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11th August 2022, hoxne water mill

11/8/2022

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I am afraid I couldn't face going out to sketch today in the heat and sunshine.  I have retreated indoors to make jam (almost as hot, but very short-lived heat) with plums kindly given by my next-door neighbour.  My studio is delightfully cool in this weather, so I have actually been quite productive this week, as you will see.
Before we get to those who went to Hoxne Water Mill today, I have been sent several examples of pictures completed there in the past. 
First, from Noreen, from 2015, and including a fellow artist (do you recognise yourself?), a delightful watercolour.
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Then Diana sent a number of sketches, all from past years...
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Sally T was not able to go today, but has finished an oil painting of Mellis that she was working on last week - very evocative and lovely perspective.
Carolyn, with reference to last week, sent a lovely watercolour sketch of Saxtead Green.  She tells me that holidays there were what persuaded her and Roy to move to Suffolk.  She also attached a drawing of a fully opened rose from her garden - watercolour pencil
Frances is in Brittany and has sent a charcoal still life and two stages of a picture she is working on:
Small sketch done in situ looking from their favourite beach, across nature reserve to chateau de Suscinio, and larger acrylic in the making of same.
Here is what I have been up to.  First, an oil on board taken from some of the machinery at Flixton.  This is 'Totem'. And then a sketch from a photo in Thorndon, that I have plans for...
Here are the first of the work produced at Hoxne today.  Lesley's sketches are, first, pencil on white paper, and the next two are using zig graphic twin felt tips, again on white paper. [These photos looked very blue on screen, and I have done some adjustment to try to get rid of most of the blue - hope they now look OK, Lesley, don't know why this sometimes happens! And not just to you - Hannah]
Avril was obviously very much inspired - lots of sketches here!  Full of detail, and plenty to use if she wants to take them further...
Jackie has included her finished painting from last week with her work from today.  She said, 'Quite a pleasant breeze this morning if sitting in the shade. Wonderful place, so many scenes to choose from followed by tea and cake in Sally's shady garden.'
Next we have Josie and her husband, Ian, who has joined in a number of the sessions this summer.  first Josie's two, then Ian's.
Harriet was another of those who has completed work on the Saxtead windmill since last week, so here it is, along with her work today, which was done in acrylic, which dried very quickly and is not totally finished.
Angela left early today, and has sent her oil sketch from this morning along with some other pieces, ‘sea marbles’ followed by ‘Finding my way out of the wild wild wood’ then ‘Summer pond’ .
Finally, from Sally P, a painting from this morning that she is still wrestling with, and photos of the scene and the tea time at her garden, which looks very shady and cool!
Let's hope the heat breaks soon!  Don't forget it's Noreen turn to be Blog Queen next week.  Send your pictures to her in good time.
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August 04th, 2022

4/8/2022

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All I know about the location today is that it has a green(!), a watermill and a pub called the Old Mill House.  Perhaps I will learn more as I receive your blog entries. 
First work in (unrelated to Saxstead Green) is from Carolyn, who has painted a very good, impressionistic version of her clematis.  The other two pieces are done with watercolour pencils:  some heleniums and a bowl of strawberries.
Frances has sent us a selection of interesting little sketches from Brittany, “the first”, she says, “sitting on a rock … felt it when I got up!!!”  (Hope you don’t have to sit on too many hard rocks, Frances.)
Lesley is out sailing with friends.  She has no work to send this time but instead sends us photos of great landscapes and cloudscapes, suggesting these might be good to use as subjects this winter.  They are at (1) Kyles of Bute, and (2) Isle of Arran.  “Chilly and now raining” she says, but obviously fantastic views.
Hannah has sent us a message about an exhibition in St Edmundbury Cathedral.  Go to Messages from Members or click here.
She also sent us a photo of the abstract oil she is working on - “a way to go yet”, she says.
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The first reports from our location painting have come in.  We hear from Sally P that it has been a hot day, not ideal for painting  plein air.  Sally goes on to say, "6 of us turned up but we didn't start work until nearly 12.00 noon. We then stopped at 1.30 as the pub was closing for food at 2.00! We did have a lovely social time.
​"It was a difficult subject and most of us have to finish off at home ..... if we do!
My picture (3rd photo) had more paint taken off than put on. I'm quite pleased with how it is taking shape finally."
From Ian we have what he describes as an underpainting, requiring a lot more work. (But it seems like a very good start. N)  Like others, he said, "The heat stopped us."  He has also sent a photo showing the pub and - another painter,  Sally?.
First with a painting of the windmill is Harriet, and side by side a photo of the mill itself.  She says, "My painting of the windmill at Saxstead is unfinished. It became very hot when painting and I was quite glad to stop."  Well done for withstanding the heat for so long!
Jackie too speaks of the heat and difficulty of the subject.  She says, "Very complicated subject and our paintings not helped by having to stand in the relentless sunshine. Would be excellent subject in evening light.  Glad we had the pub to refresh ourselves."  Of course, there's no shade on the green!
Jackie also reminds us that next week's meeting is at Hoxne Mill.

