help.

The most recent meeting was on Portraiture which Paul Bruce was not able to present as planned due to being unwell. A huge thank you to Carole Massey for coming along at such short notice. We certainly found your guidance on being able to achieve a true likeness of the human face and I hope many members, even if not primarily portrait artists, will consider having a go.

So let us now look at what is on offer for Tuesday evenings –

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DD at 7.30pm

25th October – (members only evening) Life drawing with female model.

8th November – Christine Lester will be presenting a demonstration Hints and tips on drawing animals in pastel. It is a while since Christine has visited the Group so will be good to catch up with her again. Likewise the next presenter –

22nd November – Claudia Myatt presenting an illustrated talk ‘My artist’s residency in Antarctica’

Claudia will be bringing along a selection of photos, videos and sketchbooks which should prove of great interest. Claudia’s meeting will then be followed by the last one for 2022 by Chris Cushing

13th December – In his usual relaxed way Christopher will be presenting an illustrated talk ‘Understanding the art world’. Will we ever understand some it I ask myself?! The evening will also include the Christmas card competition which leads quite nicely into the next topic.

Christmas card competition

This is a light hearted competition open to members. As long as your subject is original and not copied from a commercial card then that is great. Any medium can be used.

In previous years we have supplied cards but following requests to be able to use own card due to medium intending to use etc plus opening it up for members to use own choice of shape or size card, then this was the way forward. To avoid mega sized cards the only proviso is that your card will fit inside a C5 envelope (9″ x 6.5″).

Entering the competition: –

• Bring your card along on Tuesday 13th December at Broadway House, 7.30pm. – Voting to take place after Chris Cushing’s talk.
• Also during the afternoon on Thursday, 15th December at Conservative Club – Voting to take place at 2.00pm

You can enter either or both dates. All we ask is that if you win a prize on the 13th you refrain from entering again on the 15th. Reckon that’s fair enough!

Remember, it is all about choosing your favourite when it comes to voting.

Bent Hill Gallery

Next change over date is Monday 7th November 9.30 until 11.30pm.

Thank you to members who have given actual time of the their sittings. This has been most useful in letting the public know exactly when the gallery will be open by including this information on the Open notice displayed in the small window.

The final changeover for 2022 will be Monday 19th December

A reminder of the 2023 changeover dates up until May

• Monday 27th February
• Monday 10th April
• Monday 22nd May

No doubt you have spotted that there is a longer period than usual between December changeover and February. As previous years, this gives gallery team a wee bit of a break as the six weeks seems to come along very quickly each time!

You might very well be interested to know, especially members who find great difficulty, if nigh on impossible, to retrieve paintings in the small window the currant arrangement will be tweaked to give a larger opening with adjustments to table to account for larger opening made plus a step installed.

This will not effect paintings in the main part of the gallery. Great care will be taken with the works in the small window. You can of course choose to remove your work when theses alterations are due to take place if you prefer to do so. Just let us know if this is what you wish to do.

Now for news of the New Year Social

New Year Social

Saturday, 14th January 2023 from 2.00 until 4.30pm at the Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin

Yes, you read that right! It is a change of date and venue to one shown in your programme in that pre Covid days numbers attending were, for various reasons, reducing, so maybe try a change with outcome being suiting more members.

The hall, used on a number of occasions for Group workshops and certainly gets the seal of approval as a venue, is light, airy, warm and all on one level. It has free on site parking, plus is on the 75 and 77 bus route.

The intention is for the afternoon to consist of a raffle, plus variety of entertaining activities (well we hope they are) plus being an afternoon, Afternoon Tea!

Jim Lait, a chef by trade, has offered, with permission from his employer, to bake some cakes. A further newsletter toward the end of this year will go into more detail regarding catering matters. In the meantime, please put date, time and venue in your diary.

Although some activities are in the melting pot so to speak, if you would like to offer something towards entertainment – a budding Pam Ayres to amuse maybe – then do get in touch.

Best wishes to you all

Yvonne (Chairman)

Welcome to the latest edition of our Group Members newsletter starting with Annual Exhibition which once again gave the opportunity for members to showcase and offer their work for sale. It was pleasingly cool inside Trinity Methodist Church Hall so visitors, almost 700, who came through the doors over the five day period could take their time viewing the eclectic mix of work, purchase and vote for their favourite work. This year’s result is …..

