What a pleasure to be back at the Bowls Club!   I think we were 15, and we probably could have accommodated up to about 24, while still maintaining social distance.  Everyone brought either small items of still life, or something they were already working on.  I was sufficiently absorbed that I realised at the end that I had completely failed to take any photos of the room and its occupants for this blog.  Fortunately Diana, who was right at the back, did do so.  I realised too late; by the time I thought of it, we were clearing up.

So here are the products of this morning's work... from Avril, Ian, Jackie, Sally T, Sally P, Les Bragg, Diana, Lesley and me.  As you can see, there was a whole array of different small still life subjects composed on the tables, and yes, the figure Les drew on black paper was also there, a figurine of an early aviator.

Next some work from those who were not at the Bowls Club... in this case Frances (the second piece is from a little sketchbook based on a grandson's GCSE project about identity - this image uses Frances' thumbprint), and Harriet.

So next week will be a portrait/figure drawing session, and Noreen will be in charge of the Blog.  Send your pictures to her, whether you take part in the session or have work from home, all is welcome!

Before starting this I looked back through the archive to see exactly how long it has been since we were at the Bowls Club.  The last session was 12th March 2020, and Noreen kicked off the blog by saying, 'In spite of the Media’s efforts to send us into paroxysms of anxiety about the new virus, we had a full house at this morning’s session. 👍 Your committee has been discussing our forthcoming programmes whilst having to take into account possible interruptions as the epidemic spreads.  We will keep you informed'.
If only we had all had a crystal ball! 
19 members were present for the AGM this morning, actually not much down on the previous one in 2019 (23).  I think I speak for all in saying how enjoyable it was to be physically together again, despite having to bring our own drinks, and wearing masks when moving about.
After the official part of the morning we showed our responses to the Chairman's Project  from 2019 - The Pleasures of Life.  There were a few recurring themes; chocolate, wine, tea, cake, gardens, walking, family, pets and landscape.  Jackie reminded us that our freedom to roam was only fully legalised in 2005! June gave us the stages that cocoa goes through to become so delicious.  Les made us all laugh when he said that one of his pleasures was knowing that he had woken up in the morning!  Sally L had made repeated studies of a pebble.

So here we all are, and here is Lesley, illustrating her thought process.  As I said, wine was one of the themes....

Here are the contributions from Carolyn, Sally T and Sally L.  The joy of a hot shower, the garden, bicycle rides in glorious countryside and pebbly beaches.

 From Frances, Josey, Jane and Diana, colour, viewpoints and Haikus, doodles (can you really call them that?!), companionable chickens and the inside of Diana's head.

Richard, Harriet and Sally P gave us the sea and a gliding seagull, the pleasure of enjoying the view (and a nice bottle of something), and a composite of reading, family tea, the garden art and even the smell of clean laundry (although Sally P made the washing as a removable element!)

Here is my sleeping cat, enjoying the main pleasure of his life, Cynthia's landscape with picnic table for artistic friends, Maggie-Anne's adoring (and adorable) dogs, and from Elaine, her husbands pleasure - fish, and hers, jigsaw puzzles (from which her subject comes).

Lesley's country walk and an interpretation of the landscape by her house, that brings her so much pleasure, Noreen's picture contains its own title, Avril has also done a portmanteau painting with all her many skills and interests, June and the story of cocoa, and Elizabeth's rose that represents beauty and movement.

Finally, Jackie was late sending in work last week that represented the fruit of her visit to Dunwich (a view of the abbey, and a study of pebbles on the beach), so here they are, with her rose to represent the joy of a garden (if not the work that goes into it!) and a gate to remind us that we now have the freedom to open gates on footpaths and explore the glories of the countryside. 
And it looks like Les took his picture down without me photographing it, so sorry for it's absence.

So don't forget, it's still life next week, and those of you who want to come, bring something to draw or paint, or something you are working on and want to continue.  Don't forget your flasks, and to wear something warm because the end doors will be open.  See you then!

