Welcome once again to the latest edition of our Group Members newsletter.
Gallery update
Thank you to members who are able to do extra sittings during our run up to closure. This is most appreciated. There are just a few dates left which I am hoping will be filled by one or two members who have yet to book their second sitting due to exhibiting two framed paintings.
Enquiries are ongoing to find new premises. As well as attending meetings to spread the word various leads are being explored such as Business Improvement District Manager for Felixstowe (BID) and the Commercial Landlord in Felixstowe BID area. Both should be able to put me in touch with owners of the various empty shops. A busy time for sure.
Before moving on to other news, just a reminder about work currently at the Gallery –
Collection of all work must be completed between 9.30am until no later than 4.00pm on Thursday 30th March (collect key in usual way if Gallery locked). Collection on time is important as the boards will be dismantled ready for Clear View Removals to collect and transport to the Barn where we store Exhibition screens.
It us essential for someone to collect your work if you are unable to do so.
Key holders – keys to be returned to the Gallery by 30th March
Several notices are currently displayed at the Gallery advising visitors of the closure. Once closed, the landlord has permitted us to display information about the Group and its subsequent closure.
Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road 7.30pm
The presentation by Chris Parfitt, Scilly art, whereby he took us on a tour of the main islands, gardens and various artists work was a pleasure to listen to and view. Sculptures, mosaics, inside of a small building decorated with hundreds of shells, were just a few of the many sites he visited.
Steve Brill, the new to the Group male model, was given the nod of approval from all members who attended, so yes, he will be back! He found it a very relaxed atmosphere and much warmer than some of the venues he attends, one being a very cold large church. Brave man indeed is all I can say!
Four life drawing sessions have been incorporated into the 2023/24 programme (previously three) as there was a call for more. The next one will be with a female model on 27th June.
Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm
Watercolour workshop with Jim Lait. Topic will be Boats and Sea. Jim describes the session as follows ‘Over the two hours we will draw the picture, lay down an overall wash then paint the picture itself. Envisage use of a limited palette but if you are not comfortable with that then of course use the colours you wish. Suggested colours to bring –
Ultramarine, Red Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Paynes Grey or Black, Prussian Blue, Red, Dark Green.
Palette if you are bringing tube paints/Water pot/ kitchen roll/table cover will be provided. Watercolour paper (your own choice of size) plus board and masking or brown tape to secure paper to board/ruler/pencil/eraser/brushes – at least 2, a wash brush and a smaller brush that holds a good point.
Tuesday 28th March 7.30pm
Drawing challenge evening, 3 categories being – Spring begins / 3 garden tools / an insect.
- As noted in your January supplement, 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.
- Entries handed in by 7.40pm
The event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades of grey but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing do come along and vote for your favourite in each category.
Light refreshments will be provided. Look forward to seeing you.
Tuesday 11th April 7.30pm
Issy Coe will be demonstrating Pastels and continues to offer her workshops on a variety of subjects and mediums, including pastels, at her studio, Jessamine Studio in Weybridge, Diss. Further details can be obtained by emailing – issyart210@btinternet.com
Another artist who has also demonstrated on several occasions for the Group and will be again in September is Carole Massey.
As not everyone has transport to go further afield, Carole is now offering monthly Tuesday workshops at the Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin (where we had New Year social) commencing with Drawing – pencil, pen, charcoal, on Tuesday 25th April, 10.00am-3.30pm. Further details on this workshop and others in the pipeline can be obtained by emailing – carolemasseyart@gmail.com
We are certainly fortunate to have links with a number of experienced tutors for as we may have found elsewhere with other workshops, not everyone who can paint can teach!
I now conclude this newsletter with news of Committee member Morag Skipper who sadly died recently after a long illness. Using her experience of graphic art the colours and layout for the Gallery flyer were spot on.
Along with her talent may Morag’s family take comfort in the joy her sense of humour brought to all who met her.
May we continue to find joy in our art
Yvonne
(Chairman)