Prepare for anything on these sketching days out:  you could be burnt to a frazzle in a sheltered spot or frozen half to death in windy shade - as we found out today.
But first, some members gathered together in the 'canteen' for a committee meeting.  Yes, we have to have such things or there would be no programmes, no locations, no exhibitions .... need I go on.  Amongst other things we discussed some plans The Bank has and details of our forthcoming exhibitions.  There will be information about these on the website soon.  
An unusual location for artists today you might think, but inspiration was found in all kinds of subjects.  Spot Avril's abstract from an old pair of binoculars, or her page of sundry items found here and there.  Or Tom's drawing of an only slightly-worn(?) engine part.  Some climbed the control tower for a different view, while others were lazier and just sat cooking in the same spot.  One took an unusual approach with some collage, to good effect.
Tea was in the Museum, where the eight remainers viewed each other's work - out of the fifteen who were present at some point in the day.  Two of these kindly offered their work for a photo before departing, included below.

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We went exploring in the jungle today and found all sorts of exotica to study, sketch and paint.  We were in fact at the Urban Jungle Nursery, where we could enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the café, view the many plants outdoors or hide away with our pencils and brushes in one of the polytunnels.  These were most welcome as there was a chillly breeze after the recent hot days.  
We had a variety of work to look at, after a delicious tea at Sally L's, and it was interesting to hear what people had been aiming for - no doubt with the intention of coming back to these subjects and techniques later. 
​Diana showed us her neat outdoor painting pack for using oil pastels as well as her holiday sketchbook.
Fourteen members came to the venue today, ten of whom were able to stay on for tea.


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​By the way, if you are car sharing you should take June.  She knows the whole area so well that wherever you go she has a story to tell about some place on the way.
Next week we go to Thorpe Abbotts and the 100th Bomber Group memorial museum with its remaining RAF buildings.  Something different and should be interesting.

After getting soaked yesterday, it was wonderful to enjoy a whole day of sunshine today in Cambridge.  Once deposited outside the Fitzwilliam Museum, we all went our various ways:  many to Kettle's Yard to see how it looked after its lengthy refurbishment, others to view the collections of pottery or samplers at the Fitzwilliam, yet others (well, one anyway) sketching objects in one of the many galleries.  Dare I say there were some who ignored the cultural delights and went shopping instead, after a visit to FitzBillies for traditional Chelsea buns and coffee and before a delectable lunch (so I'm told) at Comte. 

But there is so much to see in Cambridge, there is never enough time.  Whatever we did, we all seemed to enjoy it and had fun, thanks to Sally P for arranging it all (and to Les for keeping Sally on track?!)

Next week it's the start of our summer programme, so get your "plein air" gear out and take a trip to the Urban Jungle Nursery in Beccles.  See you there.

The last time Frances challenged us to paint big.  This time it was all about composition and thinking about the whole painting area.  She drew our attention first to David Hockney's quote (see right).
Frances looked at some paintings with us - in particular one of a vegetable stall - to analyse and discuss what the considerations in the composition were.  Next we were invited to write down our own thoughts on other paintings, then discuss these ideas in small groups -  which proved to be a very valuable exercise.  Actually then doing a copy of this painting helped us further to concentrate on the elements involved.
After a break Frances set out her collection of still life objects and drapery, from which to create our own paintings using various media including collage.  This had some excellent results, as you will see below.  Frances commented helpfully on all of these.  In passing, it was very interesting to learn how Hannah and Jane used an app on their iPads in the creation of work and it was hoped we might have a session on this some time.
This workshop was splendidly organised with lots of books and pictures to look at and a really thoughtful array of still life objects.  Many thanks to Frances, who is donating all monies received to her charity:  The Williams Syndrome Foundation.

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David Hockney:   "All painting no matter what you're painting is abstract in that it's got to be organised.  No matter what the illusion created, it is a flat canvas and has to be organised into shapes."

PS  Sorry, Les!  I made a complete hash in writing about your painting last week, which I now understand was inspired by viewing the apparent chaos in the cosmos.  That makes much more sense!

PPS  Freda was not able to bring her painting for Out of the Shadows last week.  This is it now.

Les introduced us to his multi-experienced, multi-talented friend Peter, who is a great walker.  He wore the many layers of his walking clothing, along with leggings and boots - and that on what is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far!  People do suffer for art.  We had two poses, first seated, then a standing pose after our coffee break, though most chose to do just the head.  (There wasn't time to do it all justice.) 

Les's still life set-ups were multi-faceted, giving a huge range of subjects, from his chiaroscuro figure in a box, through the macabre (a skull), nature (early spring blossom and fruit), bottles, pots, vases, boxes, boots ... What wasn't there?

Les showed us a painting he had done (see right), representing the chaotic emotions he felt when surrounded by huge buildings, traffic and noise - or something like that.  You'll have to ask Les.

In the break, Sally T was supplying canvases (£3 each) on which to do a painting on the theme of the natural world - for a future exhibition at Earsham.  There will be another opportunity to buy such a canvas next week (26th).

John must have some 'pull' as we were honoured with a sitting by our Mayor, Colin Ribchester, in his full, colourful regalia today.  That was certainly something different for us - and challenging,  whether it was coping with the robes, other regalia, the unusual hat, or just his being.  

For the still life, John provided strong shapes in his guitars, and intricate textures with his pieces of bark and gnarled wood.  

Some results below - by no means all, as a few people had to leave early.

We heard from Sally P that the exhibition at Earsham has now been changed, so we hope a lot of you will go along to see it.  The plan, when a picture is sold, will be for people to go there to receive payment and take in a replacement painting.  

For the week after next, the showing of pictures for the Chairmans Project "Out of the Shadows",  Sally T reminded us that it is a good idea to hear the painters' comments as to what their plans or thought processes were.
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​What to choose today?  Lesley offered us two options:  one for those who wished to practise or improve their print making techniques and/or collage; and one for those who wanted to do still life - for which there was a veritable cornucopia of different objects. 
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There was no model today (though one or two sneakily managed the odd portrait or so!)

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