First an apology:  I didn't get home until nearly 7 pm yesterday, after a very long drive, and so the blog is a day late.  This week there were very few offerings, as I think we are all looking forward to a productive autumn 'term' back at the Bowls Club (don't forget the AGM, and long-awaited unveiling of 'The Pleasures of Life' next week!).

So let's pay a final visit this season to Carolyn's garden, which has given her inspiration for the blog most weeks this summer.  And at this point I would like to thank her, and the other regular contributors for helping to keep the blog alive during all this Covid time.

Diana sent me a picture last week that was too late to include, so I am adding it today.  She also sent pictures for this week, and some useful information for you all.
1. Dunwich, from a photo
2.  The landscape is Shropshire hills out of my head - sepia ink , black felt tip + oil pastels.
3. Shed by  Abbey Bridge in Eye
4. Eye rooftops from back of Fire Station , felt tip + pastel from a few years ago
Members might like to know that the Art shop in Woodbridge is closing ,all stock is half price until end of next week. Also take care parking in Eye,the parking spaces next to shops regularly get ticketed ,never on same days,I  have even seen them on bank holidays -one hour maximum.Car parks and permitted roadside are exempt.

Avril was not able to go to Eye yesterday, and sent instead some transfers she made for Creative Stitch.

And finally, Noreen sent a bumper offering of views of Eye.  She said, 'I tried to do some drawing/sketching this morning, but not very successfully so resorted to fishing out an old sketchbook used in and around Eye in 2016.'  Thank you so much for doing so, Noreen.

The numbers who got to Dunwich are at least 6, but not all of them knew the others were there.  The weather was perfect (unless you are Ian, who wants more drama in the sky).  I had not gone, and was at home helping to dig a pond and move a strawberry bed, with one ear on the phone, waiting for news of a new granddaughter, who arrived safely.
While I am at it, a reminder that the itinerary for next week has changed.  Please see the Stop Press, and hopefully, we will all meet the following week for the AGM at the Bowls Club.  Don't forget to return your forms about the new rules for the autumn season.  These need to be with Sally P by 27th September.

So I will start this week with Carolyn, who sent a drawing of her garden, but also had sent me an interesting take on self portrait, 'I have been hatching the attached for a few days having seen two TV programmes on self portraits and Maggi Hambling. One can select items in self portraits that are important to oneself. Mine of me represents "Sight and dexterity"'

Next Harriet, who said, 'Here are some sketches that I did last week in Wales.
As the weather is nice I'm supposed to be gardening - getting ready for the winter etc but I'm doing this instead, just in case I forget later.'

Frances said, 'I went to Dunwich but was unable to arrive until about 1.00pm. Didn’t spot any EAGS but took myself off to Greyfriars Priory where I did my first sketch. Then for a lovely walk along the beach and found some sea poppies withstanding the strong breeze. I had fun paddling as I walked back and decided to go to Dingle Hill Café for a cup of tea. As I sat there with tea and carrot cake I had a view of Dunwich Church ( which has a fascinating history) framed by much foliage...so there is my third offering.
All in all, although I spotted no one I knew I had a really wonderful,day. Thank you to those who thought of the venue.

Jackie also went to Dunwich, sent sketches and photos and a report.
'First sketch I practiced perspective - and ran out of paper.
Second colour sketch squeezed in before we met at cafe for lunch.
Third is work in progress. Did the window but the rough and colourful stonework of the wall will take more time and care. There were four of us today and the weather was perfect.

Lesley is away, and said, 'After a very successful exhibition with my textile group last week ( I sold 5 pieces!) followed by a 2 day workshop in Essex, we’ve set off in the motorhome and are  relaxing in the New Forest.
The first sketch is of an oak tree which has undergone major surgery, in our campsite, the second is the view of chalk grassland in and woodland seen from  our pitch.
Both  are using waterproof pen; apologies for rubbish ponies,they kept moving!
I hope everyone has a good time in Dunwich tomorrow, we’re off to Dorset.
Well done for the exhibition, Lesley!

Like Frances, Ian didn't encounter any of the other members who had gone today, and would have preferred a sky with more cloud, so he used a little artistic license.

Avril was busy with sketching both traditionally and using her iPad, with interesting results.

