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29th July 2021

29/7/2021

Looking at the weather this morning we dressed for sun, and got a cold wind under the trees by the river. Diana and Rachel fared rather better in the sun on the village green, and some of those who stayed after lunch moved there for the afternoon. When we arrived, there was a family fishing at the water's edge, but soon we were joined by more families with jamjars and fishing nets, a paddleboarder and then kayakers - some sort of Piccadilly Circus! The pictures give a tranquil impression, but don't show the lorries thundering past on the A143.

Before we get on to the day's output, both from those who came and from others who did not, Noreen asked me to put this on the log today - sorry that it's a bit later than it might otherwise have been!

And I am sure we would all like to echo that sentiment - hope you have had a great day, Carolyn!

Here is the drawing Carolyn sent me this week, that she has been using (co-incidentally) to make birthday cards.

Avril was prolific (as usual) and says the 4th picture here is an abstract using items in the vicinity. The picture below shows her at the graduate of her work.

Harriet is away at the moment but has sent me a couple of sketches she has produced while away.

Frances is also away, in Brittany, and has sent a sketch of part of her barn there. She says, 'An in haste sketch of our part of our barn in Brittany. In haste because a garden untouched for nine months calls!!! Not delighted with my effort! Will try harder before next week…'

Diana sent three pictures:
1 Scribbling with graphite earlier in the week, the hills in my head.
2 I actually got to Homersfield and really enjoyed it, sat in the very hot sun on the village green , while everyone else was freezing by the river.
3 Rachel sitting on the green

Sally L froze by the river in the morning, and said it was much more pleasant on the village green in the afternoon sun. The poster is for an exhibition she is showing in, if you happen to go to Beccles during the second week of August.

Jackie was not able to join us today, but sent me the painting she made last week, which had needed more work...

This week June has also sent me a painting. It's nice to hear from her with such a lovely watercolour!

Sally P has sent a detail of the ironwork on the bridge (I think she was the only one of us who actually sat on the bridge itself) and a less breezy on from the village green.

Sally T said, 'Very windy but enjoyable by the river watching all the activity, a bit Seurat like. I concentrated on quick pencil sketches...'

I managed just one sketch before leaving at lunchtime. Chose the wrong subject as it was very difficult following all the lines and cracks in the bark... Here also are some photos of the scene, some of which might inspire you, and one of the attendees gathered at the pub at lunchtime. And finally a panorama showing the busyness. Next week at John's garden, hope to see you then!

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22nd July 2021

22/7/2021

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Another hot and sunny day, and last week's problems with the cold seem so far away... John Blake's partner Judith was the perfect host at her garden in Mendlesham Green, with plenty of refreshments to keep the painters busy and happy.

First Sally P. with poppy seedheads three ways, wrong hand, half blind and right hand (in this case left hand!) The second shows a quirky filing cabinet planter, which Sally feels has come out too narrow (but we'd never know, so it must be OK).

And here is something from someone who didn't make it to Mendlesham - Carolyn. The first set she sent are from the photographs offered last week for inspiration, and the last one is from her own garden. Her favourite of the first three (using different watercolour techniques) is the second, mine too. The last is coloured pencil.

Avril was as productive as usual (I don't know how she does it!) I certainly get a feeling of this garden from these sketches. I particularly like the trail of plant to hen in the third one.

Something quite different now from Diana. As usual her photos give you other food for thought.
1 Photo of quarry on Bodmin moor from a few years ago.
2. Started with water soluble graphite
3 Found my oil pastels
4 Son Charlie is doing collage abstracts
5 Hollyhocks in garden all self seeded

Lesley said, 'Judith made us very welcome and has promised we can come again next year.
It was too hot for me to concentrate even in the shade and lots of chat in her lovely garden, so I’m not very happy with my efforts today………
Left
A line and aquarelle pencil wash of Judith’s quirky summerhouse, stripped of some of its ivy covering.
Right
Another corner, with two members on a bench. An experiment combining twin graphics and watercolour.'

Jackie sent me her pastel from Angela's garden last week, and also the resulting painting from a workshop attended several weeks ago focusing on the style of Klimt. It has taken her a lot of thought and time to finish. She has also supplied the photos from the venue today.

Frances was very productive today too, with all these A5 sketches completed. The next from her will hopefully be from Brittany...

Jane says, 'I have been working on a design for a linoprint of our wildflower garden.

I think it might be a bit complicated so I’ll have to think about how to simplify it. (Corn flowers/poppies/ oxeye daisies/chamomile and corn daisies).'

I didn't get out to the venue this week, but I have made an oil painting of the cherry tree that I drew some time ago. Quite pleased that it has retained the energy it started with. I am also giving you two photos from the Norfolk Broads (which was where I was today). The first is a race conducted by rather large sailing boats on Wroxham Broad - lots of jostling on the water. The second is of the geese who came to visit just as we finished our sandwiches, and hung around regardless of the fact there was no food.

Here are the pictures from Judith's garden, and a big thank you to her for hosting. Thanks to Jackie and Avril for these.

