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Thursday 9th July - updated 10th

9/7/2020

Hello all. First let me point you in the direction of our new limited Summer Programme in case you haven't yet seen it. Look under Events or click here.
It’s been a tough day today. Just today of all days I received an email from BT telling me that I’d no longer receive emails without updating settings to their new “improved” email service. "Don’t worry, it’s straightforward…simple!" In fear of losing everything or not receiving your valued artwork, I set about this task. At one point a live chat took over two hours, in the middle of which my adviser admitted she’d been giving me all the wrong instructions and could we start again!!!
Fortunately, I received your emails, so here is what you sent.
10 July: Two further paintings, from Lesley Bu and Harriet have been added at the end.

That's everything I've received so far, not quite as many as usual. If there is any more to come, please email me and I will add them tomorrow. Noreen
PS Friday : Two more added below.

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Thursday 2nd July

2/7/2020

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How time flies when you’re having fun! July already and well into what would have been our Summer Programme, with our exhibition at St Mary’s Diss imminent. When exhibitions are again possible, we should have lots of work to show.

No artwork from Avril this week as she is expecting a family visit, but she looks forward to seeing what everybody else has done. And Cynthia is still working on her oil painting. Sally T wrote that she is sorry not to have any images for us this week but is working on a still life in oils. Hopefully we will be able to see the finished version next week. She says the blog keeps her going as she loves to see what members are up to.

Thanks for all your pictures. Hope I've got everything this time! Have a good week.
Noreen

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OOPS .... black mark

26/6/2020

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Yesterday I omitted to add to the Blog a whole page of pictures. I am so sorry! I don't know how that happened, but I was rather tired at the end of the day and obviously did not check carefully enough before pressing 'Post'.
You will find I have now added the missing page at the beginning. Hope there are no other mistakes.
My apologies, Noreen

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June 25th, 2020

25/6/2020

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Phew …what a hot day! I wonder how many of you got outside for some plein air painting. Let’s see.
Of those whose paintings are not represented here today, I heard from Cynthia.who didn’t walk down to me this week (just as well in view of the heat) but says she is working on a painting which is not finished yet, so look out for it next week.

PS I think my computer has been feeling the heat too. Very sluggish today.
That's all for now. I don't have a theme for next week, so just surprise us!
Noreen

PPS See another picture, right, from Elaine.

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Thursday 18th June

18/6/2020

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First I would refer you to the details below regarding Angela’s send-off on Monday. A number of members have said they will be at the Eye point and at Mellis, so please join them if you can.

Rain today! I thought perfect for getting on with those paintings you meant to finish, or starting a new one, then the sun came out to contradict me. Here are today’s offerings - so far.

Sorry, no artwork from me this week. Hopefully next week. If anyone else has work to send, please do and I'll add it. Noreen
PS Last two added this evening.

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Angela's Funeral

16/6/2020

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Angela’s friend, Caroline Pickering (871 477) would like members to know that Angela will be on her way next Monday, 22nd June, at 9.45 from her house and the hearse will be driving through Eye and Mellis. Her children Amber and Christian, who have been with her ceaselessly, have asked if people would like to give their mum a cheery wave as she goes on her last adventure and wear something bright and colourful (favourite colours pink and green - her coffin will be lime green). They have also asked for confetti and party poppers. She will go by CafeEye by the monument where there will be a group to cheer her on her way. At Mellis people will meet outside the pub at 9.40 and line the road there.

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Thursday 11th June

11/6/2020

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This rain we've been having has been most welcome for the many gardeners among us, even if we have been stuck inside for a bit. Speaking of which, the suggested subject for this week was an “Interior”; we’ve had a couple of submissions on this topic, and I suppose Avril’s might also be termed an “Interior”. But several have taken the opportunity to turn a previous photo into a painting. Sally P, however, did neither and produced an orignal piece of work, following her recent trend. As always, thank you for sending in a great mix of interesting artwork. Enjoy!

As no-one has come up with a topic for next week, I am going to suggest ‘Sunshine” - a broad subject but perhaps that’s just as well. I wish you all a good week with lots of sketching and painting. I look forward to seeing what you get up to - and perhaps something from one or two members that we have not heard from for a while! Noreen

A PS from Diana: I love using the W/soluble oils they are so quick. I work in short bursts, about 20 mins at a time, leave it permanently on the kitchen table and just do a bit when I can see an improvement- cup of tea = a few brush strokes.