• • Anthony Osler’s ,’ Magical Moment’ was the most favourite
  • ‘At the end of the day’, also by marine artist Anthony, next favourite.
  • Joint third was ‘Kiss of light’ by Janet Woodard and ‘Fishing boat’ by Carole Massey.

Anthony will be presented with the Mary Tuffley perpetual trophy which he may keep for one year plus receive a small gift. Mary, a longtime member of the Group, left a bequest to the Group in her will and this is a way of her name and generosity being remembered.

With this being the Group’s 70th Anniversary year, as a thank you to sponsors (unfortunately quite a few less this year) and supporters, we invited them to an informal meeting with soft drinks and nibbles at the church hall. We also welcomed Sharon Harkin, Felixstowe Mayor. A very pleasant evening and good to catch up with various people.

So how many paintings were sold I hear some of you ask?  Happy to oblige with an answer – 38 framed, 26 unframed and one 3D item giving a grand total of 65 works sold. This is up on last year’s total which was 57 items sold. So a pleasing result for not only the artists who sold but also all the hard work for those involved in the preparations.

Collection of unsold paintings went smoothly. However, did anyone pick up an unframed painting by Sheila Wilson with their own by mistake? If it transpires you have please call one of the contact numbers on your programme card. Thankfully this has never happened before.

We would like to thank all who helped in any way to make this event a success from members submitting work through to the all the work beforehand leading up to set up day.

Art of the Prom

A number of you have asked about Art on the Prom. Although despite several enquiries I never received any information. However, I heard unofficially that this event did not take place due to lack of sponsorship, volunteers, and hike in insurance to exhibitors.  A great shame with such an important event on the Felixstowe Peninsula. Maybe next year problems experienced this year will be solved and it will return.

Art at the Beach – Saturday 10th September

You may have heard something about this visual art festival at Beach Street, Felixstowe. This is a new event with over 40 artists displaying their work. Looking at the website regarding this I spotted some art group members are participating plus Lois Cordelia, who has demonstrated on a number of occasions for the Group. We hope she might be able to do so at some time in the future.

Tuesday evening meetings at Broadway House

Resuming these meetings after the August break a reminder that the following meetings in September will take place at Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm

13th September : Anne Plummer will be demonstrating ‘A fresh approach to mixed medium’

I first met Anne at 142 Gallery in Hamilton Road where I try to pop in each week. It has been a good source of future demonstrators for the Group as well as a great opportunity to look at various artist’s work.

Anne studied A level Art while at 6th form and went on to Bristol to study Manufacturing Systems Engineering, which took her away from painting for a few years, but her drawing and sketching continued. After graduation, a move to rural Essex took her back to painting and, with a life next to the water, encouraged her to paint as a professional artist. This included sailing around Cornwall for 12 years plus an introduction to Chris Insoll at the New Gallery in Portscatho. With his guidance over the years her art progressed. Thankfully (for us!) she returned to Ipswich where she not only continues working on her own paintings but also holds workshops and courses over a wide range of topics.

27th September: Graham Webber will be demonstrating ‘Landscape in oils using 3 primary colours plus white’.

Following Graham’s very popular demonstration last year we were pleased Graham was happy to do a return visit. The topic was chosen to show you don’t need a box full of oil paints to use this medium.

This is followed by a Saturday workshop with Graham on 12th November which only has one space remaining.

Bent Hill Gallery

Next change over is on Monday 26th September 9.30 until 11.30am.

Gentle reminder – To keep things fair, please remember if you submit two paintings this equals two sittings. Most members are doing this but unfortunately not all.

Currently the Gallery open rota displayed for visitors simply says Open. To give a better indication of actual times, when booking your sitting it would certainly help to give the time you will be there. For example, a morning sitting could, with a minimum of two hours, be 10.00am until 12.00pm (or 10.30am-12.30pm) as it is often very quiet any earlier. This will certainly help upon receiving a call when gallery closed and subsequently arranging a time customer can get to gallery when open.

Thursday afternoon painting at Conservative Club (upstairs) 1.00-3.00pm

These sessions continue to thrive with several new members coming along. One such member, Liz, has kindly volunteered to keep the refreshment side of things on track as Maureen has had to stand down due to additional calls on her time elsewhere.