That's all I've received.  Sorry I didn't manage any artwork myself this week and wasn't able to go to Saxstead Green.  Probably just as well in view of the difficult conditions.  
I'll just remind you to send your work to Hannah next week and that the meeting is at Hoxne Mill.  
​Meanwhile, happy painting!   Cheers, Noreen
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28th July 2022 - at Ian's in Westhorpe

28/7/2022

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Late Addition 29th July

Sally T tried very hard to get her work to me yesterday, and it finally arrived today, so I have added it here.  These are pen and water colour of pine trees and foxgloves going over next to trellis in Ian s garden 
Sorry not to have made it today, but I don't think you would have wanted me there.  I have a dreadful hacking cough (not THE one, though - I did a test), which I am sure no one would have wanted any contact with. Paintwise, I have been quite busy this week, as you will see later.
Six members made their way to Ian's house, where they were treated to a flow of tea and coffee and the three delicious homemade cakes!  Thanks to Ian, and especially, Linda.
Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed the EAG visit last week, and thanks those who came.  she couldn't get near her own lily pond when you were there, but this week she has tackled that subject, and also sent in a drawing done on the day of a rather fine rose on the trellis by the table, and a drawing of the articulated model she was given by a now late EAG member. 
Angela has finished the painting she started last week at Carolyn's. This just shows me again all the ways I went wrong drawing the same subject!
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Avril had a busy day at Ian's. The colours of these pictures all speak of the dryness of the weather at the moment.
Jackie wasn't able to get to Ian's today, but she has worked some more on trying to paint another willow tree like the one by the side of the Mere in Diss. She was concerned with using the light and shade to describe the tree top to bottom.
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Here is Noreen's work from a photo she took at Carolyn’s last week and using pastels. She says, 'Found I was getting too many layers. Not easy!'  Which I think was the consensus last week, as different versions emerged of the delicacy of the flowers with the solidity of the leaves, and the reflections, and the water...  Well done, Noreen!
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Sally P gave me a verbal snapshot of the day today. She says, 'It was lovely weather wise although a big gust nearly took the sun umbrella flying and my acrylics needed spraying continually to stop them drying up. 
My painting this week is an acrylic of one of their floribunda roses and my 10 min sketch is of a few of their pots.'
Before I started coughing, I was quite busy painting this week. First is an oil painting taken from the drawing I did at Flixton, and second is a very tiny 5" x 7" canvas from a photo taken in Norfolk's newest country park, just north of Horsford. 
The blog has been posted a little late this week, as I  was hoping for more submissions. Do keep us in touch with what you have been up to, even if you can't make it on a Thursday.  If you do come on a Thursday, please share your work, we are all interested!
Next week Noreen will be in charge, and the venue for Thursday will be Saxtead Green.
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Thursday 21st July, at Stradbroke

21/7/2022

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A digression first about last week when we had our Summer Exhibition, at the United Reformed Church in Diss, from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July.  From what I’ve heard and saw, we did ourselves proud, with a good number of viewers, compliments on the strong standard of work and a few sales.  Sales included 7 pictures and 9 cards.  Well done everybody who took part and many thanks especially to those who helped to organise, set up, and steward the exhibition.  For those who made sales, Ian has a message for you on Messages from Members.  (You may need to click on “MORE” to get these.)

Today we were invited to Carolyn and Roy’s garden in Stradbroke. - great to see them again, and I know how much Carolyn enjoys seeing you all.  There were about 11 present at one time or another. What a relief that the temperature had cooled down a little.  The star attraction was their wonderful lilypond, but there were plenty of other subjects asking to be painted.

Carolyn produced two drawings for the blog, the Garden Border with crayons and the interior view with Inktense, here modified slightly with water brush.  She says she looks at the indoor view every day at mealtimes.  She likes the idea of a composition almost entirely made up of straight lines.

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Avril is first in with her three takes on the lilies, not an easy subject in any medium.  (Look how many times Monet had a go!)  Three very lively and colourful pictures from Avril.

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Here we have two artists' work.  First, Sally P used watercolour pencils on SAA practice paper to do a study of a waterlily. She says, "Not a great end result. It looks a bit dull. Might try them on a better quality paper to see if that produces a better result. "   Then Hannah has produced a very gentle work, almost monochrome, of what looks to me like a flowering hosta.
Jackie has sent us two photos, the first of one of the lovely waterlilies in Carolyn's pond.
The second is of the Mere in Diss, 
started last Thursday and worked on during the last week.  She adds, "I would love to capture the essence of Willow trees so if anyone has any tips?"

