27TH NOVEMBER 2025 - WITH ELAINE

Elaine took us back to summer with a still life laid out for tea in the garden, with fairy cakes, and even bubbly!  Come to think of it, the weather today was considerably warmer than of late, but I think we would still have had to shelter in a conservatory...
It was a busy morning today, with 21 members in attendance, and we had to stop early because of a function in the Bowls Club.  The air of concentration could almost be heard it was so dense.  Elaine also modelled for the portraitists.  And there were a number of members working on their own projects today.

So here are the first batch of works - the first from Sally P, and the second shows two of her drawings using not-looking at the paper, not lifting the pen, techniques. Next Harriet gives us the other side of the still life, and finally Laurens tackled both portrait and still life.

Next Lesley's hydrangeas the first she described as 'experimental', the second with a wonderfully three dimensional feel, new member Sue's studies of the still life, Sally T's watercolour, and my iPad drawing - very unfinished! Using layers to rough out, and then add shading and definition.

Here are three vivid studies of the same component of the still life, respectively,Bea, Barry and Jennie

More members doing their own thing - Maggie-Anne, characterful cat and Josie's colourful hare.  The third is from Richard, great to see him after a long time, it will be interesting to see how this turns out!

Diana says, 'I started with a photo of beetroot and then combined old paintings in my head .'

And from Frances, 'Quick sketch of a wheelbarrow and a little lino cut in the making. Let’s hope the latter works out.'

Carolyn shares her aperitif with us - I love the little dash of red light reflected from the glass at the bottom of the sketch.

Here are the portraits from this morning. First, Penny, then Ian J, and two from John...

And now, two from Jill and three from Avril.

Coming up - the Christmas party on 11th December.  If you haven't already added your name to the list of those who are coming, make sure you do so next week, and let us know what food you will be bringing, and whether you are bringing a guest.  The party is always good fun, and thanks to the members, the food is good.  There will be mince pies and mulled wine provided.
We will also be presenting our Chairman's Project work (reminder: the subject is 'Joyful'). 
For the benefit of new members, here are a few things you should know:
Have a look at some of the blog entries for the last week of April in previous years to see some of the work that has been shown in the past.
You don't have to have a finished work.  You can show us your sketches or an unfinished piece, and give us an idea of your intentions.
You can do something 3D if you like.
You can interpret the subject as broadly as you like.
You can bring something you have already made that fits the subject, that fills you with joy. And that thought might fill you with joy!
Stop Press has some details of changes to the Programme relating to the Acrylic Workshop planned for 15th January 2026.  Please have a look.
Sally L will be blogging next week. Send contributions to her.