Thank you Maureen for your time and effort and do hope you will be able to come along as and when you are able to, even if just for a cup of tea and chat.

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Enjoy your journey in art

Welcome to you all once again. Soon be time for ……..

Annual Exhibition and Sale of Art Work

Yes, it is that time of year. Banners hung, posters up and the many other jobs that are generated from this important event. This year, being the 70th Anniversary, the catalogue is a little different in that it contains a brief history about the Group plus a flavour of the programme that is on offer.

Intake on Monday 1st August – I have been asked to remind members intake is 1.30 until 3.30pm.

Stewarding – Many members have been in contact to book their stewarding slot. You are welcome to call me using the number at back of your programme if you would like to get in touch about this before intake on Monday. This certainly helps to keep everything moving along smoothly.

If you are new to entering work for this event, when you come in there will be someone near the door with your labels which you then take with your work to one of the three check in tables. Paintings are then taken by helpers to be temporarily hung. The real display work begins after 3.30pm! If you are bringing any unframed work in this is taken from you along with completed form.

Workshops:

One of the many pluses of being a member of the Group is that we receive information about workshops as well as hold our own.

Looking at our own to begin with, a reminder that the first one in the Autumn will be –

Saturday 17th September 10.30am until 3.00pm- £25 (including tea/coffee)

Landscape in pastels over acrylic with Carole Massey, an excellent tutor.

One question that has arisen is if pastel pencils can be used rather than chalks. If you prefer to use pencils then certainly this is acceptable.

We hope to have a small supply of pastel chalks and pencils, for those members who are new to the medium. With this in mind, Unison have been contacted in the hope that they may oblige to supply some pastels at reduced cost or even free

Saturday 12th November 10.30am-3.30pm- £25 (including tea/coffee)

Landscape in oils using 3 primary colours plus white with Graham Webber, another excellent tutor

Using just three colours plus white gives opportunity for members not to have a huge outlay if trying out this medium.

Venue – Both the above workshops will take place at the Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin (next to Sports and Social Club). This venue is light and airy, has on site free parking plus a bus stop nearby.

As list on both workshops has already started to grow please don’t leave it too late to book a place. Call my telephone number, which you find on the back of your programme card. Please leave a message if I am unable to answer.

As said earlier, we also receive information about other workshops, for example Paul Bruce, holds all day workshops at Grudisburgh village hall, Group’s President Issy Coe’s are held at her Studio near Diss and Carole Massey at a variety of venues. All three are excellent professional artists, demonstrators and tutors.

Carole, who is a member of the Group, has recently sent details of her latest workshops to be held at Leiston. They will be monthly commencing on 23rd September and will cover mediums in watercolour, acrylics and pastels. The topics are landscapes, portraits and seascapes. £45 per session or £160 per term

Please contact Carole on 01728 833775 or 07778 408842 or email carolemasseyart@gmail.com for further details or book a place.

Tuesday evening meetings at Broadway House

The life drawing model certainly did not need a heater to stay warm!

Thankfully the session with Tony Osler was cooler. A very popular session where we not only welcomed eight visitors but also a new member signing up on the night. Thank you Tony for an interesting informative session peppered with humour.

As August is a busy month with Exhibition and many folk away, there are no Tuesday evening meetings held. The next meeting will therefore be 13th September with Anne Plummer demonstrating a ‘Fresh approach to mixed medium’

Bent Hill Gallery

Change over is Monday 15th August 9.30 until 11.30am

We could really do with more sittings during Exhibition week plus the week leading up to changeover. Currently the only dates gallery will be open are 2nd and 4th August in the morning, and the afternoons of 5th, 12th, 13th and 14th August.

Now to recent coach trip ..

Clare Priory outing

The drive to the venue was smooth, no hold ups experienced, which is always a bonus.

The stands were well spread out with variety of work to see and many an interesting conversation with the stand holders. The Priory itself was a pleasure to view (and welcomingly cool) plus the opportunity to visit the town of Clare plus the Country Park. All in all it took a while to explore as of course one needed to make time for lunch and general refreshment.

Oh, nearly forgot, and look around the antique store near the Priory.

So a huge thank you to Liz D’arville for organising it all.