Finally, from Sally P, 'Couldn't make it today but have managed to work on some Gelli prints this week. Rather pleased with the results. 
Also worked on a technique from an old magazine using acrylic and painting knives. Again, pleased with the result but think it might have been better using oils. (Which is what they suggested but not wanting to waste some acrylic already on a palette......)The colours would have been picked up from below which didn't happen with the acrylic that well.

Maybe I'll get around to some art work myself before the next blog!  Have a good week, everyone.

Eight members went today to the Brockford Light Railway for a sunny day of drawing and painting.  Tracks and trains and dilapidated carriages.  Here are the photos to prove it, sent by Sally P and Diana.  Group photo taken by Sally P (hence her absence).

Diana sent a round up of both her sketching from this morning and a previous year at my house (looking out through the gate that doesn't open into the field at the side of the garden.), and photos from earlier in the week, and the carriage (above - last picture) from today.
2. Wonderful window display at Southwold on Monday.  2. Field view, Hannah's house, a couple of years ago.  3. Double ended felt tip , plus water,  plus drawing pen .

Avril had a very busy day today, with two very different kinds of results.  The afternoon sketches are very graphic and almost schematic - very interesting, and I expect she will be using them for printing...

Jackie included a wonderful watercolour of a rose in her garden with her contribution today, as well as the railway sketches.  She said, 'We had such a welcome at the Mid-Suffolk Railway Museum with many choices of subject. I started with this sketch, moved on to another dilapidated carriage that I shall continue with at home then finished with another sketch of the worn timbers and rusted ironworks.'

From Frances, 'Here are two sketches and one oil pastel and ink, the latter inspired by the shapes I observed.'

From Sally T.  'Two pencil sketches. One of rails disappearing into the distance. The perspective was difficult. The second is of a dilapidated railway carriage. I liked the peeling paint and broken wood. The last is the beginning of a watercolour which I need to work on. It is looking through carriage no 13.'

Finally, of the Brockford visitors, here are Sally P's sketches.  As you can see, she had to extend the paper in the first of these!

So now for the contributions from those who couldn't make it in person to Brockford, but still sent something in, and thanks very much to both of them for doing so.

And now Carolyn, with more sketches from her lovely garden, which we visited earlier in the season. Because the spring was so late this year, she was disappointed in the show of blooms at that time (none of her visitors were), and she has been sending in regular updates ever since! 

I haven't got down to any art this week, but I have been busy in a crafty way, making jewellery.  But here is some more inspiration for you from my garden.  Have a good week.

 It was guaranteed, I think that as soon as the children went back to school, we would finally get some summer weather!  I gather we may be in for thunderstorms later, but this morning was basking in sunshine and blue skies.
Today it was Harriet's turn to be host to the artists, seven of whom came, and were rewarded with fine weather, plenty of subject matter, tea and coffee and cakes.

Sally L spent the day at Walberswick to make the most of possibly the last bit of fine weather. S

Carolyn has been drawing in her garden, the plums on a tree, and a detailed study of a tree trunk.

Diana has sent not only the pictures from today, but also from a previous visit.  She said, 'Always enjoy going to Harriet’s. The neat tidy one is from a few years ago. The scribbles are oil pastel and pen on top of  Quink done earlier and left to dry.'

From June, two wonderful animal studies, the first is from a photo by Valerie Bevan and it is on a favourite paper l enjoy using, Bristol Board, suitable for light watercolour and  pen, in this case l used a mixed media of pen, ink watercolour and charcoal pencil.  The second is a mixed media portrait of Buttercup.

Ian took only pencils to Harriet's as he thought it would rain today.  He said, 'It was a good day for being outside.  However I drew some sketches for later working up to paintings - good intentions...'

'Seven of us turned up today at Harriet's.' Said Sally P, 'The sun shone and by the end of the day we were all feeling a bit fatigued. Luckily Harriet made some delicious cakes, Kale, orange and chocolate and a fruit from the orchard with stem ginger (both scrumptious) to go with our tea and coffee. Along with drinks on arrival and at lunchtime.
'My offerings are below. Two drawings of crab apples and a pastel of Rudbeckia.'

