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    • EXHIBITIONS JUNE 2025
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  • ARCHIVES 2016
    • Burston 30.6.16
    • Blacksmith's 16.6.16
    • Redgrave 9.6.16
    • Exhibition Private View
    • Blacksmith's 2.6.16
    • Blacksmith's 2.6.16
    • Stradbroke 26.5.16
    • Westhorpe 19.5.16
    • Gaze's, 12.5.16
    • Thursday 28 April 2016
    • Thursday 21 4 16
    • Chairman's Project 7.4.16
    • Thursday 14 April '16
    • Thursday 31 March '16
    • Trevor Osborne's workshop 3.3.16
    • Thursday 17.3.16
    • Thursday 10.3.16
    • Frances's Workshop 18.2.16
    • Thursday 25.2.16
    • Thursday 11.2.16
    • Thursday 4.2.16
    • Thursday 28.1.16
    • Thursday 21.1.16
    • Thursday 14.1.16
    • Thursday 7.1.16
  • Archives 2015
    • Trevor Osborne's pastels 23.4.15 workshop
    • Thursday meeting 26 March '15
    • Thursday 3.12.15
    • Christmas Party 2015
    • Thursday 26.11.15
    • Thursday 19.11.15
    • Thursday 12.11.15
    • Thursday 5.11.15
    • Thursday 29.10.15
    • Thursday 22.10.15
    • Trevor Osborne's workshop 8.10.15
    • Tracey Waghorn's acrylics workshop
    • Thursday 19 February 2015
    • Thursday 29 January 2015
    • Thornham & Blacksmith's in June '15
    • Stroll & sketch 21 May 2015
    • Thursday 19 March '15

10TH JULY 2025 ORFORD QUAY

11/7/2025

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'Orford has nearly something for everyone, whether its quaint cottages with wisteria - overgrown and still flowering; wild life and meadows, a castle and golden cornfields ready to harvest; and of course plenty of boats, large sky, long horizons, sparkly water and in the distance Orford Ness, with the testing 'pagodas' just in sight (to visit you have to book ahead - see National Trust web site for further details)
The weather was hot, but there was a breeze which helped although it blew paper about. Here are some images showing Orford's castle and church
There were 11 Eye Art Guild members, most of us stayed by or near the quay, here are some images of the quay and distant views of members in position, followed by artists almost ready to get going.
First we have Sally Procner's work, followed by Lesley's 
Next we have Ian Jones, then Josie, followed by Ian Cotgrove and Sandra's
Here are Angela's, folded sketch and showing her sketch pad, and Sally Ladbrooke's
last of the artists at Orford, Jackie's, Sally T's  and finally mine
Thanks to those who emailed their work for us all to see, first we have Frances;

Bonjour Harriet,

First a sketch of agapanthus in the garden. I did see a peacock butterfly behind it! A painting in the offing.

Second my favourite Romanesque church in this area St. Gildas. A sketch of the exterior of east end.
( A bit tricky!!!)  By the sea where Abelard the lover of Eloise was an abbot, although not very successfully.

Then Diane
Hope Thursday EAG has passed well. My armchair Tour de France has started. Next Brittany , Pyrenees,across the south ,then the Alps.
The sketches are of Morston Quay from 2014. Thank you ,Diana x

Followed by Avril
Sorry I decided not to come today, I stayed with Bob in the shade and played in the paddling pool
But yesterday I did some Lino prints so I thought members might like to see my efforts

Finally Carolyn
I have been busy watching tennis this week, so have only done a quick sketch. The crop of gooseberries was good but they were all rather small. Was that due to the dry spring weather this year? More work to deal with though. Have a good day, not too hot
Next week Sally L is your blogger.  Please send any submissions to her.
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3RD JULY 2025 - PULHAM ST MARY