From Sally T, "Here are my pictures for today of Carolyn's water lilies. Both are sketches which I hope to work on.  One is in pencil and the other in Inktense pencil, water brush and ink. I managed to decorate my trousers with ink in the process!"
Sally L’s subject is not unrelated to gardens and ponds, but with a novel approach.  She says, “I’ve been playing with some collaged bits of gelliplate contact sheets to make some Mythical Moths. The only trouble is I’ve had a fan on because of the heat, and it’s blowing these tiny fragments all over the room!”  
​The second piece is Josie's work, 
which is good to see as she often tends to hide her light under a bushel.​ It comes via Hannah.

Harriet has sent us her work from today, two sketches of waterlilies.  
​She has also submitted 3 from her visit to Wales 2 weeks ago, "not sent before as I was having problems with the signal and then it was too late."

Richard has produced an interesting image as the start of an abstract piece  in Art Nouveau style.  Sally P pronounced it a brilliant idea, so let us see the finished work in due course, Richard.
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Just one more in from Angela, who was painting the side of the border with the trees behind.  She says, "I might do more work on it when it has dried a bit but I don’t want it to get too fussy. I abandoned the geraniums at the front as they were so delicate I couldn’t get my palette knife to convey their translucent qualities - I just pretended they weren’t there! It was lovely to see Carolyn after such a long time and in great spirits."
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The day finished with all present enjoying tea with Carolyn.
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Next week's meeting is at Ian's, at Westhorpe and it is Hannah's turn to do the blog, so please remember to send photos of your work to her.  Keep painting and have a very good week.  
​Cheers, Noreen.
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14th July 2022 in Diss

14/7/2022

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First a big thank you to all those, both members and member's spouses, who help to hang the exhibition this morning.  The display looks very handsome, as you can see below, and we had over 20 visitors today.  Light in the room is quite good, though it was so bright outside today that those of us who had stayed to steward found ourselves blinking in the sunlight.  Tomorrow the church holds a coffee morning, so visitor numbers will probably be considerably higher.  I recommend a visit, if you can go before we dismantle it again on Sunday after 4pm, when it closes.
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Some of those who had participated then went out to sketch in Diss.  Here are Avril's, which are full of life.
And these are Jackie's, lots of bird life from the Mere and the park...
Carolyn's contribution this week consists of a fuschia drawing from her garden, one of her favourite flowers, which we can all see next week if you come to her garden next Thursday, very delicately done with crayon, and a more jokey subject - a cat's toy, to cheer us in troubling times.  this was a cat's Christmas gift, and looks well loved.
Noreen, although unable to come to Diss, has sent a view of the Mere from some years ago.  She has also been experimenting with coloured pencils on a self-portrait.  She says, 'Unfortunately, they seem to lend themselves best to detailed, realistic work - i.e. distinctly unflattering!'  It is very recognisable, but I think what Noreen means is that she looks rather more stern than we usually see her!
Diana has sent more of her previous work. She says, 'All done on Hahnemuhle  “Cornwall” watercolour glued blocks which come in all shapes  and sizes,it’s tough and you can throw water at it without it cockling.  1. and 2. were done in Anglesey,  3. at Stiperstones ,Shropshire,  4. at  Bowls club

Frances started this work this week, an unfinished 5'' x 5" block canvas...
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This is from June, done at the Bank yesterday morning. She has used her newly acquired set of Koh-I-Noor pastel pencils, which are softer than her previous pencils but didn’t include the colours she wanted.
Finally, the finished version of the painting Angela started last week at John's.  Thanks to Noreen for sending me these last two.
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So next week it's Carolyn's turn to host.  Hope to see many of you there.  Noreen will be blogging next week, so send her your photos.  Let's hope we do get some rain before then, as the gardens are desperate, but NOT on the day, and that you all manage to keep clear of Covid!
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Thursday 7th July at John's