And here is Harriet's photo of some of today's group together with a luscious-looking basket of fruit, and her own sketches and an unfinished painting.

This week Avril also used her iPad, with quite interesting results.  She said it took quite a long time to work her way around the programs, but it got better later in the day.

Sally T cycled to Harriet's and produced these three sketches.

Frances' three sketches are:
1. Early Thursday morning  in Mellis. Just applying some colour.
2. Southwold on the beach, Thursday.
3. Basket of fruit at Harriet’s...had to leave early.

Before you go, remember to check the Stop Press before going to any of the remaining venues.  You will find changes to the arrangements for 30th September are listed on the page.  There will also shortly be details of the new Winter programme available to view on the Events page.  Let's hope the weather continues nice enough for the remaining Summer programme.

I did make it to Les's house on a grey morning that looked more like February than August (though not so cold), but I only stayed for the committee meeting and to take some photos, as I had tree surgeons at home trimming hedges into shape. 
The field behind Les's garden had just had its crop harvested, and had a wonderful pattern of cut stalks lying in huge swirls along the ground.  I went up the steps to his studio to get the full view, which included a little group of EAG members capturing the scene.  Pictures below include a little montage of those who came, but there were others not pictured, including Jane, who came after I left, Lesley, who was too busy to stay after the meeting, and Eileen and Harriet, both of whom I somehow failed to include. Thanks to Les and Barbara for the hospitality - sorry I missed the cakes!

So first Frances, who will be on her way home from Brittany tomorrow.  there is a somewhat competitive element here, as her son-in-law has also asked to be included this week following her grandson's drawing last week.  His is the architectural drawing.  Her own entries are an acrylic based on her sketch of shells on beach, and a quick sketch in her garden yesterday evening, after a lovely day on the beach!

Carolyn has been very busy this week - she has set up a still life that included reflection and directional light.  She said, 'The orange peel was not quite right. I could not get rid of it, so put the knife in to indicate consumption of the orange?! It is part WC and part Inktense.  The hydrangea and the tomatoes (now suddenly fruiting well) are also Inktense, the first without water added, and the second with.

Angela has produced some really interesting drawings of the field, that I think could be described as wide angle, midshot and close-up!

Sally P. Said, '​No work from Rushall from me today. Too much coffee, tea and cake being handed around. We did have an important committee meeting that lasted quite some time that was productive.
The paintings below are for my sister they are copied from an artist's work called Michelle Collins. She is founder and artist for her company called Green Lili.
1st picture photo of print of her work
2nd picture my two. Acrylic on canvas board

Jane really enjoyed sketching the statues in Les's garden this afternoon.  they can just be seen under the fig tree in one of the photos above.

Lots of pages from Avril's sketchbook

Harriet managed to send me her work despite a power cut, using her phone directly.  

This has not been a good week for art for me.  Too much DIY and Grandparently duties got in the way.  
This week's visitors to Hoxne had to contend with cool and windy conditions.  7 brave souls did so, and I also have work from others who were elsewhere, but still working in sketchbooks etc.

First Frances' contribution from Brittany:
'​Shells and stones on the beach,
Chateau Beausoleil Air B&B near Nantes where we have stayed for a few days with our family,
Horses in the grounds of chateau,
And fourthly one of my grandsons was eager to be included on the blog!!!! Luckily not a portrait of me!'    The inherited skills are definitely there!

Sally P reports from Hoxne today, '​Only 7 of us turned up today. Les Bragg, Harriet, Diana, John, Jackie, Hilary and myself. No photo of us all as some were morning only and some of us afternoon only. It was a bit breezy but okay as long as you were wrapped up warmly.'  She has sent photos of the venue as well as her own work.

Jackie has sent both work from her holiday last week, and the results of today's outing in Hoxne. First, a feature in the garden at Ta Mill where she stayed, second a study of flowing water, and third, today, she says, 'After making a sketch of Park Farm house, it was just too windy and cold to progress with so after finding a less windy corner, this stone trough drew my attention.'

