8th September 2022 - Sarah Huckelby's Garden, Hemingstone

addendum

I didn't hear of the Queen's death until after this was posted, but thought I ought to add something to mark the day.  She has always seemed to me to be the exemplar of monarchy and the country will miss her.  It seems good that she was in a favourite spot, and that her family were around her.  Something we can all wish for.

For some reason during all the time I lived in Thorndon, and visits were made to Sarah Huckleby's garden, it was always impossible for me to go; I was either away, or something intervened.  I looked with envy at the pictures of EAG members frolicking in the pool.  Today was certainly warm enough, and indeed Avril tells me that swimming took place, but in Norfolk the weather has been very uncertain, with several downpours during the day.
Seven members did make it, and want to thank Sarah for her excellent hosting.

Firstly, Avril, who had a busy day, producing all this work as well as enjoying a swim!

Here they are all assembled, together with Sarah...
Thanks to Avril for the photo (a little bit of photo editing magic shows everyone!)

Next, Sally P, who said, 'It started with a cuppa and a heavy downpour but then the day cleared up and we were able to settle down to paint and draw. A few people also managed to get a swim in! At three we had tea, cakes and scones with homemade jams and our parting gift was a pot of homemade jam each. 
I did two pages of sketches and a third picture of a crab apple. I was attracted to the apples that had fallen on the ground forming a blanket of colour. This I left unfinished as I was pestered by ants and a pesky wasp!'

Jackie also enjoyed her day despite the heavy showers that interrupted proceedings.  This lovely watercolour shows one of the many outbuildings in the grounds.

Heavy rain in his vicinity deterred Ian from going out this morning, but he has done more work on the saxted mill painting of a few weeks ago. although he prefers the tree on the left.  More work to be done.
He says, 'Also I have a question for members - I have been given a piece of ‘claybord’.  Has anybody used this and what is the best medium for it?  It has a very smooth surface.' 
Not something I have come across - over to the very knowledgeable and experienced membership,..

Diana also worked at home this week.  She has had some weeks without inspiration, but sent some 'scribbles' she has now worked on from photos of Stiperstones.  Looks like it has been a busy week!

Carolyn has been documenting the effects of the weather on her garden.
She says, 'The burnt-up look of the garden may be seen by the lack of green grass and the survival of only one conifer of a pair. We are not alone but it is quite distressing to see it in this state, especially after all the work Roy has put in.'  Those of us who visited them earlier this year will know how well looked-after this garden is. 
She used crayons for the plums and finds they blend better than Inktense.

Here is Sally T's drawing from today.

Harriet chose a most unusual aspect for her painting today, the house as reflection.  She has sent a photo to illustrate what she was looking at, but the light, she tells me, does not reflect the conditions when she was painting.

I have done some work on my drawing from last week, but I don't think the changes show particularly, so I won't include it.
Next week Noreen is in charge, so send your work to her for inclusion.  I am going to be away from the end of next week, so she will also be doing the following two Blogs, (22 and 29 September).  I am going to the Peak District, armed with a camera and a sketchbook, so I may try and send something to her while I'm away!  Have a good couple of weeks....