7/7/2022

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After a cloudy start, today brightened up to a lovely sunny afternoon.  I arrived at John's after driving down Fiddler's Lane, which proved rather unnerving.  My car's warning system was screaming at me all the way that I was too close to the side ... both sides in fact!!!  It is so narrow.  Such are the risks of Suffolk.
Some folk had already gone when I arrived but I had a wander round, was shown John's beloved oil-smelling studio, took a few photos and was promised more from Sally P. later.  I had a thankfully more comfortable return journey via Cock's Road.
First one or two of the photos I took.  John's house has a very rural setting, as you will also see from Frances's  sketch below.  Sandra and Angela are sitting beside a colourful herbaceous border
The first work I received from today's location was by Frances, who says she only had time for one sketch before having to rush off.  She has called it "View through the Hedge".
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Avril's is not from the location but from a photo taken in Kenya. as she coould not go to John's this week.  
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Carolyn has been working in the garden again but doesn’t find it easy.  She really prefers working on a table.  The redcurrants were done with crayons and the garden view was with Inktense - hence the dry and wet versions.
Diana didn't get to the location today and has dug out another ancient sketchpad to show us:  (1) Hoxne Vicarage and Bodmin Moor  (2) Ludgate Causeway  (3) and (4) back and front of John's (formerly her old) house.
Sally L is on holiday and promised to send a postcard this week.  Here it is:  A view from the back of our hotel of what was probably at one time a rather grand house and terrace garden, now apartments.  Horrible perspective challenges;  too hot to concentrate.  (Naples)  (Perspective looks fine to me - Noreen)
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Although I (Noreen) went to John's this morning, I was not able to do a painting.  Here is something I did at home - another pastel painting of a view  just off Lowgate Street in Eye.  
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This is Maggie-Anne's depiction of one of the buildings in John's garden (the studio, perhaps?)
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This one is a drawing from Hilary, from the visit to Walberswick on 16 June.

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From Lesley:  Here is my offering, using inktense pencils and graphic twin felt tips. It’s the landscape just outside John’s garden. The brick building is his studio.  I was only able to stay for the morning.
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​Now for the images Sally P sent in.  First, she tells us twelve turned up today. Several had to go early due to other commitments but there were 6 of us that stayed for tea, cake and biscuits.  John is in the first photo, on the left.
​After a grey and blustery morning with the threat of rain it turned out to be a gloriously sunny day by the end and we were looking for shade!


Sally sent two pieces by Angela - an oil of silver birches using a palette knife, and a sketch.
Then a pastel sketch of an artichoke by Sandra.
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Next Sally's own work.  A drawing of fields from John's garden.  Followed by a mixed media painting looking through an arch towards a herbaceous border.
That's all for today.  Keep painting and send your work to Hannah next time  (14th July, Diss).
Have a very good week.  
​Noreen
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30th June 2022 - Flixton

30/6/2022

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This week we went to Flixton Air Museum.  The weather was somewhat threatening, but stayed dry all morning.  I didn't stay during the afternoon, and we did have rather a heavy downpour in Norfolk, so I hope they stayed dry.  About ten of us came and went at various times.  Much thanks must go to Jackie for her delicious cake, and for serving teas and coffees in the morning.  Avril brought her new puppy, and therefore left early.  Diana came and went, and had a disaster with her iPad, which I hope she is able to sort out soon.
Flixton has a wonderful mixture of subjects for sketching and painting, from aircraft and museum displays to rescued parts of dead machinery, fished from the sea and gathered up from runways.  These last resemble an elephants graveyard or a group of beached whales, with their fins in the air.
Below are some scene-setters, and photos of those who came during the day.  The last photo is of three of the four who stayed to the end and went for tea at Pura Vida garden centre (photographed by Sally P).
First a bumper crop from Carolyn, who used some of the photos from Walberswick as her inspiration for the first two, and then  a photo of a sand dune.  finally a hydrangea from her garden.
Noreen went to Angela's last week and took photos for the blog, and for herself.  She has made a pastel painting using pastel pencils and soft pastels. The reflections and the shade of the trees behind the artists work particularly well.
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Noreen also sent me a pastel from June of a Rose of Sharon, to share with you.
Avril was quite prolific in her output, given that she had to cut her visit short. Some of these sketches show models on the inside of the museum, as well as full size subjects.
Lesley was one of those who found some of her inspiration in the machinery graveyard, and has included photos to show her subjects.
Here are Harriet's drawings from the machinery heaps.
These drawings are from Les Bragg.
As I said, Diana didn't stay, but she sent some of sketches from previous times: 
Thrandeston Green, Tour de France starts this week, and Bodmin moor
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Two sketches from Jackie, one with watercolour.
And here are Sally P's sketches, two rather longer, and two quick ones.
Last minute addition from Frances, who visited Flixton yesterday, but has also sent a sketch from Castle Acre done on Sunday, and a linocut she is working on from Angela's last week.
I managed one sketch this morning, and am also including an unfinished oil that I am working on - based on the back doors of houses in Eye.
Next week's outing is to John's garden - details in the Summer programme on the Events page.  Let's hope the weather has done with heavy rain in time! 
Send your work to Noreen for next week's blog.
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Thursday 23rd June - Occold