3/7/2025

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Another very hot day, at least to start with, but all nine of us lasted the full day.  Pulham St Mary was very welcoming.  The Pennoyer Cantre staff not only kept us fed and watered, but also took the photo at the end of this group, and seemed genuinely interested in what we were doing.  The landscaping at the front of the building (by a local volunteer!) also offered subject matter for several of us.  This is a pretty little village, with a church and churchyard of a size to tell us that it was once perhaps much bigger and more populous.  The font (in the first picture has a very elaborate lid like an architectural model, with a wire running up to the ceiling to lift it off.  Most of us ended up at the church for at least some of the day.
First today, Avril, who drew in the churchyard and sketched the house across the road, and a few more not shown here of the flowers.  Prolific as usual!
Jackie wandered further afield, having drawn an almost technical sketch in the churchyard, she found this charming subject for a watercolour at the back of someone's house...
Ian C. brought with him a pastel done at Southwold, and then made a very atmospheric sketch of the church. His final work is the view from the porch.
And here is Lesley's version of the same view as Ian's second sketch.  She said she had tried several different ways of describing the flint in the walls, but felt she got it right by the end, working right to left. The second sketch is a view downhill and towards the countryside beyond the village.
These are Sally P's three sketches from today. She felt the first of the two flower studies was less successful than the second, which she feels is looser and more vibrant.
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Josie made a great composition of the planting at the Pennoyer Centre. and Ian J made a very detailed drawing of the front of the church.
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Sally L started in the porch of the church with a sketch that captured the light and shade of her subject very well.  She then went wandering, and like Jackie, found a charming subject with another washing line pn the edge of a field.  Two local housholders with the same idea - a great day for drying!
Diana said, 'I’ve taken a few liberties this week. Ive moved the village sign and some ghosts have crept in. I felt the hay wagon fitted and the Maypole was used when the new village sign was put up in 1979,' Her collages are based on Pulham Market, where we were supposed to go today...
Frances is in Brittany and said, 'Bonjour Hannah,
'In Brittany and have just done this relatively quick sketch of a lace cap hydrangea. They always inspire me when I am here and the following is an acrylic on a landing here.
'We also found old shutters here during the renovation and I have painted on several. This is my latest, as yet unfinished using passion flowers as the subject.'
Carolyn has got a bit fed up with garden flowers and sent instead this sketch of an artist's manikin given to her by Peter Brown.
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And this is Penny's work from last week...
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Finally, my two.  The view down the churchyard, and the front of the church.  Rather alarmingly, the vault in the foreground had a gap between the lid and the box - I hope no one got out!
Frances has been told about an exhibition in Harleston in September.  The preview is on the 11th September and the exhibition runs from the 12th to the 21st.  I will put the details on Messages from Members tomorrow.  There have been some changes made to the Exhibitions pages of the website, and there will shortly be details of the recent exhibition at the Bank and of the individual Open Studios.  Next week's blogger is Harriet.  Send any contributions to her.

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Eye Arts centre and exhibition 26th June 2025

26/6/2025

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11 members joined our happy band today to paint, three just for the fun and the rest for great artworks. we began with our usual  coffee/tea and chat and then split up in various places in the town.
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Ian C gave me a run for my money by producing six impressive drawings, he said it was difficult to get the perspective right, but I think he made a good job of it.
The first two are Josie's, a smashing gargoyle and side view of church; the 3rd one is Ian S a good perspective and I think he did the clouds last as it did start to rain towards the end of the day.
Sally P went to the Pennings and drew lovely shades in a pencil drawings and an effective watercolour of convolvulus
The first two are Jackie's watercolours done at the Pennings, what realistic cows.  The last one  is Lesley's which was radiant, she commented that using good ground and and creamy unison pastels made all the difference.
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Judith had to go early but gave me her piece before she went so she said that it was not finished, I think it is very colourful

Frances said 'I only meant to do the gargoyle and add another but it all became a bit complicated!  The middle one was some flintwork on the tower and the last was a sketch of church done from the viewing point on top of castle tower.
A selection of Avril's done in the town and the Pennings.
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Diana was busy today and made a simply spectacular collage of the Town.

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Carolyn said I am attaching 2 drawings of flowers in the garden which is looking wonderful just now. 

The first thing I did in Eye today was call in at the Bank and took some photographs of our marvelous exhibition. A list of members who entered and their comments follow
​
 It was nice to see Richard, Maggie Anne and Jane for coffee and show them what we had been busy with.

There are a few notices today ,one about the funeral arrangements for Les Bragg which are now on the Members Only page. Carolyn was sent details of an open exhibition in August at the 'Beyond The Image' Gallery at Thornham Walks, details and how to exhibit are on the Stop Press page.

Please do not forget members are showing their work this weekend for the open studios.
​Next weeks blogger is Hannah.
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19th JUNE 2025 - A QUIET TIME AT REDGRAVE AND LOPHAM FEN

19/6/2025

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Sadly, today we start with a message from Lesley.

'Members will be saddened to hear of the death at the weekend, of our friend Les Bragg.
Les had been unwell for some time. Our thoughts go to Barbara and family. 
Les and I joined the Guild about the same time, back in 2007, both participating in Rebecca’s Introduction to art evening classes.  Since then his art has flourished, as he enjoyed the challenge of experimenting with new techniques and different media. 
Les quickly became a stalwart of the guild, a long serving committee member always ready to volunteer such as helping set up exhibitions.
But most members will remember him for his enjoyment of life, sometimes outrageous sense of humour and several hilarious pantomimes he wrote and produced for the Guild’s Christmas parties.
 
