3rd june 2021

See stop Press for details of trip to Beccles 10 June 2021.

This week we were at Carolyn's lovely garden, in definitely summer weather. Most of the day had sunshine, giving us nice contrasts of light and keeping us rather warmer than of late.  I counted 10 plus Carolyn, though some went earlier than others.  Thanks to Carolyn for the tea and coffee making, which was much appreciated, and to her and Roy for the glorious garden.  Before we came, Carolyn had sent me two drawings she had already done this week (the first of another dog from the same family as last week's - Finwe the springer spaniel, the second some of the tools that helped to create and tend the garden), and some photos of the garden for the benefit of those who might not be able to come.

I shall start with Noreen, who was a welcome sight, as it has been a long time since she has felt able to come and work outside.
She said that this was an attempt made at home to make sense of her sketched 'blobs of colour'.  I think she has captured the part of the garden she was looking at very accurately.

John Walters stayed until lunchtime and produced this detailed painting of the pond, with its reflections of the house.

Diana didn't stay long. She said it was good to see everyone, but also took her work home and did more to it.  The order is:
1. Beginning   2.Adding felt tips at home,then splashing on water.  3.Bottom half,better than whole thing.

Avril produced these three interesting plant studies.

Sandra showed a lot of energy in her sketch of the cow parsley under the trees.

Like many of us today, Lesley felt she had given more time than she should to catching up, and had therefore done less than she expected.  She said,'The drawing of alliums I kept simple as I will probably have it made into a thermofX screen so I can use it for printing backgrounds. The second of Carolyn’s woodland glade was to keep in the shade and experiment with drawing light and shade using a 0.1mm waterproof pen. I gave up........ So I went to the nursery in Weybread, then planted out my purchases.'  Then there are two atmospheric photos for anyone who might like to use them.

Harriet has sent in not only this week's unfinished sketch (which she is going to work further on at home), but also two others.
1. From last week - Abbey Farm, Hoxne
2. This week at Carolyn's - Alliums - not finished, I hope to work on it further this week
3. Aquilegia - I'm intending to do some more on this as well

Sally P. said, 'Two rather feeble attempts from yesterday. Started the Alliums but got too hot in the sun and then went into the shade in the afternoon to attempt the trees. Rather a lot of artistic license as I ran out of space! They say you learn by your mistakes and I certainly did! It was so nice to see everyone and listen to the background chatter.'

Chatter certainly was a feature yesterday as we caught up with one another - it was very convivial!  You can see above, Noreen and Carolyn chatting in the shade, and others at work in different parts of the garden, along with some other garden views.
I won't bother you with my first effort, as it was rubbish, but here is my second, and the beginnings of a painting in progress at home, based on the magnificent poppies in the garden.

Could I use this space to remind anyone who said they wanted to participate in the exhibition at The Bank that you have until Sunday to return your form to Lesley, whether electronically or by post.
Finally, we do still want to hear from you, even if you haven't been able to come to one of the venues on a Thursday, or done work that was based on any of the photos taken there.  Please continue to contribute!

Just realised, I should have said that it is Hannah this week, though I am sure you guessed from the style and the lateness(!), so send your entries to me during June.