From Carolyn, apples ripening on a tree in her garden, and a sketch of eupetorium,  one of Roy's flowers. 'It has grown to unusual heights this year (funny weather?)' She says... I am quite pleased to know what this is, as it grows profusely where our boat is moored (including on one of our mooring posts).

​Diana says, 'It is the middle week of La Vuelta. ( next week northern Spain Eurosport channel free).  So I have tried to treat Spanish rooftops like the landscape scribble from last week first with felt tip and water , then with oil pastel. The landscape was done today at Hoxne very quickly because it was cold and windy, so again I missed the cake!'

Next Harriet, who sent last week's picture after I had 'gone to press', so here it is... along with her work from this week.

Finally from Lesley, '​I’m on holiday with the family,  near Hay on Wye this week. These are pages from my sketchbook of the beautiful Welsh  countryside around our rented farmhouse. The first two are views from my bedroom window. Brilliant when one can paint ‘en plein air’ leaning on a window cill!'

Have a good and productive week.  If you have pictures in the exhibition at the Bank, don't forget to collect them on Monday at 3pm.

So here first is Avril, who has captured several elements in the garden.

Those are the only works I have received so far from the group who went, so now on to the other work sent in this week.
June sent me two pictures, with the comment, 'One is a pastel pencil picture of Hyderangeas rather pale, l should have chosen a darker background, and the other watercolour done in a free manner because  sunflowers make you feel happy.'  And they certainly do!

Next Carolyn, who has been studying lilies.  She said, 'I have depicted (mainly in WC) a lily which Roy bought as a bulb from The Boundary Garden centre. Lovely delicate colours, which have now faded on fully opening. '

These are from Diana, who was also unable to go today. 'Optician today so didn’t get to Sarah’s. Earlier in week found this acrylic scribble/ geli print  as inspiration.
More scribble  with felt tip and water
Then added oil pastel including metallic which give more subtle finish.'
[Hope I got these in the right order, Diana - Hannah]

Another taste of Brittany from Frances. '​Sketch in situ by River Vilaine on a cycle ride and another little square canvas using a dead 🙁 Speckled Wood I found on the path outside the house. Unlike Damien Hirst I painted it rather than stuck dead ones on a canvas!!!!'

I have noticed as I finish this how the evenings are now getting dark earlier - hopefully we can look forward to being able to meet again at the Bowls Club in the not-too-distant future.

I wasn't the only one who was led astray by sat nav today.  Mine took me just outside Stradbroke and said, 'You have reached your destination.'  But I did get there, and what a tranquil spot!  We had a great threatening sky just for Ian, chickens that wouldn't sit still for a portrait, a colourful garden, no rain (and not too much sun) and welcoming hosts - Avril and Richard.  Avril showed us her new studio - very impressive, and some of the work she had done for her course, which was very interesting - and in the garage, the BFG looked down, ready to wow the Redlingfield children in the scarecrow festival.  I wasn't able to stay for tea, but I gather there was cake as well.

So here is Ian's treatment of that cloudy sky, and the huge walnut tree that predates the house, its name is Percy (after the person who planted it, I think).  Ian was more pleased with the tree on the right.

Rachel has given us another view of Percy and then my back view as I sketched some lychnis, very badly.

Frances has been busy sketching in Brittany, and sent me this selection:
Acrylic based on last week’s sketch, Part of our house, Oak tree in garden which I saw had a face!
View from our favourite beach (behind me) as I sketched chateau and nature reserve. 

Carolyn has been watching internet videos this week to see if she could improve on the Inktense work. She said, 'There is lots that one can try but it takes time!  trying new techniques. The best find, for me, was to show that the burnisher acts like wax resist.'  The moose drawing, together with doodles, illustrates the different experiments.
The second is of fuchsia, which only works in part. Greens are difficult.

Diana did come to Redlingfield but did not want to inflict her 'harvest cough' on the rest of us, but was sorry to have missed tea.   She did the collage earlier in week and the sketch today, and took the photos at Redlingfield this morning.