A true one off, we shall miss him.'

Lesley

I am sure members will have particular memories of Les.  If you wish to share them, or celebrate his life, send an email to me (Hannah), and we will publish them on a separate page.
It was less hot than I expected today, but perhaps that was because we kept to the shade.  There were only four of us, and two had to go even earlier than the other two.  By 1 pm, we had all left!  There were plenty of walkers passing through, and the sunshine makes for great contrast between light and shade.  My work doesn't reflect this anywhere near adequately.
Sandra arrived early and took photos to decide what she was going to sketch.  This vibrant pastel has been enhanced by the use of the blue in the shade - very Hockney!
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Ian had to leave early, but got two sketches done, and some other beginnings of drawings not shown here...
Frances also had to leave early, but sent her pictures to me afterwards, and included some she did earlier...
She also thoroughly recommends the Hiroshige exhibition at the British Museum - full details here.
It is on until 7th September.

1. Sketch done today. More interested in structure of oaks than the greenery.
Next pictures completed on previous visits:
2. Finished painting in watercolour on board.
3. Watercolour on paper… murmuration.
4. Watercolour… done from a sketch.
5. A sketch in situ.
Diana has finished her collages from last week.  She said, 'Working from photos  - couldn’t find a spider and  some of the horses are donkeys, don’t look too closely!'
Sally L and Sally P were busy with setting up their Open Studio - here is a sneak peek... looking well worth a visit!  She did say, 'Luckily Sally’s conservatory doors open at the each end or we would have been completely fried.'
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And Avril was busy on exhibition business, this time for Spotlight Textiles.  Again, we have a taster...
Carolyn immortalised these tomatoes before having them for lunch.  They look like they would have been delicious.
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I didn't do very well this morning.  I have two sketches, neither of which I am very happy with.  The first is in charcoal and a new toy - Art Graf's graphite putty.  Very messy - it needs gloves to handle it, but quite interesting.  You can draw with it dry, wet it afterwards, or wet the tip or the paper for an even denser colour.  The second is pencil.  The crow helpfully posed for several minutes!
A further message from Lesley regarding the exhibition at The Bank:

A reminder to all members exhibiting at the Bank arts Centre in Eye next week.
Refer to  your entry form instructions sheet for details on how to prepare your work for hanging.
Work should be brought to the Bank next Monday, 23rd June at 9.30am, where it will be signed in by Abbie, the bank’s artistic director and Angela.
It should be collected the following Monday, 30th June 9.30-10.30am.
If you are intending to sell cards, please make sure they are clearly labelled with your name and price. Be aware the Bank will take a 10% commission.
Next Thursday 26th June  tea  after our painting session will be at The Bank so we can admire our creations!
Avril will be blogging next week, so send contributions to her.
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June 12th, 2025

12/6/2025

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.A grand day out today for ten of us, bright sunshine, and clean shadows, and plenty of inspiration, although one member was heard to comment that it was ‘too boaty’… there’s no pleasing some people!
​

​First coffee at the cafe. It looks as if Sandra is giving us all a pep talk, which we are all  deliberately ignoring…



​
Avril wasn’t able to join us this week, so Harriet won the ‘most pictures in a session’ award, I think I counted eight!



​three from Lesley including a view across the river.



Two from Sally T, whose boat wouldn’t stay still.


​Two more bootiful boaty pictures from Jackie



Angela also produced a  pastel of the Martello tower, and a cluster of boats.



Ian choose a very brightly coloured boat, a definite focal point, and a long view across the river



josie also looked out into the river, with a lovely muddy shoreline, and three posts reflected in the river.



Diana wasn’t with us today, but has very cleverly compensated by taking a street view from google maps and making a collage which manages to perfectly reflect the atmosphere of the day.The final picture, a lesson to us all, collage and cooking don’t mix!


Here is the result of my day’s work. A pen and wash of the harbourmaster’s hut, and my favourite thing,’ boatyard stuff’.



Carolyn has sent a drawing of the elder, Sambucus Niger shrub  flowering in her garden, lovely frothy pink flowers contrasting with the deep almost maroon foliage.
Avril was working from home this week, and has sent these two quirky images of ceramic faces, painted its acrylic paint, and displayed very effectively against her woven background.


