17th FEBRUARY 2022

It was another day of workmen at the crack of dawn for me today - the water softener following on from a mammoth boiler installation earlier in the week - so I was unable to join the 11 members who had the pleasure of Sandra's vivid still lifes and dramatic poses this morning.

Following last week's charcoal themed session, Carolyn has made a charcoal drawing  based on a technique she encountered in class (years ago), i.e. cover the paper with charcoal, then rub out for light areas and add more charcoal for darker areas.  Sounds like an interesting technique to try, and the result is very pleasing.  Secondly, a still life rendered in watercolour, with a nice, loose look to it.

Diana could not go this week either.  She says,
'Have had my eyes done.  At the moment I am still seeing double and my glasses don’t work. Opticians next week so hopefully it will all be sorted in a few weeks.
This morning I have tried to draw what I can see wearing old glasses working on top of old painting. What was really interesting was that when I  took the glasses off I could see double  double - instant cubism. I always thought that Impressionism had a lot to do with shortsightedness and eyesight problems. Looking out of the window I have been watching giants walk past (Don Quixote) with more than a touch of Lucy in the Sky withDiamonds. It’s been like living inside a Kaleidoscope.' 

What an interesting result!  I am sure we all hope Diana's eyes will right themselves soon.

Frances had a deadline to meet.  ' I was unable to attend today since I had to finish my gothic piece for The Temple of Sound in Mellis! ( Jane and Sally T. are tackling a similar panel). I couldn’t include the gothic top point in my picture. Acrylic on horrible smooth plastic type surface.... Second an oil I have nearly finished looking from Dunwich to Walberswick.'

And Lesley was at a talk/workshop on Indian woodblock printing.  Here is her printing of a lotus blossom (national flower of India) made with a block cut from funky foam, using a gelli plate and acrylic paint.

Here is the first interpretation of Sandra's poses, these from Jackie.  First charcoal sketch of first pose, then pencil sketch ready to paint of second pose.

Next to Avril, who has used different mediums in her morning full of portraits.

Sally P left early, but was still able to send me the scene setting photos, and her efforts from this morning (both still life and portrait) before she went to the cinema - a very full morning!!  Hope you enjoyed the film.

Here is Jane's unfinished watercolour study of this morning's poinsettia.

And Sally T's drawings of Sandra.

This painting of mine is an abstract created by photographing and then collaging another painting.

I hope you all have your hatches battened down for the coming storm Eunice (I'm sorry but that is not a fierce name), and that the forecasts prove to be overegged.
Thanks as usual to all contributors.  Next week Ian will be responsible for the still life and model, and your photos should go to Noreen for the blog.