23/6/2022

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What a beautiful day and what a very beautiful garden!  Plenty of space for people to spread out and choose their viewpoints.  First here is a selection of photos showing most of the people present.  Josie was a bit elusive so I think I missed her.  Lesley came and went, possibly to return.  And Les Bragg I saw down the lane in a traffic jam (!!!) as he was going home.  (I pursued a lady who was backing up a very long way to let me pass but on reaching a possible turning point, she was followed up by Les and I was followed up by a big lorry.  Impasse?  Not quite.  Soon sorted out due to the quick wittedness of the other three drivers.  It is a very narrow road!)
Angela, with being the host this week both to us as well as to two young/very young relatives, didn't have much chance to paint today, but some work she produced last week at Walberswick didn't reach Hannah in time to be included in that blog.  She says she sketched in the morning and then put some thought into how to develop some ideas she has.  So here is her last week's work and location photos.
Carolyn was not with us, but has drawn inspiration from her own garden.  Here are two very nice pieces using her Inktense pencils;  also for want of another subject she made a drawing in pencil of her spectacles, which as she says are essential to her life.
(1)  June has been trying out her pastel pencils at the Wednesday Bank meeting and completed this work.  I love her use of colours.  
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​(2  I’ve still been trying to make a realistic impression of a few cows in acrylic.  (Must try harder, Noreen!)
Perhaps I may digress briefly to show you one of Dorothy’s paintings from earlier years, when she used to do a lot of walking.  (This is from a photo of it on a card she sent me.)  It is such a strong yet delicately painted image - and like most of Dorothy’s great paintings, you feel you could walk right into it.

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Frances was amongst the first people I spotted on arrival at Angela's.  She was busy making three great little sketches on which to base a possible lino cut.
Avril sat near the pond and completed these colourful oil paintings, picking up on the water lilies and other beautiful flowers.
Lesley did return (see above) and tells me she completed this pastel painting of Angela's house, from the summerhouse, in only an hour!  She used SAA soft pastels on Pastelmat paper.
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Sally P said she felt restless today and is not too happy with her work.  But she had a go with some quick sketches and a pastel picture of the pond, with reflections.
Diana missed Angela's today due to another optician's appointment, so she has picked a sketchbook at random from 10 years ago and sent some of her earlier work.  
Two pieces from Hannah today, pencil work around the pond and then trees with what looks like pen and pastel.  I love the shadows and feeling of depth in this one.
​That's all I have received so far. Oops, no.  A few late ones from Harriet just as I was about to close up for the day.  Here they are:
Next week's session will be at Flixton Air Museum.   The café will not be open for service but we will be allowed to use the facilities to make our own teas/coffees.

It is Hannah's turn to do the blog next week, so please remember to send your contributions to her in good time.  Meanwhile, happy painting!
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16th June 2022

16/6/2022

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Before anything else, a salute to Noreen's 90th birthday yesterday.  The blog would not be the same without her wit and wisdom.  I gather she had a lovely, busy day, and I am sure we all wish her many more.
It seems a good number went to Walberswick today and here is some of the evidence -
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What a perfect day to be by the sea - although I expect Ian would have preferred a more lively sky, and, as he expects that his sketch from today will be worked on over the winter - it may yet end up with one!
Carolyn did some drawing from life in her garden, the foxglove with Inktense and the Salvia with coloured crayons, and has also asked whether there would be photos from today's visit for her to use from home.  I know I failed to pass this request on early enough, and we do have two, but perhaps someone has some large photos from today or from a previous visit that they could either send direct to Carolyn, or to Noreen to be added to next week's blog. 
Thanks this week go to Jackie for the group photos and one of the landscapes - and here is her work from today
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Frances wasn't able to go today, but sent a sketch and then painting done of Dunwich, with added birdlife!
Several sketches here from Sally L, and thanks to her for the landscape photo above with the buildings.
Next Avril, who sent an iPad drawing/painting and an ink sketch.
Lesley is away sailing this week and has sent a quick watercolour sketch of the remaining town gate in Sandwich, Kent. It was built in 1346 and restored in the 16th century! It’s on the Town Quay, where their boat was moored (see second picture).
From Diana, who also didn't make it today, but worked at home from Cornish photos, 1.Watercolour pencil. “ St. Mizzle- on -the -Moor “, 2.Water soluble oil,  3.Haven’t a clue what I’m doing,  4.What a difference a few telegraph poles make...
I have spent quite a lot of this week in the studio, scraping old paint of palettes and covering over unsatisfactory paintings to re-use their canvases, not so much on painting and drawing, maybe next week will be more fruitful. The deadline for submission for the Diss exhibition has passed, but it has been extended to the weekend, so get your entries in!  I am happy to receive photos of your form, provided they are readable.
Don't forget Noreen will be blogging next week, so send your pictures to her, whether you make it to Angela's or not.  I understand there are thunderstorms forecast for the weekend, but hopefully they will be long gone by next Thursday.
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Thursday 9th June