​Harriet has forwarded this lovely image, from Jackie, that muddy creek looks almost inviting.
And finally ..
  • Our Exhibition at the Town Hall was very successful, we sold three paintings (15 exhibited) and lots of cards, so a big thank you to everyone who contributed .
  • Our next exhibition is at The Bank, running from Wednesday 25th - Sunday 29th of June.
  • Entries to the bank on Monday 23rd 10.30 -11.30
  • Collection on Monday 30th 10.30 -11.30.
  • Next week’s blogger is Hannah

Sally
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LACKFORD LAKES 5TH JUNE 2025

5/6/2025

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Well at least we didn't have to worry about the sun-cream or over heating. 5 of us turned up and we had a good time. It is an excellent venue as long as you like birds. There was general agreement that having 'binos' helps. It was a grey showery day and some of us did get a bit wet. Most of the time was spent in hides , which worked well. Luckily there were not too many people about. The cafe was nice too. Here are some images of Lackford Lakes, including rain drops. While we were enjoying  a cuppa we watched a moorhen jump up to the bird feeder and then take the food to the youngster.  We also saw some Egyptian Geese fighting, the loser here below. There were also many white egrets, a bit far away from my camera for details. Also in the distance, we saw a swan scaring off some canada geese. It was all happening out there! In no particular order...
We started walking by the sailing lake, I remember seeing Noreen and June painting by this lake several years ago.  Avril and Sally stayed and started sketching (until the rain came) . I walked on further on and skirting round woodland I kept hearing a cuckoo. 


Here we have Avril's drawing first, as always she is very productive. The quick drawing of the nettle was done just before the rain, and she says she really enjoyed drawing the negative spaces around the reeds

 Then we have Sally T's. Her first two drawings are pencil, one was very quick because of the rain, the rest of her drawings are pencil and pen.
Here is Josie's work:
Ian really enjoyed watching the birds and here is his picture of the island in the lake.
Here is my attempts, the first is the Egyptian goose having escaped its rival.
Thanks to the following for their contributions, firstly Lesley's from a previous visit to Lackford Lakes
And Frances who has been making cards; Jane who has produced a fine drawing of flowers, Carolyn with her lovely sketch and Ian C,  who is on holiday in europe.
Josie and Ian recommend seeing Elaine Nason, a friend of theirs in an exhibition at the Cut, Halesworth. (Until 14th June, 10-4, Tuesday to Saturday)  And don't forget to see Angela Hall's paintings  this week at Holton Lodge Barn.
Next time we are at Felixstowe and Sally is doing the blog, so send contributions to her.
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29TH MAY 2025 - MELLIS

29/5/2025

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Even in the shelter of Frances' lovely garden, the wind was spectacular today!  At one point it swept away a pencil I had been foolish enough to put down, and I couldn't spot where it was for half an hour or so.  It was much warmer today though, quite comfortable even when sitting still for a while.  The garden has all sorts of different views within it, and collections of pots, objects and plants that offer interest for sketching.
Your committee had a very productive meeting about the upcoming exhibitions.  If you are participating, there will be information available on the website under the Stop Press heading about the nitty gritty of bringing in your work etc., which you should check.
The last of these photos shows most of those who were still there at lunchtime... I was just leaving at this point [Hannah].
First a submission from Carolyn.  She says, 'This week I have tried to capture the beauty of a peony flower, but have only partially succeeded.'  Peonies must be one of the most difficult flowers to depict with their layers of delicate petals.  The framing of the flower with its leaves also works very well.
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Diana was not able to join us either, but she has once again looked back to a previous visit to the venue for this week. She says, 'I have worked from a photo taken years  ago. I wasn’t sure if I could get a collage done in one day but I managed it and enjoyed doing it,thanks to good physio in Harleston and encouraging words from Sally L.'
So now to those who came to Mellis this week.  There were several members who focused on the wonderful colour and form of the poppies in full bloom.  First, Frances herself, with a selection of views from around the garden, including a nice poppy study.
Next, Ian and Josie, who both tackled the poppies.  Ian's is the first picture.
Finally on poppies, Sally L, who later sent me some words on the subject:
'Rather than botanical accuracy I was trying to capture the movement in the poppies and daisies being brought to life by the wind, blown around so fiercely.
( that really does sound like art b…….!)'
I couldn't possibly comment! [H]
Both Lesley and Avril were attracted by the markings on the geranium (pelargonium) leaves, among the arrangement of leaf shapes and colours on offer. Lesley's are the first two, and include a delicate study of an iris.  Avril also selected a 'Green Man' head, and a wheelbarrow arrangement, with a lot going on...
Here are the sketches of Angela and Harriet, who both had to leave early.  They chose the pond area of the garden, and I did see Harriet's easel try to get away from her at one point, as the wind blew!
Sally P chose two completely different subjects, and different media to go with them.  What a lot is going on in that second sketch!
Jane finished one sketch in her new sketchbook, and started a second...
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Sally T drew this sketch of Mellis Common.
I started a drawing of arum lilies, that were in a sheltered spot by the wall, mostly just trying to get the shape and composition of the plant in outline form, with the idea of adding either shading or colour later.  I have since started adding colour to my photo, to see whether I want to do that without affecting my original.  A version of what China (for those who remember her) suggested.  She advocated photocopying or scanning and printing out a copy.  I am using Procreate on my iPad to to do the same thing.  I'm afraid the drawing on the left is not very clear.
Next week Harriet will be having her first turn at blogging, when EAG goes to Lackford Lakes, so work should be sent to her.
If you are taking part in the exhibitions in June, please look at the Exhibitions June 2025 page under the Stop Press heading, for information necessary to bringing and collecting your work.
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May 22nd The Laburnums, Plantsman's Garden, South Elmham

