15th July 2021

addendum 17th july 2021

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! 

Before we get there though, here is Carolyn's take on one of the mechanical monstrosities from Flixton last week. 
Don't forget, that even if you don't make it to the week's outdoor venue, you can still send me pictures of anything you have been working on.

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.

Here’s Lesley's take on Angela’s ‘big pond’ under lowering skies in chalk pastels. 'I gave up in the end, frozen in the northerly wind and then  a slight drizzle was starting to spot the pastel; we retreated indoors to the warmth of Angela’s kitchen.'  She says.

And here again are those threatening skies in Ian's painting.

 A different view of the garden from Sally L.

From Sally P. a pastel of a sphere and some pebbles. 'Wished I'd had a dark paper to start with and had more choice of colours but whatever one takes one wishes they'd taken something else!'

Jane said 'I have been pinged by the NHS app so have to self isolate at my sons house in London! So only sketch pad drawing for me this week.'

Harriet was unable to make it to Angela's house, but has finished a painting this week.  She said it was not very seasonal, but then neither is the weather! And it is very atmospheric.

I wasn't able to make it to Angela's either, but I have been working on a painting this week, based on the bridge drawing I did a couple of weeks ago, and using water-soluble oils.

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.