Jackie has listened to a most enjoyable programme on World Service earlier this week about paint, that she wanted to share with you all, so I am giving you a link to it. It is still available on the BBC iPlayer (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1tdb).  She said, 'Two sketches today. As I needed to get in the right mood, the chickens were my first choice as a subject. They were not very cooperative and took a while to come out from a dark corner. As we had spent some time looking at Avril's fabulous textile creations and books on arrival, lunch came next after which some of us worked on 'Percy', Avril and Richard's Walnut tree. Great texture and looks like some mythical creature.  Thanks to Avril and Richard

Avril managed between being the perfect host, to produce a quantity of sketches that give quite a snapshot of the garden.

Harriet has given us a quick sketch, part of the garden and the house next door, and another view of Percy.

Sally L was not able to stay for long, but made three sketches in the time she was there.

I am not going to inflict my sketch from today on you, and instead give you two paintings.  The first is the finished version of the abstract from my cherry tree painting, and the second is a bit of fun using filling knives for decorating that looked like they would be interesting for painting with over an old, unsuccessful painting.

Finally, some views around the garden, to give you inspiration, concluding with a full view of the magnificent Percy, and the assemble EAG visitors, minus Sally L, with our hosts at lunchtime - and a bit of sleight-of-hand thanks to Jackie taking a picture that included me after I had taken one of the rest.  Thanks again to Avril and Richard.

John and Caroline were excellent hosts today for the small group who visited their house and garden just outside Eye today.  A beautiful garden and views across undulating countryside provided plenty of subject matter for sketching and painting, and the weather was much kinder than it had been forecast to be.  In addition I have work from Noreen, Eileen, Carolyn and Frances that gives a glimpse of what they have been up to this week.

The first submission is a wonderful drawing from Noreen, who took last week's panorama as her subject, and has completed it 'in fits and starts'.  A real tour de force, and hopefully indicates she is beginning to recover.

Frances has sent further pages from her sketchbook this week.

A great report from Sally P on the day's activities.
'A lovely day was had by all at John's house today. Only 5 of us turned up as holidays and other commitments got in the way for many.
We started off with a lovely cup of coffee with a fascinating tour of the house. Which meant a late start for most of us!!!
And it finished off with tea and cake at 3. The sun shone, the dog looked for a playmate and the combine harvester obliged Lesley by clotting the oil seed rape!'
​So here is Sally's output for the day (.The old pump, Silver birch, The start of a watercolour), and some photos to show the rest of us the glorious garden, artists at work, and the friendly dog (Sophie?).

Diana found 'Memories  of lots of  cats ,chickens  and loud music (boys) which June said she could hear about half a mile away across the fields.' when visiting her old house today, now John and Caroline's.  In addition to her tranquil sketch, she has sent a photo of nearby harvesting, of which more later.

Busy Avril thoroughly enjoyed her time in this lovely garden, as her sketches show.  She will be the host next week in Redlingfield.

From Lesley, first, her work from today:  Pen and ink, a quick study of acanthus, for a thermofax screen, and playing with inktense paints.

And, second, photos of the garden and view - she said, '​As I was drawing this I observed to Diana it was a pity the rape field in front hadn’t been harvested; an hour later I thought one should be careful what one wishes for, as I retreated to the far side of John’s lovely garden away from the noise and dust of the combine.'

Sally T has sent a pencil drawing of water pump, and pen and ink inktense of garden looking through arch (a bit abstract ).

I heard from Eileen this week after a long absence, who said, 'I haven’t managed to join the group to paint but was away painting last weekend. Here are my efforts. It was good to be outside painting again even if I struggled with back pain!'

Looking at the weather this morning we dressed for sun, and got a cold wind under the trees by the river.  Diana and Rachel fared rather better in the sun on the village green, and some of those who stayed after lunch moved there for the afternoon.  When we arrived, there was a family fishing at the water's edge, but soon we were joined by more families with jamjars and fishing nets, a paddleboarder and then kayakers - some sort of Piccadilly Circus!  The pictures give a tranquil impression, but don't show the lorries thundering past on the A143. 

Before we get on to the day's output, both from those who came and from others who did not, Noreen asked me to put this on the log today - sorry that it's a bit later than it might otherwise have been!

And I am sure we would all like to echo that sentiment - hope you have had a great day, Carolyn!