22/5/2025

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Nine members came to the wonderful garden today. the weather improved and we were given chairs to sit on to do our great works. Here are a selection of photos taken to give a taste of our surroundings. Plus Lesley talking to Jane the owner.
Lesley stayed until after lunch and produced 2 Hosta's black and white sketches plus a delicate water colour.
​Sally painted two watercolours of the peonies, the first one was on inferior paper and she said the second one was better on the higher quality paper she also painted a Laburnum tree.
Ian C tackled two sculptures an endearing one of the pigs and another of the children having fun on the see saw. He was inspired by the blackbirds and other members busy painting.
Ian J drew used his pointillism skills to capture the trees and flower, a vibrant peony and went to the church and made a competent architectural sketch.
Jo took a little time to get started but made up for it by producing lively sketches of Hostas, Peonies  and a great ink view.
Harriet made a bold rendition of the Hostas, a structured pen and watercolour of a rose and an interesting pencil and pen sketch of the lemon tree.
Jackie used two pages to  spread the clematis which gave the rambling feel to the watercolour and the peony looked delicate with its salmon pink petals. 
Avril attempted the tree and foliage and realised it was too great an ask, then knuckled down to 3 pencil sketches
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This sent from Carolyn - Attached is a drawing of a mobile. (It was purchased on holiday in Lanzarote some years ago).

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I didn’t go today but I did get some plants from the venue last year including this yellow petunia,Diana x
​

I hope you are enjoying Jane’s garden…. Lovely place.

A couple of sketches done near and on the beach. 
​Four small canvases I am working on….stencils, leaf prints and acrylic..  one finished! from Frances
Hannah will be the blogger next week, so send contributions to her.
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May 15th Wickham Skeith

15/5/2025

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Eight hardy members present today. You may be forgiven for thinking that we were at Base Camp about to ascend Everest from our clothing, but no! We were about to embark on a day’s sketching at Wickham Skeith. A picturesque village, and Harriet’s lovely garden to boot, difficult to fully appreciate this when you are almost rigid with cold .
However…wearing several layers we sallied forth.( all three Sallys present)
The picturesque village pond was a popular subject.


​        Ian C                                                                                                      Angela

Sally  T                                                          Jackie


Diana sent some images from past visits, in collage and pastel, on sunny days.
I
​a quick run and sketch from me
Then I found the church, with a lovely watery glass window, and a very convenient loo!


Hannah, And Harriet were drawn to the beautiful grey white  Iris in Harriet’s garden.
And Sally P choose the same subject for a series of sketches where she looks at the subject not the paper ( there must be an official name for that, or a better description, but you know what I mean)


two from Last week,
​first Judith’s view of Bridge Street, Bungay
And Angela’s views over Falcon Meadow


​ Lesley sent these ‘postcards from her holiday in Devon views from Sidmouth,
and a watercolour of a distant view towards Honiton.