Enjoy your journey in art, wherever it may take you

Yvonne

Welcome to the Group’s bi-monthly members newsletter which I hope finds you well and looking forward to warmer days and pleasant summer evenings.

With weather in mind let us hope all will be fine and dry not only for Coach trip to Clare Priory Arts and Crafts Fair, but also many of the activities planned for the Jubilee weekend. So much work has gone into the planning and no doubt folk are looking forward to some respite from everything going on in the world as well as nearer home.

Coach trip to Clare Priory Arts and Crafts Fair- Saturday 9th July

Details as follows –

Cost – £10 per person for coach

Entrance fee to Fair – £5 or £4 concessionary – individuals pay at entrance to Fair

8.30am – coach departs Eastern Square bus stop, arrives at Clare 9.30am

4.30pm – coach departs Clare, arrives Felixstowe 5.30pm

The coach will park at the Park and Ride site. A shuttle bus to the Fair available or if you prefer to walk it will take approx. 10 minutes.

If you do not wish to go to the Fair yet take advantage of the coach, there is plenty to see and do around the Priory as well as Clare town and parkland.

As in last communication, members may bring a guest if they wish. To book please see page 3 for details

Bent Hill Gallery

Next changeover is Monday 4th July, 9.30-11.30am

As many members have seen, the outside decor is getting a fresh coat of paint, just in time for the long bank holiday. We are even hanging some bunting to get into the spirit of Jubilee!

Many shops have decorated their windows with an array on interesting artefacts. If you are interested in going further afield then there is a Photographic Exhibition ‘Trimley 1952-2022’ at the Memorial Hall in Trimley St Martin (next to Sports and Social Club) Thursday 2nd June 12.30-8.00pm and Friday 3rd June 10.30am-5.00pm. Free entry.

Continuing on things to see there is The Big Hoot 2022 art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs go Wild in 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk in 2019. As with the pigs and elephants, the owls, about 50 of them, are ornately decorated and scattered throughout the town. This all happens from 19th June until 3rd September. Enjoy!

Before moving on just a reminder –

Suffolk Living Gallery, 12 Orwell Road, Felixstowe

Former Group President, and now we are pleased to say, Honorary member, Tony Osler, looks forward to meeting members at his viewing party to see a selection of his recent paintings at the above gallery on Thursday 2nd June at 6.00pm. His exhibition continues for the month of June from 11.00am until 4.00pm.

Group’s Annual Exhibition, Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Orwell Road

Committee are busy with the many tasks involved in such an activity and would like to remind members of the following key dates

Thursday 30th June – entry forms must be received by this date.

Monday 1 August – set up in the hall in the morning, handing in of work 1.30-3.30pm

Tuesday 2nd August – Exhibition opens 10.00am-6.00pm

Saturday 6th August – Exhibition closes 5.00pm. Collection of unsold work 5.30-6.00pm

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe

Tania Harrington’s illustrated talk on ‘Flower Power – the History of plants in art’ was a joy to hear. Her way of putting information across was excellent and the time simply flew by. She has been booked again for the 2023 programme!

Another meeting that time simply went by far too quickly was Sue Edmunds Coloured Pencil evening. This commenced with a half hour demonstration along with lots of information on various papers etc, followed by a short break for refreshment and members sit themselves around tables ready to ‘have a go’ with the selection of papers provided by Sue, plus the two types of solvents she spoke about. An excellent informative, relaxing evening – not just my words, but also of those present!

Now looking to June and July meetings –

14th June: Diana Grace and Lucy Skellorn

Diana will be giving an illustrated presentation on Cedric Morris and Lucy will update us on developments at Benton End Gardens. Both topics very much in the news of the art world.

28th June: Local artist/tutor Ed Cooper, will be demonstrating ‘Still life in acrylics’.

12th July: Life drawing with female model (Members evening only)

26th July: Tony Osler will be presenting a watercolour demonstration.

Now for a huge Thank You –

Felixstowe Art Group fund raiser for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

This was held in Felixstowe library on 14th May. The committee would like to sincerely thank members who brought work along plus members who helped steward the event. The final sum of work sold was £129 which, together with some very generous donations, the sum of £250 was raised towards the appeal.

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Enjoy creating and watching nature provide us with colour and activity

Welcome to this edition of your members newsletter. No doubt like myself you are looking forward to lighter evenings and warmer days.