Avril was prolific (as usual) and says the 4th picture here is an abstract using items in the vicinity.  The picture below shows her at the graduate of her work.

Harriet is away at the moment but has sent me a couple of sketches she has produced while away.

Diana sent three pictures:
1  Scribbling with graphite earlier in the week, the hills in my head.
2 I actually got to Homersfield and really enjoyed it, sat in the very hot sun on the village green , while everyone else was freezing by the river.
3 Rachel sitting on the green

Sally L froze by the river in the morning, and said it was much more pleasant on the village green in the afternoon sun.  The poster is for an exhibition she is showing in, if you happen to go to Beccles during the second week of August.

Sally P has sent a detail of the ironwork on the bridge (I think she was the only one of us who actually sat on the bridge itself) and a less breezy on from the village green.

Sally T said, 'Very windy but enjoyable by the river watching all the activity, a bit Seurat like. I concentrated on quick pencil sketches...'

I managed just one sketch before leaving at lunchtime. Chose the wrong subject as it was very difficult following all the lines and cracks in the bark... Here also are some photos of the scene, some of which might inspire you, and one of the attendees gathered at the pub at lunchtime.  And finally a panorama showing the busyness.  Next week at John's garden, hope to see you then!

Another hot and sunny day, and last week's problems with the cold seem so far away...  John Blake's partner Judith was the perfect host at her garden in Mendlesham Green, with plenty of refreshments to keep the painters busy and happy.

First Sally P. with poppy seedheads three ways, wrong hand, half blind and right hand (in this case left hand!)  The second shows a quirky filing cabinet planter, which Sally feels has come out too narrow (but we'd never know, so it must be OK).

And here is something from someone who didn't make it to Mendlesham - Carolyn.  The first set she sent are from the photographs offered last week for inspiration, and the last one is from her own garden.  Her favourite of the first three (using different watercolour techniques)  is the second, mine too.  The last is coloured pencil.

Avril was as productive as usual (I don't know how she does it!)  I certainly get a feeling of this garden from these sketches.  I particularly like the trail of plant to hen in the third one.

Something quite different now from Diana.  As usual her photos give you other food for thought.
1  Photo of quarry on Bodmin moor from a few years ago.
2. Started with water soluble graphite
3 Found my oil pastels
4 Son Charlie is doing collage abstracts
5 Hollyhocks in garden all self seeded

Jackie sent me her pastel from Angela's garden last week, and also the resulting painting from a workshop attended several weeks ago focusing on the style of Klimt. It has taken her a lot of thought and time to finish. She has also supplied the photos from the venue today.

Frances was very productive today too, with all these A5 sketches completed.  The next from her will hopefully be from Brittany...

I didn't get out to the venue this week, but I have made an oil painting of the cherry tree that I drew some time ago.  Quite pleased that it has retained the energy it started with.  I am also giving you two photos from the Norfolk Broads (which was where I was today).  The first is a race conducted by rather large sailing boats on Wroxham Broad - lots of jostling on the water.  The second is of the geese who came to visit just as we finished our sandwiches, and hung around regardless of the fact there was no food.

Here are the pictures from Judith's garden, and a big thank you to her for hosting.  Thanks to Jackie and Avril for these.

I have spotted one or two more faces around the tea today, who haven't sent anything in yet.  Two things to say about that.  First of all, on a normal winter Thursday Noreen would never let you get away from the Bowls Club without a photo, however you feel about your offering, and, second, with this new system it is quite difficult to incorporate work that comes in later than 6 pm.  You are welcome to send it in later or tomorrow, but it will go into next week's Blog.

I was asked by Sandra to let you know that the artists who work in acrylic and pastel (who were discussed last week at Angela's) are Norma Stephenson (normastephenson.co.uk) and Sarah Bee (sarahbee-painter.com)

​And... Those who live in or use Eye town centre may have seen that there is  a current planning issue that may affect parking in the town in a way that impacts you.  The application number is DC/21/03629 if you want to comment.

Finally, ​if you read Sally P's most recent newsletter (see Messages from Members), you will see that next week  was left off the summer programme by mistake, and is now Homersfield.  If you are able to come, I hope to see you there...