Carolyn has sent a drawing of the red currants still developing in her garden.



and just to rub it in Frances has sent two charcoal sketches, and a view from her favourite restaurant in Carnac. Look at the colour of that sky!
And Avril has been busy producing some quirky Lino prints which she calls ‘This way to Cairo’
Tea time, and we’ve still got our coats on
That’s enough of me moaning about the weather, next week the sun will be shining and Avril will be in charge of the blog.
Happy painting,
​Sally
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8TH MAY 2025 - BUNGAY

9/5/2025

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We were 11 at coffee, though arrival was spread through the morning.  Angela and Judith had to leave before tea.  My apologies to them [Hannah] that my photo was taken at tea time, but by then we were all at one table at the wonderful Earsham Street Cafe, who looked after us very well.  The weather was dry, but colder than some had expected, and of course, if you are sitting still, you get even colder.  Bungay was busy, with a market at the Butter Cross, and a church event for VE Day.  I have included some scene setting photos.  In some you may spot EAG members at work.  As Avril wasn't with us today there was some competition for who could produce the most sketches -
The first two here are Josie's, she used charcoal and a nitram stick for the first drawing, watercolour, charcoal, ink, whatever she had in the second,.  Then we have Ian J's sketch from the churchyard, and Sally T's sketches of the churchyard and then the meadows.  The last of these is across two pages, and much larger than it looks here.
Sally L had to leave us in the middle of the day, but returned for tea.  She had made this sketch in the meadows by the river, looking across at a group of trees.
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Jackie drew a sketch with many notes to enable the making of a painting, in the churchyard, and then painted a watercolour showing some of the many greens in the landscape.  Sally P also chose the arch (you can see them both hard at work in my photo of the churchyard above), and then produced a sketch of Jackie, deep in concentration, surrounded by her equipment.
Highest on the leader board for the 'Avril' this week was Ian C, with a wide array of sketches, showing the variety of subject matter in the town.
Frances put into practice Jackie's 'stroll and sketch' ideas from last week, to produce the first three here, and then spent some time on a drawing of a flint wall.
Diana was not able to join us this week, but using 'Street Scene' she finished this collage
started a couple of years ago of the view of the cottages from the path through the churchyard. and added the chickens  who used to be on the roundabout.
Here is a charming pastel portrait Avril has done of her granddaughter, she was busy with pottery this morning, and could not join us.
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I ended up using my iPad, so that I didn't have to carry too much with me.  Here are three sketches using a square format on 'Procreate', using their Derwent pencil tool, with my Apple pencil.  The straight lines in the last sketch are a bit of a cheat, as the program helps you make them!
Next week Harriet will be our host, and Sally L will be your blogger.  Anything for inclusion then, please send to her.
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thornham walks - stroll and sketch 1st May

1/5/2025

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What a wonderful turnout today for Thornham walks, so everyone was eager to sketch and paint their way around. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day.
Jackie gave us instructions about the thumbnail sketches and how they will help us with finding the right format to us for further study. She was also kind enough to handout leaflets to help us.
Barry studying an old tree stump, Jackie surveying the view, Lesley, Ian and Sally working hard and Jill and Bea all set up for a mornings painting. Ian S hiding in the shrubbery and Sally T sketching
I caught Sally T before she had to leave a bit early, she produced sketches showing lots of shading.
Quite a lot of the members only stayed for the morning so if they send me copies I can include them in the blog. The members who stayed for afternoon tea showed their efforts and discussed them.
Jackie made thumbnail sketches as mentioned earlier, and the finished painting was very atmospheric.
Lesley made thumbnail sketches and then a snarled up fallen tree which is well grounded
Ian C was very productive and created sketches which showed great movement
Sally P was also productive, using thumbnail sketches to help the final piece and thought very hard about composition which I think worked very well.
Avril must be slipping as she only made three sheets of sketches, because she took time out to have a cream tea and talk to the potter and artists in their studios!! 
Frances said 'Sorry I couldn’t stay and that I missed Jackie’s intro and thank you Ian for putting my bike chain on'.  First done some years ago at Wortham with same theme… looking through the Lych Gate the other two paintings are of the chapel.
Harriet sent the following:
​Here is sketch 1 the view from our holiday accommodation. Sketch 2 
Borthy Y Gest
Tide going out
Hope you are enjoying the weather 
See you soon
Harriet
​Ink tense sticks on Thornham walkabout 2012 from Diana and watercolour early 2000s
Here are Angela's two pieces from Thornham- very different! Not sure which one I like the best- quite like them both.

​

Sent to us from Carolyn - Here is my nostalgic effort. Before TV, I used to listen to radio a lot. Now not at all. The wireless does still work on FM but nothing on MW or LW.  (On the drawing I only hinted at the perforated front view)
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Blogger next week is Hannah

​

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CHAIRMAN'S CHALLENGE 24TH APRIL 2025

24/4/2025

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18 members attended today and were happy that they did as the selection of ideas was splendid.

