29TH MAY 2025 - MELLIS

Even in the shelter of Frances' lovely garden, the wind was spectacular today!  At one point it swept away a pencil I had been foolish enough to put down, and I couldn't spot where it was for half an hour or so.  It was much warmer today though, quite comfortable even when sitting still for a while.  The garden has all sorts of different views within it, and collections of pots, objects and plants that offer interest for sketching.
Your committee had a very productive meeting about the upcoming exhibitions.  If you are participating, there will be information available on the website under the Stop Press heading about the nitty gritty of bringing in your work etc., which you should check.
The last of these photos shows most of those who were still there at lunchtime... I was just leaving at this point [Hannah].

First a submission from Carolyn.  She says, 'This week I have tried to capture the beauty of a peony flower, but have only partially succeeded.'  Peonies must be one of the most difficult flowers to depict with their layers of delicate petals.  The framing of the flower with its leaves also works very well.

Diana was not able to join us either, but she has once again looked back to a previous visit to the venue for this week. She says, 'I have worked from a photo taken years  ago. I wasn’t sure if I could get a collage done in one day but I managed it and enjoyed doing it,thanks to good physio in Harleston and encouraging words from Sally L.'

So now to those who came to Mellis this week.  There were several members who focused on the wonderful colour and form of the poppies in full bloom.  First, Frances herself, with a selection of views from around the garden, including a nice poppy study.

Next, Ian and Josie, who both tackled the poppies.  Ian's is the first picture.

Finally on poppies, Sally L, who later sent me some words on the subject:
'Rather than botanical accuracy I was trying to capture the movement in the poppies and daisies being brought to life by the wind, blown around so fiercely.
( that really does sound like art b…….!)'
I couldn't possibly comment! [H]

Both Lesley and Avril were attracted by the markings on the geranium (pelargonium) leaves, among the arrangement of leaf shapes and colours on offer. Lesley's are the first two, and include a delicate study of an iris.  Avril also selected a 'Green Man' head, and a wheelbarrow arrangement, with a lot going on...

Here are the sketches of Angela and Harriet, who both had to leave early.  They chose the pond area of the garden, and I did see Harriet's easel try to get away from her at one point, as the wind blew!

Sally P chose two completely different subjects, and different media to go with them.  What a lot is going on in that second sketch!

Jane finished one sketch in her new sketchbook, and started a second...

Sally T drew this sketch of Mellis Common.

I started a drawing of arum lilies, that were in a sheltered spot by the wall, mostly just trying to get the shape and composition of the plant in outline form, with the idea of adding either shading or colour later.  I have since started adding colour to my photo, to see whether I want to do that without affecting my original.  A version of what China (for those who remember her) suggested.  She advocated photocopying or scanning and printing out a copy.  I am using Procreate on my iPad to to do the same thing.  I'm afraid the drawing on the left is not very clear.

Next week Harriet will be having her first turn at blogging, when EAG goes to Lackford Lakes, so work should be sent to her.
If you are taking part in the exhibitions in June, please look at the Exhibitions June 2025 page under the Stop Press heading, for information necessary to bringing and collecting your work.