One thing about being a member of an art group is that from time to time we get to hear about events that we might like to participate in or workshops offered by tutors.

The first item on the list of news is a number of dates to note in your diaries if you wish that are all about raising funds for charity. So, in date order –

Call for artists – Glimpses of Infinity

A session of live readings and fundraiser art exhibition 9th April to 14th May

Vela Art Gallery, 28 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AB, are hosting a fundraiser exhibition event in collaboration with, and in aid of, Inside Out Community, a Suffolk charity that offers opportunities for participation in a variety of creative art forms to people experiencing the sometimes overwhelming psychological challenges in life.

Artists are invited to participate in this exhibition, the theme being ‘Realigning’, reflecting the positive role that creative arts can play supporting emotional well-being.

Accepted media – 3D, photography, original prints, paintings and drawings of all media.

No hanging fee Deadline for submissions 27th March

If you like further info please contact organisers direct – info@velapartners.co.uk

Paint for the Ukraine

An acrylic painting workshop led by Jim Lait on Saturday 30th April, 11.00am until 3.30pm in the Upper room, Conservative Club, Felixstowe (Hall kindly donated by the Conservative Club)

Please bring your own supplies and ideas and enjoy a day painting with fellow artists to raise money for the Ukraine.

Jim will be available during the day to offer advice and tuition to anyone that would like some help.

Drinks and biscuits will be available, just need to bring a packed lunch.

Numbers limited so booking essential. Further details and to book, preferably by email:

thelaits@hotmail.com or phone 07501 900955 between 6.00 and 8.00pm

A minimum donation of £15 is asked for, which will go towards the Disasters Emergency Committee, Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Felixstowe Art Group fund raiser for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Saturday, 14th May at Felixstowe Library – 10.15am until 4.15pm

Members are invited to bring along up to three unframed works to offer for sale on a 50/50 basis. Members are of course welcome to donate the entire amount of any sales they make to the appeal but it was felt this should be an option.

All we ask is work is presented as is required for Gallery and Annual Exhibition and clearly marked on the front. Work brought in to library from 9.00am until 10.00am to ensure all set up ready to greet potential customers. Unsold work collected after 4.15pm, and by 5.00pm as library closes promptly at 5.00pm.

We do hope you will be able to support this fund raiser.

Group’s programme of meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe IP11 7DD, 7.30pm

Tuesday 22nd March : Life drawing with male model (Members only)

Tuesday 12th April: Jane Cochrane demonstrating ‘Wonders of negative painting’

Tuesday 26th April : Group’s Annual General Meeting

(Please note nominations for committee and AOB must be received 21 days before meeting).

At this year’s AGM we will be welcoming in the Group’s 70th birthday so took the opportunity that recently arose to offer something extra – a guest speaker to come along and make a short presentation about an artist, Myrtle Ferguson, who not only painted various subjects but also drew amusing cartoons for Kesgrave News. A very interesting lady but won’t say too much here!

The Annual Exhibition catalogue cover competition also takes place at this meeting. Work will need to be presented in A4 or A3 portrait format and does not require a mount.

No wording required as this will be done by Flyer Press but please do leave enough plain background in your design for said wording! Members vote for their favourite design with winner awarded a trophy to keep for one year, a prize and their design on front cover of catalogue. Runner up is not forgotten as they too will be awarded a prize. Good luck!

Gallery changeover Monday 11th April 9.30 until 11.30am

Membership renewal

Your forms are all ready to be delivered during the next two weeks so you should receive them no later than by the end of March. We do hope you will be signing up for another year. An interesting programme of meetings has been planned together with coach trip, Annual Exhibition, Art on the Prom, Workshops etc.

Our Group President, Issy Coe, has workshops coming up on various subjects – acrylics, watercolour, oils, pastels and mixed media – at her studio in Weybread, Diss, so if you would like to find out more she would be delighted to hear from you. issyart210@btinternet.com

Lastly Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge. A long time coming as had to be postponed last year.

Although disappointing with the number of members coming along to this social evening, all who did took the opportunity to judge their favourite in the various categories, catch up on news with each other plus enjoy wine and nibbles. Results as follows –

Playtime – (The most popular category) Fran Hicks with children coming down a slide and runner up Liz Tennant with elephant playing with a ball.