​
​Lesley started off with her landscape in the Peak District of Stanage edge, Sheffield. It was a grey day the end of December, she liked the contrast between the mist and rocks and the low light levels. Derwent valley mists. Lesley also showed an iPad picture from Jax. It was the edge of the day in oils.
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Maggie Anne sketched a beautiful ballerina on the edge of the floor which showed a strong balance.

Diana used her sketchbook to help her do these finger paintings using rubber gloves  of different times of the day at a camp site at Bishops Castle. She also was inspired by Shropshire Lad and a book by Malcolm Saville about the area.
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Sandra produced a strong pastel with simple design of a pot of flowers, the composition is right on the edge and also on the edge with the tonal colours.
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Sally T had a Medieval map idea but changed her mind and thought about people pouring over a hot day at Swansea waterfront. The docks have gone and no industry is left so there are boats and marinas and at the back sky scrapers on the water's edge and the quay-side becoming something else. 
Harriet had two offerings, the first when she was a teenager she had a poster on her wall from Athena: girl power on the line, ecstasy youth. The second was a painting of Bardsey Island in Wales, you can see the waters edge and edge of the hills.
John gave us a painting of The End of the World, inspired by Belshazzar's feast night, Dathan and Abiram (Numbers Chapter 16). An unknown hand writes on the wall, and the  earth opens up. The second one from John was Donald, no explanations necessary.

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Sally P made a super pastel painting of Santorini, Greece on dark pastel paper and she found the white difficult but I think it is stunning. She also made some rough notes that I commandeered.

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Hannah showed us two photocopies to set the scene, the first of Beachy Head, in East Sussex where the lighthouse,, Belle Tout, iwas built too high. Once it was decommissioned, it had a new life as a house, and was used by the BBC for filming Life and Loves of the She Devil.  It also made a mistaken appearance in RobinHood, Prince of Theives.  It has had to be moved 17 metres from the edge, and may need to be moved again. The painting resulted as much from something else altogether (a collage) as from the original image.
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Jackie made a Japanese looking watercolour inspired by a poem by P.H. Lyon which looks back over a coastline with a tree falling down, on the edge. the viewer is also on the edge.

Bea's kingfisher was on the edge of a branch. Elaine's birds are also on edge of the shore both recognisable realistic paintings.
Ian C shows a skier hurtling towards the edge to his peril and Ian S sitting on the edge of a building in Church Street, Kensington  that reminded him when he was an apprentice plumber who did use a wire basket to be lifted to the 8th floor. We were told tales of doom about the peril of being on the edge.
Frances showed us her sketchbook with sketches of Covesea, with a bird precariously perched on the edge of the rock.
Judith gave us a turner type painting with nicely typed explanation
Josie said hers was work in progress, the first an imaginative walker on the edge and the second figures on the edge balancing.
I showed an acrylic painting called 'On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness' it is a fantasy novel written by Andrew Peterson, the book is full of characters with courage and heart who live on the edge.
So from here on, the Summer Programme applies. All the info is under the Events menu. Hope to see you all out and about!
Next week, Avril will again be your blogger, so send her any contributions you may have.
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April 17th

17/4/2025

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12 of us at the bowls club today, a beautiful sunny day, the tree outside in full blossom, and a game of bowls on the green outside, it really was beginning to feel like summer. Jenny had continued the theme by providing us with a still life table of plants and gardening paraphernalia .
Jenny modelled for us first an ‘action pose’ here are our portraits of Jennyknitting and then after the break relaxing in her chair.
​
Here are our portraits of Jenny 

First from Jane, two finely drawn pencil portraits, 


​and a selection from Avril’s sketchbook.


Three from Sandra in pastel and conte pencil, a winning combination!



in complete contrast, two from Jackie who really enjoyed the movement that Jenny’s knitting gave to her pose, caught beautifully in the hands here.



​Penny used fine a  liner and the charcoal pencil which was a free gift from the drawing workshop.



​Sally T used charcoal and white chalk giving the lovely loose effect that she was striving for.



starting off our horticultural theme , Carolyn has sent this drawing of a plum blossom in burnished crayon, she’s waiting for the apple blossom to come out so watch this space…



Harriet was attracted by the posy of double Narcissi in a blue and white jug, initially painted in watercolour, and then embellished with mixed media.


