1st July 2021

Firstly, Noreen fell last week and broke her hip.  As I write she is still in the Rehab unit the hospital put her in, deciding that it would heal on its own, but she has been told that they intend to let her go home tomorrow, to recuperate further.  So I am afraid you are stuck with me for a bit longer.  And I am sure you all join me in wishing her a speedy recovery!

Six hardy souls went to Felixstowe this week, where it turned out to be grey but eventually warm enough for ice creams.  Quite a lot of inspirational photos featuring boats for your consideration, and Diana, who didn't go, has also contributed boat photos from Woodbridge.

First of all, someone who wasn't at Felixstowe, but has used last week's photos most effectively.  Carolyn started by drawing in pencil, then photocopied onto cartridge paper before adding Inktense colour.  The abstract purple picture has a lot of the idea of landscape in it too, I think, fields and hedgerows, maybe?

Frances didn't go, either,  but instead spent time playing with the image of an original sketch from last week. 'Used my YUPO pad and all sorts!' She said.

Ian was one of those who did go, and his painting certainly shows the threat in the sky - and also a bit of blue promise...

Here are Sally P's pictures from this morning,  'A lovely day had by all at Felixstowe today. And an earlier start by me this week! The weather was good and we even had sunshine. 
First picture was my morning's work of some rusty old anchors and seaweed.
The second piece, a 40 minute attempt using pen, pencil, watercolour and felt pens.....'
At the end you will find more from Sally in the form of photos for your inspiration.

Above, Jackie's take on the morning's views.  She has also provided some photos for those who weren't able to go.  She has made her note of the colours in her sketch interesting in itself.

  Sally T. said, 'The water colour is unfinished. I lost my way with the boat shapes and will need to be inventive. The pencil sketches were very quick...'

Above are Avril's pictures, full of interest.  She says, 'I liked this effort the best it was done using my Berol paper mate and water.
The second is a sketch of an interesting boathouse.
Jackie and did the same boat separately we both liked the poppies against the blue of the boat.  Jackie’s was very inventive because she zoomed in on the poppies by blocking then with a rectangle, very clever.'

Lesley's work:
'1. View of supports for hut, mooring blocks, scrubbing posts and old anchors, looking across the Deben to Bawdsey shore.  Indian ink using bamboo pen and Chinese brush.
2.Mooring ropes, posts, mud and algae, unfinished. Watercolour, pen, ink and inktense paints.
A very sociable day!'

Here is Harriet's output from this week. She wasn't able to go today.  She says, 'Instead I attach a picture of the leaded glass panel that I've been doing for over two years and have now finished - hurray! It's over 3ft high, to give some idea of scale. It's a picture of sunflowers in a vase.
I have also been doing some sketches from photos. From these sketches I'm going to start work on some new paintings - hopefully!

I have also been working from a photo.  This one of a footbridge on the Waveney at Bungay from a year or so ago.  I have a plan to make it into something abstract - a criss-cross of black with the landscape colours,

Diana went to Woodbridge for a view of boats and harbours.  And 'messed about' (her words) in oils watching the first week of the Tour de France.

Here are photos from Sally P and Jackie.  They had gathered for a quick coffee at 10.30 and then again for ice creams at 3 - and despite how it looks in the photos,  I am assured it was warm enough.

Today's group, minus Jackie who was behind the camera.

Thanks to all contributors. 
I am sure some of you will know all about this, but I have just discovered the Royal Academy Saturday Sketch Club, with various video workshops available for different techniques, having missed the live versions.  These are all free, but there is a suggestion that one may want to make a donation.
Let's hope the weather remains good for further expeditions.