Pals – (second in popularity stakes) Fran Hicks with her group of soldiers and Yvonne Smart with drawing of her daughter holding puppy

Pots – Although there were only two entries for this category it was thought on this occasion a prize would be awarded for the favourite so we were delighted to present a trophy and prize to  Daphne Pilbrough for her a selection of pots.

That’s it folks, run out of room!

Yvonne (Chairman)

Keep creating and enjoying your journey in art

Welcome to the latest edition of your newsletter.

First up is: Oil painting workshop with Graham Webber – Saturday 5th February 10.30am until 3.00pm

Just a reminder of venue location etc.

• • Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin (next to Sports and Social Club)
  • Free on site parking plus bus stop nearby
  • Venue open at 10.00am for a prompt 10.30am start
  • Free tea and coffee available all day. Please bring packed lunch

Looking forward to our first workshop of 2022!

Thursday painting at Conservative Club, Felixstowe, 1.00-3.00pm

Thanks must go to Margery Shaw for volunteering to oversee the accounting side of things, Maureen Newton to oversee refreshments plus Chris Robinson and Alan Mayes continuing to assist with the tables. This all helps to continue in the smooth running of the afternoons.

Bent Hill Gallery

Although Central Government have relaxed rules regarding face coverings, we think you might very well agree that in such a small space it would be prudent to continue wearing them when someone wishes to enter the gallery plus maintain restriction of numbers entering as previously set out.

Regarding changeover.

As last year. no changeover planned for January. This gives the gallery team a break as six weeks does seem to come around all too soon. Plus gives opportunity for any work to be carried out, such as touching up display panels, general clean etc.

During the December changeover thought was given to finish time as often 6+ hours have gone by by the time all work has been collected/delivered and hung.

With this in mind the next changeover is: Monday 28th February, 9.30 until 11.30am giving a 2 hour window for collection/delivery of work which we think you will agree is ample time. Hanging of work can get underway and labels typed up a little earlier.

Please note: as the Post Office is only available to obtain cash during their trading hours, please direct customers to the outside machines located at Lloyds Bank or Barclays.

Thank you!

Now on to the Tuesday evening programme

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, 7.30pm

8th February

Val and Alan Bourne will be presenting an illustrated talk on Minsmere all about the wonderful wildlife, the habitats they live in and the work that goes on at the site.

You may recall mention about a request by Val and Alan regarding two charities they are undertaking to help. The first one is collecting non-feather duvets for the Dogs Trust. For the second one they are collecting towels for the Surgery at the Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns. The towels are used to wrap injured birds in so their wounds can be attended to.

Perhaps bring any items along to the evening or call 079560 64409 and collection can be arranged.

22nd February: Carole Massey will be demonstrating Pastels over Acrylic. Some members will have met Carole at one of her workshops she tutors in the Suffolk area and beyond and more are planned for 2022.

8th March: Long awaited for sure is the Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge.  The three categories are Pals / Pots / Playtime.

Just a reminder of the guidelines, especially as it is sometime since we have had the opportunity to hold such an evening –

• • members may enter one drawing per category
  • drawing to be in monochrome using a pencil, ink, or charcoal.
  • each entry to be mounted but not framed, up to a maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount.
  • for artist to remain incognito, please sign the back of work only
  • please hand entries in at the door by 7.40pm
  • please kindly note all works must not infringe copyright or have been previously shown at the Group’s gallery or Annual Exhibition

This event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades in between using a humble pencil, stick of charcoal or ink pen, but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing do come along, vote for your favourite in each category and see who, in each category, is awarded a trophy and prize with the runner up being awarded a prize.

Returning to the topic of galleries:

142 Gallery in Hamilton Road are once again holding their Open Call Art Exhibition where there are prizes to be won.

The exhibition is from 11th until 22nd March and this year the theme is Candlelight. Further information is available at the gallery (theirs not ours!) or google 142 gallery.art

Good luck. One year one of our members, Paul Tonks, won a free week to exhibit his work

Oh dear, once again, running out of space so on closing I would like to say thank you for the many best wishes following my accident and help at the Group’s gallery. Kindness indeed.

Yvonne (Chairman)

Keep enjoying your journey in art