Bea was attracted to a pair of gardening gloves with lots of character.


and Elaine added her own brightly coloured flowers to the arrangement on the table to give it a bit of welly (get it!) 
that’s just to prove that this blog isn’t written by AI!
​



​ian finished two lovely pastel landscapes, we all liked the very effective threatening sky.



and Frances has sent three pictures, the first she says is not quite Rene Mackintosh, but I think she’s given him a run for his money, The second a strange cliff at Lossiemouth - or is that a ancient profile? Her back door at Mellis, and a picnic in Pont Sarrac Brittany.
  • And finally…
  • chairman’s project next week
  • Please bring your completed forms next week for both the exhibitions, closing date     Thursday 24 th April 
  • next week’s blogger is Avril


Sally
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10th APRIL 2025 - WITH HANNAH

10/4/2025

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I am afraid you get a double dose of me today, as I have provided the still life and model today, as well as writing the blog.  I mostly managed to stay awake while sitting for the portraitists, but it was rather warm and the chair was very comfortable...
So first to the portraits.  It was quite a small group today.  First a very serene looking work from Ian J, then Sally T's studies.  Avril used pastel, first two on pastel paper and then one on lining paper ( a likeness I paticularly liked), and finally, two from Penny, treating the form as drawing first and portrait second, which has worked well.
Angela tackled both the still life and the portrait.
Several of the still lifers chose the begonia as the focus of their work.  First Lesley, then Harriet.  Sally L is third, and Bea's if fourth.
Josie spent time working on the Chairman's Project, and also tackled the still life...
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Maggie-Anne (aka 'The Best Grandma Ever') was working on Easter cards for her grandchildren with this wonderful mouse. All the more impressive as she was away for an hour...
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Diana was woring on her own still life, and, in the process tore up 2 old paintings she didn't like, to try them out in the new composition...
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Elaine worked from a postcard to make this vibrant painting.
Judith is working on a submission for an exhibition, for which she is painting frogs. As a metaphor for climate change - put a frog in cold water and bring it to the boil.  It will stay there until it dies, is the old adage,
Carolyn has sent us this week a charming blended InkTense drawing of a characterful old bear, much loved by the looks of him...
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I spent the first half of the morning as a model drawing on my iPad.  Here is what I was doing.
Some notices from this morning.  If you were not able to come this morning, and will not be coming next week, but want to take part in our exhibitions in June, the forms for entry can be found for downloading and printing on the Members Only page.  Please do NOT complete them digitally, and particularly take note of the instructions.

We would like members to check and update their gallery page.  Images should be sent to me, Hannah, along with any words you want changing or adding.

Does anyone have space to store the green trunk that is kept at the Bowls Club?  This would be from 24th April, for the summer.  Please let Lesley know if you can.

Next week's blogger is Sally L.  Please send any work to her for inclusion.
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APRIL 3rd Andrew HARRINGTON’S drawing Workshop

3/4/2025

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Andrew started us off with a sheaf of useful crib sheets, and the wise words,’Always have a piece of paper and a pencil with you, just incase an idea sneaks up on you’
​He talked us through the different basic approaches to drawing a group of objects (see sheet below)
Then we were off, starting with some quick timed drawings of a group of three dimensional objects in 1,3 and 5 minute time slots.
Picture
The second challenge was to draw a candle lamp with a large glass shade using white media on black paper. Creating a symmetrical shape by drawing a line down the centre of the paper, positioning the ellipses, rim, base, and centre, and then drawing a profile shape on one side and reproducing it on the other side.( this was actually easier than I’m making I’d sound, but by no means simple!)
then adding tones and highlights reflected in the glass.
​
Our third task was to create the illusion of distance, by thinking of a view as a series of layers, with those furthest from us being the least distinct, and therefore needing less detail and more muted tones, and detail and strength of colour increasing as we progress to the foreground.of the picture.
We each drew/coloured a sprig of tree foliage and by using tracing paper to create the illusion of a background layer, we literally created a visual layering effect. 
see below for the results…
Finally we were given the challenge of drawing a lit candle emphasising the subtly darkening tones of the candle as we got further from the flame, and emphasising the high points of the flame 
Andrew was very generous with his expertise, and materials, we all came home with a new white pastel crayon, white charcoal, a white marker pen, AND a black marker pen, and a head full of useful tips on how to use them.


​Finally Ian has finished this very successful landscape/seascape in pastel inspired by Andrew’s previous workshop a few weeks ago.


​
  • Messages from Lesley:
  • EXHIBITIONS :  Paper copies of entry forms for both exhibitions will be available at the next meeting and subsequent meetings until the end of the winter session. There will also be a copy for reference on the members page of the website  THE FORMS THIS YEAR ARE DIFFERENT SO PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
  • The Chairman’s project ‘On the Edge’ is due at our last session, April 24th.
  • The summer programme will be available shortly on the website.
  • Hannah is in charge of next week’s blog.
Sally

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