The last time Frances challenged us to paint big.  This time it was all about composition and thinking about the whole painting area.  She drew our attention first to David Hockney's quote (see right).
Frances looked at some paintings with us - in particular one of a vegetable stall - to analyse and discuss what the considerations in the composition were.  Next we were invited to write down our own thoughts on other paintings, then discuss these ideas in small groups -  which proved to be a very valuable exercise.  Actually then doing a copy of this painting helped us further to concentrate on the elements involved.
After a break Frances set out her collection of still life objects and drapery, from which to create our own paintings using various media including collage.  This had some excellent results, as you will see below.  Frances commented helpfully on all of these.  In passing, it was very interesting to learn how Hannah and Jane used an app on their iPads in the creation of work and it was hoped we might have a session on this some time.
This workshop was splendidly organised with lots of books and pictures to look at and a really thoughtful array of still life objects.  Many thanks to Frances, who is donating all monies received to her charity:  The Williams Syndrome Foundation.

Click to enlarge images.

David Hockney:   "All painting no matter what you're painting is abstract in that it's got to be organised.  No matter what the illusion created, it is a flat canvas and has to be organised into shapes."

PS  Sorry, Les!  I made a complete hash in writing about your painting last week, which I now understand was inspired by viewing the apparent chaos in the cosmos.  That makes much more sense!

PPS  Freda was not able to bring her painting for Out of the Shadows last week.  This is it now.

Les introduced us to his multi-experienced, multi-talented friend Peter, who is a great walker.  He wore the many layers of his walking clothing, along with leggings and boots - and that on what is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far!  People do suffer for art.  We had two poses, first seated, then a standing pose after our coffee break, though most chose to do just the head.  (There wasn't time to do it all justice.) 

Les's still life set-ups were multi-faceted, giving a huge range of subjects, from his chiaroscuro figure in a box, through the macabre (a skull), nature (early spring blossom and fruit), bottles, pots, vases, boxes, boots ... What wasn't there?

Les showed us a painting he had done (see right), representing the chaotic emotions he felt when surrounded by huge buildings, traffic and noise - or something like that.  You'll have to ask Les.

In the break, Sally T was supplying canvases (£3 each) on which to do a painting on the theme of the natural world - for a future exhibition at Earsham.  There will be another opportunity to buy such a canvas next week (26th).