First of all, I have just found an email from Noreen (sent to an address I obviously don't monitor often enough), that was sent last week, in which she asked me to thank all those who had sent kind messages of support.  So, belatedly I am passing this on.  Hopefully, she continues to improve.
Secondly, a contribution from Angela, who was the hostess this week. First, a sketch of her garden from her concertina sketch book, and second her completed painting.  She said, 'Lovely to see lots of people again and so pleased June came in the afternoon to do a fab sketch in what seemed like 5 minutes!'  So June - hope you will send it in for next week!

First of all, there is a new newsletter (in case you haven't seen it in your email inbox), that is available on the Messages from Members page.
The weather was not as good this week for those who ventured to Angela's house.  Several of you have told me that it was windy and cold, leading to an eventual retreat indoors.   But, judging by the pictures of the gathering, you had a jolly and convivial day, and judging by the results, a very productive one! 

Frances was drawn to the pond (excuse pun), and said, 'Water lily theme! First a small sketch completed at Angela’s and another one also done in the garden...watercolour and charcoal.  Avril was next to me and said the latter would make a good lino print and when I was home I remembered that some years ago I did indeed do one and also a large oil painting.  The patterns created obviously interested me.'

As you will be seeing more waterlilies, I thought this was a good place to show you the pond in which they are growing (and to give you a subject to consider).  Photo from Jackie.

And here are Avril' sketches of these same lilies...  And thank you to Avril for sending me photos of the day and the members who gathered..

And below, Sally T's contribution...

Diana said she cheated today.  She took photos this morning then came home and sketched view across fields to Occold.

Emily has sent a little flavour of what she has some of what she has been doing since moving to Dereham, where she has been very busy with her new class and new puppy!

So now here is a picture of the members gathered at Angela's today, though missing June (who Sally said she was delighted to see in the afternoon, and Diana, who had already gone home.  There are also some unfamiliar faces as some of the non-members who go to the Bank for the Wednesday morning group came along.  There are also some more inspirational images for you to use, including some from a local nature reserve here, which I went to yesterday.

Flixton Aviation Museum was only open to us today, and the weather was just right this morning, dry, reasonably warm but not too sunny.  They had kindly allowed us the use of the café to make ourselves tea or coffee, so we started there.  Seven of us came, though Harriet and I went home just after 1 pm.  You will find that a number of us found the heaps of dead engines dredged from their crash sites most absorbing - they are amazingly organic in their decay.
First, I will let you know that Noreen has now had to have her broken hip operated on, so she is back in hospital.  Let's hope she makes a swift recovery.

I am starting this week with those who didn't come to Flixton.  First, Carolyn, who has sent a beautiful clematis from her garden, and a view of the tennis from her armchair.

Following that example, Diana has been watching the Tour de France, and has sent both finished paintings and some of the TV images, which you might find inspiring yourselves.

Frances couldn't make it either, but said, 'But here are two sketches done in situ. One of orchids at Thelnetham Fen last Friday and the other on the beach at Dunwich yesterday. I collect hagstones and decided to use one as a frame, à la Barbara Hepworth or Henry Moore!!'

Jane is in London for the week, so here are some pages from her sketchbook.

Now the first of the Flixton visitors - Jackie. She said,
'Challenging day!  Complicated shapes that really made us concentrate but most of us enjoyed being out of our comfort zone. At 2.30 a torrential downpour confined us to the hangar and by the time we left, still under black skies and heavy rain, the Flixton roads were flooded.
What a relief to get home.'  She has sent the Hawker Hunter aloft into the cloudy skies.

Avril was as productive as usual, and you can see here how these mechanical things imposed their character.

I found a creature, too, peering out from a dark cavity, and then something rather like a dragonfly. 

Harriet was very productive too, all this achieved just in the morning.  And she has also contributed a photo for inspiration that you will find at the end.

Finally, some images that might inspire you.  Harriet's photo first, and then mine.

Next week our hostess will be Angela, at her garden in Occold.  Hope to see you there.
There, got through all this without a mention of the football!