I have spotted one or two more faces around the tea today, who haven't sent anything in yet. Two things to say about that. First of all, on a normal winter Thursday Noreen would never let you get away from the Bowls Club without a photo, however you feel about your offering, and, second, with this new system it is quite difficult to incorporate work that comes in later than 6 pm. You are welcome to send it in later or tomorrow, but it will go into next week's Blog.

I was asked by Sandra to let you know that the artists who work in acrylic and pastel (who were discussed last week at Angela's) are Norma Stephenson (normastephenson.co.uk) and Sarah Bee (sarahbee-painter.com)

And... Those who live in or use Eye town centre may have seen that there is a current planning issue that may affect parking in the town in a way that impacts you. The application number is DC/21/03629 if you want to comment.

Finally, if you read Sally P's most recent newsletter (see Messages from Members), you will see that next week was left off the summer programme by mistake, and is now Homersfield. If you are able to come, I hope to see you there...

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15th July 2021

15/7/2021

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addendum 17th july 2021

First of all, I have just found an email from Noreen (sent to an address I obviously don't monitor often enough), that was sent last week, in which she asked me to thank all those who had sent kind messages of support. So, belatedly I am passing this on. Hopefully, she continues to improve.
Secondly, a contribution from Angela, who was the hostess this week. First, a sketch of her garden from her concertina sketch book, and second her completed painting. She said, 'Lovely to see lots of people again and so pleased June came in the afternoon to do a fab sketch in what seemed like 5 minutes!' So June - hope you will send it in for next week!

First of all, there is a new newsletter (in case you haven't seen it in your email inbox), that is available on the Messages from Members page.
The weather was not as good this week for those who ventured to Angela's house. Several of you have told me that it was windy and cold, leading to an eventual retreat indoors. But, judging by the pictures of the gathering, you had a jolly and convivial day, and judging by the results, a very productive one!

Before we get there though, here is Carolyn's take on one of the mechanical monstrosities from Flixton last week.
Don't forget, that even if you don't make it to the week's outdoor venue, you can still send me pictures of anything you have been working on.

Frances was drawn to the pond (excuse pun), and said, 'Water lily theme! First a small sketch completed at Angela’s and another one also done in the garden...watercolour and charcoal. Avril was next to me and said the latter would make a good lino print and when I was home I remembered that some years ago I did indeed do one and also a large oil painting. The patterns created obviously interested me.'

As you will be seeing more waterlilies, I thought this was a good place to show you the pond in which they are growing (and to give you a subject to consider). Photo from Jackie.

And here are Avril' sketches of these same lilies... And thank you to Avril for sending me photos of the day and the members who gathered..

And below, Sally T's contribution...

Diana said she cheated today. She took photos this morning then came home and sketched view across fields to Occold.

Here’s Lesley's take on Angela’s ‘big pond’ under lowering skies in chalk pastels. 'I gave up in the end, frozen in the northerly wind and then a slight drizzle was starting to spot the pastel; we retreated indoors to the warmth of Angela’s kitchen.' She says.

And here again are those threatening skies in Ian's painting.

A different view of the garden from Sally L.

From Sally P. a pastel of a sphere and some pebbles. 'Wished I'd had a dark paper to start with and had more choice of colours but whatever one takes one wishes they'd taken something else!'

Jane said 'I have been pinged by the NHS app so have to self isolate at my sons house in London! So only sketch pad drawing for me this week.'

Harriet was unable to make it to Angela's house, but has finished a painting this week. She said it was not very seasonal, but then neither is the weather! And it is very atmospheric.

I wasn't able to make it to Angela's either, but I have been working on a painting this week, based on the bridge drawing I did a couple of weeks ago, and using water-soluble oils.

Emily has sent a little flavour of what she has some of what she has been doing since moving to Dereham, where she has been very busy with her new class and new puppy!

So now here is a picture of the members gathered at Angela's today, though missing June (who Sally said she was delighted to see in the afternoon, and Diana, who had already gone home. There are also some unfamiliar faces as some of the non-members who go to the Bank for the Wednesday morning group came along. There are also some more inspirational images for you to use, including some from a local nature reserve here, which I went to yesterday.

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8th July 2021

8/7/2021

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Flixton Aviation Museum was only open to us today, and the weather was just right this morning, dry, reasonably warm but not too sunny. They had kindly allowed us the use of the café to make ourselves tea or coffee, so we started there. Seven of us came, though Harriet and I went home just after 1 pm. You will find that a number of us found the heaps of dead engines dredged from their crash sites most absorbing - they are amazingly organic in their decay.
First, I will let you know that Noreen has now had to have her broken hip operated on, so she is back in hospital. Let's hope she makes a swift recovery.

I am starting this week with those who didn't come to Flixton. First, Carolyn, who has sent a beautiful clematis from her garden, and a view of the tennis from her armchair.

Following that example, Diana has been watching the Tour de France, and has sent both finished paintings and some of the TV images, which you might find inspiring yourselves.

Frances couldn't make it either, but said, 'But here are two sketches done in situ. One of orchids at Thelnetham Fen last Friday and the other on the beach at Dunwich yesterday. I collect hagstones and decided to use one as a frame, à la Barbara Hepworth or Henry Moore!!'