9/6/2022

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It looks as though it's going to be a nice day, I hope so anyway for those going to Burston.  But let's start with some contributions from elsewhere.
​We’ll start with Lesley’s painting from 26 May, which inadvertently was missed from the last blog.  The first photo is of her sketch of the R. Yare, and the second is after she added some stronger darks to it when back in Hannah’s garden;  she was very pleased with these results and you can see how greatly  improved it is.
Carolyn has submitted two drawings.  The first one is from her own garden pond with a flowering waterlily.  The second is a dolphin, from a photograph in the paper and she says it is a late drawing for the Chairman’s project on movement.
Diana tells us her boys decided to put up with her for a week in Cornwall.  She has sent us photos of Bodmin Moor, an old engine house, Treyarnon Bay and last but not least her sketch sitting on Bodmin Moor looking towards rain clouds over Dartmoor.  I know Diana loves this part of the world so I hope she had a very good time.​
Next we come to Burston, where Dorothy, a long-standing member of EAG and a great painter, invited us to her lovely house and garden.  There were 9 of us altogether, 6 of whom stayed to enjoy tea and chat.
Harriet showed us two images, a sketch of the garden and a more finished painting of the same view.
From Jackie we have a watercolour sketch from today and also her accomplished finished painting of Mellis.
Lesley caught sight of a tractor, which she interpreted in a watercolour sketch, followed by an oil painting.  Last but not least a "quick" sketch in sanguine of the house. 
The field opposite Dorothy's caught Sally P's eye.  This is her interpretation in oils.
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From Hannah, not at Burston today, an oil painting she has started.  She thinks it will stay quite stylised.  The texture of the water is a happy accident created by the painting underneath that she has covered over.
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From Frances we have two pictures.  The first is acrylic based on May colours at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, completed last week.  This picture shows a Thick Legged Flower Beetle which she saw on the Guelder Rose.  (She is very proud she remembered the name!!!)
​The second is a very quick sketch done this morning at Burston and then doctored somewhat at home! 
Angela wasn't able to stay all day (dog duties) but started a tree study looking out of Dorothy's garden, finished at home.  She has also submitted her view of the river from last week now finished.
Well we were lucky with the weather, lots of sunshine but not too hot.
​Sorry I haven't any artwork to offer today.  It was just about all that June and I could do to get to Dorothy's, but we did enjoy seeing you all and your interesting contributions. Many thanks to Dorothy for her kind hospitality.
The outing next week is to Walberswick and all your submissions go to Hannah. Remember, we want to see what you are doing by way of artwork, at home or anywhere else.  So do keep in touch.
Noreen.
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26th MAY 2022

26/5/2022

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Thank you to everyone who came to Brundall today. We were 10 altogether.  Luckily the rain that threatened for most of the day, held off.  Although the light may have been a little dull, we all had a good day, I think.  There has to be an apology though, for the lack of a photo of us all at teatime, which I had planned, and then forgot.  My mother always used to say that it was a sign of  a good gathering or party if you forgot something, but I think that was just an excuse for disorganisation.  Noreen wouldn't have forgotten!
Most people went down to river Yare to draw and paint, so you will see different interpretations of the water, trees and light.
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But I am starting with Eileen, who went to a local nature reserve with its own small lake, Cremer's Meadow.  The water in summer is covered by duckweed and much loved by ducks and moorhens.
These are Harriet's sketches and oil painting on the river.
And these from Frances...
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Here is another oil painting, from Sally P this time.
And here is one from Ian that he intends to finish (maybe by next year!) by defining the reeds at the front and knocking back the light in the water.
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Next, Josie, who came with her husband Ian, to whom I apologise for not having photographed his watercolour for you to see.
Angela has been converted to oil painting with a palette knife, by the courses she has been doing with the Newlyn School of Art.
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Sally T produced these sketches by the river bank.
Jane was not able to join us, but sent this pen and ink drawing of tulips for the blog.
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Carolyn sent an experimental sketch of her garden pond and a more conventional drawing of a slipper
I am not going to inflict my paltry effort on you, a very poor pastel drawing or two.  Don't forget to send me your submission forms for the exhibition in Diss in July.
Sally P wants you to know of an exhibition at Diss Corn Hall, which looks very interesting.
Abstraction Now brings together some of Britain's leading abstract painters. 
While abstract painting undoubtedly reached its height in the first half of the 20thcentury, this group exhibition celebrates its relevance and vitality today. The exhibition will showcase the various formal and conceptual experimentations employed by artists such as Victoria Morton, Tim Braden, Phoebe Unwin and Jim Threapleton. 
The exhibition will run in the Upper and Lower Galleries from 21 May to 25 June and will be open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.  See the Corn Hall website.
There is no meeting next week because of the Jubilee events.  Have a good celebration!  Contributions for the Blog should be kept for the following week, to be sent to Noreen for the 9th June.
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Thursday 19th May

19/5/2022

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Today started off rather cloudy and damp but cheered up later with the hot sunshine.  I wonder how many of us ventured to Mellis Common for some plein air painting.  Not me, I’m afraid, bearing in mind my need for an afternoon nap these days!  But here are just a few of those who did.
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Carolyn has sent us two offerings using her Inktense pencils, a peony and an abstract design of trees. She was inspired by the circular frame that Frances often uses and enjoyed experimenting.

