August 04th, 2022

All I know about the location today is that it has a green(!), a watermill and a pub called the Old Mill House.  Perhaps I will learn more as I receive your blog entries. 

First work in (unrelated to Saxstead Green) is from Carolyn, who has painted a very good, impressionistic version of her clematis.  The other two pieces are done with watercolour pencils:  some heleniums and a bowl of strawberries.

Frances has sent us a selection of interesting little sketches from Brittany, “the first”, she says, “sitting on a rock … felt it when I got up!!!”  (Hope you don’t have to sit on too many hard rocks, Frances.)

Lesley is out sailing with friends.  She has no work to send this time but instead sends us photos of great landscapes and cloudscapes, suggesting these might be good to use as subjects this winter.  They are at (1) Kyles of Bute, and (2) Isle of Arran.  “Chilly and now raining” she says, but obviously fantastic views.

Hannah has sent us a message about an exhibition in St Edmundbury Cathedral.  Go to Messages from Members or click here.
She also sent us a photo of the abstract oil she is working on - “a way to go yet”, she says.

The first reports from our location painting have come in.  We hear from Sally P that it has been a hot day, not ideal for painting  plein air.  Sally goes on to say, "6 of us turned up but we didn't start work until nearly 12.00 noon. We then stopped at 1.30 as the pub was closing for food at 2.00! We did have a lovely social time.

​"It was a difficult subject and most of us have to finish off at home ..... if we do!
My picture (3rd photo) had more paint taken off than put on. I'm quite pleased with how it is taking shape finally."

From Ian we have what he describes as an underpainting, requiring a lot more work. (But it seems like a very good start. N)  Like others, he said, "The heat stopped us."  He has also sent a photo showing the pub and - another painter,  Sally?.

First with a painting of the windmill is Harriet, and side by side a photo of the mill itself.  She says, "My painting of the windmill at Saxstead is unfinished. It became very hot when painting and I was quite glad to stop."  Well done for withstanding the heat for so long!

Jackie too speaks of the heat and difficulty of the subject.  She says, "Very complicated subject and our paintings not helped by having to stand in the relentless sunshine. Would be excellent subject in evening light.  Glad we had the pub to refresh ourselves."  Of course, there's no shade on the green!
Jackie also reminds us that next week's meeting is at Hoxne Mill.

That's all I've received.  Sorry I didn't manage any artwork myself this week and wasn't able to go to Saxstead Green.  Probably just as well in view of the difficult conditions.  
I'll just remind you to send your work to Hannah next week and that the meeting is at Hoxne Mill.  
​Meanwhile, happy painting!   Cheers, Noreen