This from Sally T., who says, 'Here is my picture for today finished at last. I have been working on this for some time and must stop fiddling.'

Jane is in London for the week, so here are some pages from her sketchbook.

Now the first of the Flixton visitors - Jackie. She said,
'Challenging day! Complicated shapes that really made us concentrate but most of us enjoyed being out of our comfort zone. At 2.30 a torrential downpour confined us to the hangar and by the time we left, still under black skies and heavy rain, the Flixton roads were flooded.
What a relief to get home.' She has sent the Hawker Hunter aloft into the cloudy skies.

Sally L. enjoyed her study of this tail fin, with its ghostly lettering.

Avril was as productive as usual, and you can see here how these mechanical things imposed their character.

Sally P. said, 'In the morning I drew part of a Spitfire and in the afternoon I chose a very complicated part of a German plane, but can't remember what...!
Several of us saw faces in lots of the machinery. So I call this one Fish Face.'

I found a creature, too, peering out from a dark cavity, and then something rather like a dragonfly.

Harriet was very productive too, all this achieved just in the morning. And she has also contributed a photo for inspiration that you will find at the end.

Finally, some images that might inspire you. Harriet's photo first, and then mine.

Next week our hostess will be Angela, at her garden in Occold. Hope to see you there.
There, got through all this without a mention of the football!

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1st July 2021

1/7/2021

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Firstly, Noreen fell last week and broke her hip. As I write she is still in the Rehab unit the hospital put her in, deciding that it would heal on its own, but she has been told that they intend to let her go home tomorrow, to recuperate further. So I am afraid you are stuck with me for a bit longer. And I am sure you all join me in wishing her a speedy recovery!

Six hardy souls went to Felixstowe this week, where it turned out to be grey but eventually warm enough for ice creams. Quite a lot of inspirational photos featuring boats for your consideration, and Diana, who didn't go, has also contributed boat photos from Woodbridge.

First of all, someone who wasn't at Felixstowe, but has used last week's photos most effectively. Carolyn started by drawing in pencil, then photocopied onto cartridge paper before adding Inktense colour. The abstract purple picture has a lot of the idea of landscape in it too, I think, fields and hedgerows, maybe?

Frances didn't go, either, but instead spent time playing with the image of an original sketch from last week. 'Used my YUPO pad and all sorts!' She said.

Ian was one of those who did go, and his painting certainly shows the threat in the sky - and also a bit of blue promise...

Here are Sally P's pictures from this morning, 'A lovely day had by all at Felixstowe today. And an earlier start by me this week! The weather was good and we even had sunshine.
First picture was my morning's work of some rusty old anchors and seaweed.
The second piece, a 40 minute attempt using pen, pencil, watercolour and felt pens.....'
At the end you will find more from Sally in the form of photos for your inspiration.

Above, Jackie's take on the morning's views. She has also provided some photos for those who weren't able to go. She has made her note of the colours in her sketch interesting in itself.

Sally T. said, 'The water colour is unfinished. I lost my way with the boat shapes and will need to be inventive. The pencil sketches were very quick...'

Above are Avril's pictures, full of interest. She says, 'I liked this effort the best it was done using my Berol paper mate and water.
The second is a sketch of an interesting boathouse.
Jackie and did the same boat separately we both liked the poppies against the blue of the boat. Jackie’s was very inventive because she zoomed in on the poppies by blocking then with a rectangle, very clever.'

Lesley's work:
'1. View of supports for hut, mooring blocks, scrubbing posts and old anchors, looking across the Deben to Bawdsey shore. Indian ink using bamboo pen and Chinese brush.
2.Mooring ropes, posts, mud and algae, unfinished. Watercolour, pen, ink and inktense paints.
A very sociable day!'

Here is Harriet's output from this week. She wasn't able to go today. She says, 'Instead I attach a picture of the leaded glass panel that I've been doing for over two years and have now finished - hurray! It's over 3ft high, to give some idea of scale. It's a picture of sunflowers in a vase.
I have also been doing some sketches from photos. From these sketches I'm going to start work on some new paintings - hopefully!

I have also been working from a photo. This one of a footbridge on the Waveney at Bungay from a year or so ago. I have a plan to make it into something abstract - a criss-cross of black with the landscape colours,

Diana went to Woodbridge for a view of boats and harbours. And 'messed about' (her words) in oils watching the first week of the Tour de France.

Here are photos from Sally P and Jackie. They had gathered for a quick coffee at 10.30 and then again for ice creams at 3 - and despite how it looks in the photos, I am assured it was warm enough.

Today's group, minus Jackie who was behind the camera.

Thanks to all contributors.
I am sure some of you will know all about this, but I have just discovered the Royal Academy Saturday Sketch Club, with various video workshops available for different techniques, having missed the live versions. These are all free, but there is a suggestion that one may want to make a donation.
Let's hope the weather remains good for further expeditions.

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29th July 2021

22nd July 2021

15th July 2021

addendum 17th july 2021

8th July 2021

1st July 2021

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