​
Hannah’s contribution to the blog today is a detailed and rather beautiful still life drawing. I hope we will see the finished work on a future blog.
​

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From Noreen:  This is yet another view I see on one of my regular constitutionals along Moorhall Causeway close by. It can look very different on different occasions, depending on perspective, weather and season.  This is my third view in acrylics from almost the same spot.
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From Diana today, who says:  Quick sketch and photos. Lovely lemon cake. Irises from Brockdish where we sometimes go to draw.

From Jackie, who says the wet morning delayed start but it was a useful day.  Watercolours as usual I believe.
Harriet has sent two pictures she has done this week, the irises on Monday and the pond at Mellis today.
Sally P did a masterly oil painting of the house next to Sally T's.  It isn't finished, but Sally had used her colours up - and by nearly 3pm the lure of tea and cake was strong.  Sally has also sent a photo of the scene but has, as she said, used artistic licence.

​Sally added that 12 members turned up in Mellis and went at various times throughout the day, with ten staying for delicious afternoon tea, homemade lemon cake and biscuits.
From Frances we have a photo of her bog garden and a painting in oil pastels and inks - having fun with the media and the image.
She has also sent three pieces of Sandra's:  1. Pencil drawing of Village Hall pond.  2. A second pencil sketch of the same.  3. Pastel with under painting of the pond.
​
I have been asked to put two notices on the blog today.  First, it has been decided at committee to make the deadline for submissions to the blog 6pm during the summer. This should allow people time to get back from the day’s venue. This might mean delaying publication until Friday.  Secondly, the Bank has an exhibition for the Jubilee entitled ‘The Queen and Eye’ (details on their website) that members may wish to submit entries for. They should contact the Bank direct to do so.

Next week’s outing is to Hannah’s at Brundall.  Please look at Stop Press for details about parking etc.  And Hannah’s computer is back in working order so please send your work for the blog to her next Thursday.

​Meanwhile, happy painting!


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Thursday 12th May

12/5/2022

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Hannah has had to bow out from the blog today as her quite new computer has crashed. She will forward to me (Noreen) anything she can.
We can start with contributions from Frances, who is in Brittany and hopes we all have a lovely day. She says she will be back in time for open house at Easter Barn next Thursday. The items are (1) Pencil sketch of the arum lilies in our garden here   (2) Pencil again, a plan for a circular painting.  (3) Smallish circular acrylic.  (4) Photo of the lilies this morning.  See message at end of blog from Frances re next week.
Carolyn has submitted work using her Inktense pencils again, after playing around this week with garden photos. She feels the colours she's used for the bluebells and ferns are not right but those for the Christmas cactus are nearer.
(I'm told that Spanish bluebells are paler than the English, which tend towards violet. N.)
​Next comes a painting from Sally L called The Last of my Tulips. (I love this painting, Sally. N.)
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Sally P's report: "Ten of us turned up at New Buckenham today. We started with a cuppa at the café before trekking down to take a look at the ruins of the castle. Several stayed there and others, including myself, went to the common to paint and draw. By 2pm I think we had all run out of steam so we had an early afternoon tea break in the pub, showed our work and then headed off home. Sunny, cloudy, breezy, hot and cool ..... but no rain!"
​Photos show the common, the castle, distant view of church from castle.
​
First on the left, Sally P's work today - not a great success she says. Watercolour kept drying out but Sandra came to her rescue with Inktense pencils.  On the right, afternoon tea.
This is Lesley's work from Great Buckenham today. The first is a view of the castle from the ramparts of the bailey, in pen and watercolour. The second is of the market cross on the green in watercolour and pencil, unfinished.
Avril reports that the weather was good today and quite a lot of people came to the first plein air outing of the summer season. She says it has taken her a while to get into the swing this week but it was nice to do some work outside.
This is Ian's interpretation of New Buckenham Common. 
Sally T says she's just been experimenting with pen and ink and watercolour.
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Just in from Diana via Hannah: "Minimising my summer kit, lovely little sketch book fits in small bag. Didn’t get to venue but instead went to Southwold, confess I didn’t do any drawing so here are some from this sketch book from previous years."
​
Bringing up the rear is Harriet, who was evidently also at New Buckenham.
We have a message from Frances regarding next week's session in Mellis. Parking at the Village Hall in Mellis is best and loos and refreshments available at mine… Easter Barn. I will put out a sign! 
The Village Hall is  opposite The Mill at Mellis and my house is nearby as I think you know but some may not!  In case of inclement weather, I am happy for people to sketch inside or from inside looking out.