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Friday 5th June, Angela Lee

5/6/2020

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We heard yesterday the sad news of the death of our former Chairman and friend Angela. She died on Thursday morning, 4th June. The news came through her good friend Bridget Bloom.
Angela was a long-standing member of the Guild, in which she played a very active part, until her most recent illness. Her artwork was strong, vibrant and cheerful, reflecting her wonderful personality. Some examples can be found on her Gallery page (click here).

We have greatly missed Angela while she has been struggling with the later stages of her cancer. She retained her cheerful optimism through many of the difficulties in her life, including a previous bout of cancer and the loss of her partner. Below are some tributes received from Members:

Sally T says: Angela was always full of fun and enjoyed life . She was very sociable and had a wide circle of friends, whom she visited and who came to stay with her. She loved painting, often using bright vibrant colours. Angela also loved the theatre and ballet. She took a leading role in our Christmas pantomime and was very funny. She was an excellent chair of the committee and managed us unruly lot with a firm guiding hand. Our thoughts are with her two children Amber and Christian.

Maggie-Anne says: Oh how very very sad. A lovely lady so full of creativity energy and colour with a very loving family and many friends. A relief maybe but none the less very sad and too soon. Rest in peace Angela (whose name my computer always tried to spell as Angel !!)

Jackie says: I was very sad to hear the news about Angela. She was an inspiring Chairman and encouraging member of our group and her input helped to make our sessions so successful and productive.

From Sally L: I’ve just read the sad news of Angela’s death. She was so welcoming and encouraging to me when I first joined the guild. Her pictures summed her personality, warm, colourful, vibrant and unmistakable, with her own distinctive style. I will miss her.

Angela, 4th from left, with Guild members in December 2016. Photo supplied by Jackie.

Happy times with Angela, playing the Angel Gabriel in our Christmas pantomime 2017.

From Lesley Bu: I’ve just looked at my mail to sadly see that Angela died yesterday. She was great fun and an inspiring Chairman, with a warm personality and a great sense of humour. I loved the exuberance of her art. She will be missed by all of us in the Guild.

From June: How very sorry to hear Angela Lee has passed away, not unexpected but sad all the same. She was such a warm and funny person, could always see the funny side of things. We have all missed her these last few years.

From Frances: It is so sad. She was the one who introduced me to EAG and apart from that she was a lovely friend.

From Josie: I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Angela. She was always a lively, inspirational and supportive artist, it was a pleasure to know her.
My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. Unfortunately I will be unable to be in Eye on Monday but my thoughts will be.

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Thursday 4th June

4/6/2020

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A quartet of us thought we might get together for a little plein air this morning, but after such long separation chatting took over; moreover it was too cold for us wimps to paint! As Jane has said, “Just when we could start meeting outside …..” However, we do need some rain so hopefully this will come (and go again) soon now. Some of us are still diverted by the garden - it has taken over Angela’s energy, but she will try to work on her crooked hazel and Dave’s portrait when it rains.

Sally L tell us, “Andrew Pitt, who would have been leading one of our Summer Programme sessions outdoors has made two new watercolour videos, they are well worth a watch, so many good solid basic hints about materials, colour mixing, tone and composition, all the things we probably ‘know’ but a timely reminder. Best to go to his website http://www.andrewpitt.co.uk/ and look up videos. They last 40-50 minutes, so make a cup of tea first!”

This week’s subject was “Lockdown” and we have a few pictures on that theme. For next week, the suggestion is “An interior”.

What an interesting mix of sketches and paintings this week. Thank you all for sending them in. That's it for now, and next week (if you want) it's all about interiors - while the weather is not so good.

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Thursday 28th May

28/5/2020

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June, who was a founder member of the Eye Arts Guild in 1982, celebrated her 90th birthday last Sunday. Sally P delivered congratulations from us alll, with birthday cards made by Sally, Jackie and Noreen. On the day itself June’s friends and family called on her through the day, all suitably distanced in the garden; she had numerous phone calls and video calls, and declared it had been a wonderful day. Perhaps we will be able to have an EAG celebration for June when we can all meet together again.
Some of you may already know that John Blake is now the Deputy Mayor of Eye. Splendid news. Congratulations, John.
This week’s suggested subject was “Floating”. Let’s see what people have been up to.

A suggestion for next week's theme is 'Lockdown'. Or do whatever you like! We're pleased to see your work, whatever it is. Without your creativity, we would not have this webpage, so thank you all. Noreen
PS Don't you think Sally P's card for June (the middle one) is great! Click to enlarge images.