Next week please send your work to me (Noreen) again. We'll see what happens with Hannah's computer before the session after that.
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5th May 2022

5/5/2022

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Today was the EAG coach visit to Cambridge, where ten participating members could visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Botanical Gardens or anywhere else that took their fancy. As Sally P points out, the True to Nature exhibition is very appropriate for us at the start of our Summer Programme. It shows the work of 18th and 19th century artists going outdoors to explore first hand the fleeting moments in nature - the effects of light, drama and atmosphere. It follows nicely on our own recent project on Movement. Sitting in the Botanical Gardens in the sunshine, having lunch, Sally was able to send us these images, which include a masterful oil painting she completed earlier this week.
Diana has sent us some insights into her working methods, called Scribbles:

"​1.  Using double-ended felt tips, this shows how little scribble you need. The top half was brushed with a little water, some allowed to pool.
"2.  5 minute scribbles from photos, some with waterproof black drawing.
"3.  My helper!"
​Thanks Diana. 
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​Carolyn
has sent us what she calls 'a quick drawing of a handsome frequent visitor, who seems attracted to the conservatory door'.  (No doubt sees his 'twin' there.)
Sally L writes:  We had a lovely sunny day out in Cambridge, and a nearly full coach, congratulations to Sally on a very successful trip. This is a studio version of the May blossom sketch that I did about a month ago.
​(And very lovely it is too. N.)
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Next week our meeting is at New Buckenham Village Green for plein air drawing and painting. Parking is on the street and coffee and tea available at the Angel cafe tea room, King Street.  I hope many of you will be able to make it there. Contributions to the blog to be sent to Hannah please. Meanwhile, keep painting!
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28TH APRIL 2022

28/4/2022

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So, finally we have got to the last session of the winter season - and the Chairman's Project, which this year you may remember, was 'Movement'.  And here is Sally 'The founder of the feast', beginning her presentation.  All of those present had something to show and the variety inspired by the one word was impressive.
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Here are a few views of members showing their work and explaining their process.
As usual, there were some clever and amusing ideas - Jackie had created a watercolour that, as you can see in the photo, had a kite and string which could actually fly.  Richard used 'Under Milkwood' and audience participation to illustrate his presentation.  Freda brought in a video of the fish mobile she had created, and Sally somewhat dumbfounded us by first sitting, standing and walking - all movement! Diana is demonstrating her 'Movable Feast' of still life painted each Thursday, that can be endlessly arranged.
First selection, Left to right, both Maggie-Anne and Harriet's work capture the joyous movement of animals, Noreen (who had brought a selection of old images along with this painting of Southwold, complete with rolling seas), John (Box and Boxers - guess where the inspiration for this image comes from) and Frances, who was not able to attend, but had sent an explanation of the use of the triple hare image in ancient China, and its promulgation along the Silk Road.
Sally L had examined the movement of the gaze created by composition, and illustrated by this tree. Hilary and Ian studied movement in the landscape, Hilary's that of the sea, and Ian's clouds in the sky.  Avril's striking image was created from a video of her daughter's Pilates exercise, and Richard's abstract related to the movement of time, and day and night.
Here are Eileen's seascape, with crashing waves, Jackie's kite watercolour, Carolyn's waves in constant movement against the stillness of rocks, Diana's movable still life and
Here are some that need more than one image for explanation.  First Elaine, who decided that although the seascape shows movement, the water did not move as much as the cheetah and entelope did.
Sally P. started with the movement of ballet dancers and finished with two images she particularly liked: a pastel dancer and a drawing of ballerinas likened to fuschias.
Lesley started with two pastels of surfers off the north shore of Hawaii, and then went more kinetic with this mobile of textile butterflies.
And this is a small selection of the work that Jo did using Suminagashi, the Japanese paper marbling technique, the water in motion to help create the patterns.
Sally T's abstract copy in gouache, water colour and ink of Sybil Andrew's 'Speedway' linocut from 1934.  Sybil came from Bury St Edmunds and worked closely with Cyril Power.  Her second (on the right) is inspired by a Kandinsky, which is included.
Freda made a mobile of fish, but was unable to transport it, so she brought a video for us to see how it moves.  Click on the image to play it, and it will expand - full screen is at bottom rightof the player, once it plays
I got interested in murmurations, and ended up with these two images, by way of some consideration of migration.
Sally P wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for all their hard work and ideas The work was all excellent and varied with so much thought gone into them, and a special thank you to Linda for the delicious home made cakes (which I heartily endorse !- Hannah).
Four members are participating in an exhibition at All Saints Church, Stradbroke this weekend, Sally P, Jackie, Ian and Harriet.  The exhibition is open from 10 am to 5 pm from today until Monday.

Next week it is the coach trip but work can still be sent in.  Noreen will be in charge of the blog, so you can send anything you want to include to her.
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