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Thursday 21st May, sunny day

21/5/2020

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First, pleasee see the letter from our esteemed Chairman and Committee, an update on our current situation in relation to Covid-19, which is on Stop Press (click here).
We have been praised for our prolificness (is that a word?) during lockdown, so well done all. But please don’t rest on your laurels as we just love to see more artwork from you every week, whether it’s a simple sketch or an ongoing masterpiece. I got a bit twitchy on reading from Hannah (see her comment last week, below) that maybe her good intentions will not be diverted again this week. I am fearing the worst at this point in time!
The subject this week was a PICNIC - very few such offerings so far, but we welcome whatever you decide to do. The topic suggested for next week is FLOATING (ponds/oceans/hot air balloons ….. )

Having just added Harriet's, I think that's probably all, folks. Noreen

PS No, here's a late addition from Richard, who says he has been practising his drawing.

"Just Jane"

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Thursday 14th May, lockdown easing?

14/5/2020

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Hasn’t the weather turned cold, is what I’ve been hearing from a lot of people. But it’s on the way up again I understand, so perhaps there’ll be scope for a live drawing of a picnic next week, which is our suggested subject. Household members only, of course - or use your imagination.

It’s been heartening to see so much interesting artwork again and know that our members are keeping in touch with their muses - and us!

The flow of work has stopped coming in for now, but I'll be pleased to receive any more. Noreen

PS Another picture in, this time from Diana, who says: 'Evening light in my favourite place - and I've got a lot of yellow paint.'

I learn subsequently that this was of the Shropshire hills, from where they stay every year.

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Thursday 7th May, sunny days

7/5/2020

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With all the doom and gloom about, we must be glad for all the sunny days we’ve had, showing off all the delights of spring and enabling us to enjoy our gardens. For some of us it has encouraged an outside tidying up binge, but I am eager to see as usual what you have been up to with your artwork.

The suggested subject for next week is: “Freedom” (as hopefully lockdown will have eased)

Good to see all this work. Any more offerings will be gratefully received. Noreen

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Thursday 30th April

30/4/2020

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I noticed that today is the last week of our Winter Programme. If we’d been at the Bowls Club we would have been viewing our pictures for the Chairman’s Project on The Pleasures of Life. Our ideas of these might have changed quite a bit in recent weeks!
Today’s theme, suggested by Sally P, was My … Window Sill and we’ve had quite a few pictures on that subject, including the one from Sally herself incorporating topical notes. A great collection of work of all kinds this week.
On behalf of all members, thank you to contributors for sharing your thoughts and work and so keeping the Guild going. Next week’s optional subject is Shopping, which I think gives scope for imagination or simple still life.

By the way, Frances tells me the Art Graf is based on the old tailor’s chalk shape and is great fun to use.
That's all for now. Any further contributions will be added later. Noreen

PS FRIDAY See right for contribution of a photo from Richard, who is gradually feeling better, he says.

Seen in Malcolm's Garden

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Thursday 23rd April

23/4/2020

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A big Thank You to everyone for sending in artwork and comments for our weekly update. I’m sure that many appreciate seeing what you have been working on and sharing any thoughts you have about it, even if they don’t have the facility themselves for sending in photos of their work. Occasionally it has been possible to photograph work for others - as Sally P has done this week for Tom. Cynthia was all set for a photo session, but hasn’t actually completed anything this week.
Sally’s suggested subject for next week is: “On my (name of room) Window Sill”. This could be a simple still life or it might include some window frame or view outside. Or, as usual, just do your own thing.
Note: I have just reinstated the text (above), which mysteriously disappeared before publishing the blog. My apologies. N.

Hannah has hardly done any art work this week, but she has emailed: "Too busy with gardening as all the weeds have been shouting at me from the flowerbeds for too long, and the veg seeds needed planting to get going for the summer. I went out looking for the meteor shower very late on Tuesday night, but saw nothing but helicopters that flew so low they set off the parking lights in the church car park opposite! There was also a flock of buzzards in the sky here on Sunday, seven of them, which was amazing. This afternoon I am having a go at the still life I set up two weeks ago, so I hope I will have something for you next week … it’s good to hear how everyone who contributes is doing."

I will add any more contributions that come in. I hope you all have been enjoying the lovely sunshine as well as beavering away at your projects. N.

PS Another excellent one just in, from Sally L. Aren't the colours great!
And from Richard, who hasn't got a painting to show but sends a photo (a recent shot of the moon); he has been a bit off colour the last few days with a stomach upset, but is bearing up.