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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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...

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...

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! 

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.

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.

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!!'

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

There are now pictures of our latest exhibition on the Exhibitions page (under the Events menu), I think you will agree it looks like a fine display, and is on until the end of July.

And the second from Diana, 'No inspiration at the moment so here are some more old ones .One of Eye from behind the fire station and the other two were  In Rachel’s garden I think. I  don’t use pastel much because it makes me cough but it does get good results with the ink.'

When I arrived at Redgrave and Lopham Fen this morning, there was no one else in sight, so I had a leisurely cup of coffee looking out at the wide horizon and took this panoramic photo.

Shortly I was joined by Sally P and Jackie, and we went walkabout.  Jackie did keep trying to get us to stop and sketch, but we took lots of photos and then had the great adventure of actually seeing the Fen Raft Spider, which Jackie and I had never seen on previous visits, and which thrilled two visitors with immensely long camera lenses, who had thought they were going to be unlucky.  You will have to wait until the end of the blog...

Avril worked on a number of botanical sketches throughout the day, and produced some lovely images from very detailed observation.

Noreen and Carolyn were unable to join us today, but that didn't stop them from contributing work that was most appropriate to what we saw.

Angela and Sandra were using a technique they have been learning about on the Newlyn School of Art 'Abstracting the Landscape' course, making strong sketches to crop and use to make abstract paintings.

Frances was away this week, in Northumberland near Hadrian's Wall.  She says 'Here are some of my sketches. My little travelling watercolour box has limited colours . I think a palette knife version is calling me for Steel Rigg. Such wonderful countryside, walking and electric biking!'

Jackie chose her fellow artists as her subject - can you guess from these backs who they were?  And also sent a study of cows, of which she said, '... still to be finished but am at the scary stage. Could go so very wrong!'  I like to think they are jostling to be centre stage.

Harriet said. 'I found drawing/ painting the grasses very hard - which is in front of which?' and thinks she might add something on top of the painted version of the iris.

And here is that spider, at last, along with three other images for you to use. And a photo of some of us enjoying the day1  There were about 10 who came, and most stayed for most of the day.

Don't forget to go and see our current exhibition at The Bank, open Wednesday to Saturday 10.30 to 3.30.  It will be on until the end of July, and I hope to have pictures on the Exhibitions page under the Events menu shortly.
Just a little reminder that submissions should be sent to whoever is doing the Blog by 6pm on Thursday, if at all possible, so as not to delay its publication.

18th June - A quick addition from Harriet, who has worked on the alliums from Carolyn's garden, the river Waveney at Beccles last week and a sketch of a willow in Jane's garden yesterday.

Sally T was one of those who did make it to Mellis, not that she had to travel far!!  She asked me to remind those who are submitting to the exhibition that the fees for hanging (£1 per picture) must be handed in on Monday in an envelope with your name on, when bringing in your work. 
Here are her sketches - both of Mellis Common, one is the view across the common and the other is the view from her gate.

From Lesley, 'As it rained all morning, I didn’t get over to Mellis until after lunch. I had intended painting the common, and the wildflowers were as beautiful as ever. However it was still very overcast (see photos) and there was no one there, so I went to Jane’s. At first I thought I was the sole visitor but John was busy doing a pastel painting.
I spent rather a long time talking to Jane, so only produced this ink sketch of ox-eye daisies in her garden, before getting down to the serious business of tea. By then another four members had arrived!' Apart from this lovely, delicate sketch, here are more daisies for anyone who wants to use them as subject matter.

More daisies now from Frances: A small box canvas painted some years ago based on Mellis, a self-evident sketch and the resulting small box canvas...she says she may do a little more to it.

Diana found a photo of Mellis for inspiration from a couple of years ago that she started with using acrylic this morning at home and will finish it with oil .The sketch is from 2011 using watercolour pencils.

Now a big thanks to those who didn't make it to Mellis, but have still shared work produced this week.  First Carolyn, who made a fine sketch from last week's swans at Beccles, and then shared a lovely picture of her water lilies, which had not yet flowered when we visited recently.  The flowers are wonderfully delicate, and I particularly like the treatment of light on the water.

Sally L said, 'Sorry I didn’t get to Mellis today, I spent a couple of hours on Pakefield beach, which has beautiful mounds of pale yellow Lupins in flower amongst the Marram grass, so in spite of the dull day it looked really pretty.'

So I was right. Lesley had emailed from Sally L's garden on the day, and no sign of the email!  Fortunately she persevered on Saturday, and now I am post visitor, here are her sketches.  The first is in water soluble pen. Next one using double ended watercolour pens.

And here are Harriet's...

I am envious! It sounds as though a great time was had by all today at Beccles, and the weather still continues to improve.  I was stuck at home moving furniture in readiness for the carpet-fitters, and then putting it back again once done.  We did achieve a lot, not least the moving of some wardrobes using a contraption of straps - I was very skeptical...

Here are just some of those who gathered, shown at the beginning and end of the day, with views of some of the subject matter on offer.  Sally P said, 'A lovely day spent by the river. It started with a coffee and chat and then we all spread out.
Not quite as warm as predicted but pleasant. May be even a bit on the cool side if sitting in the shade! Then at three, some of us gathered again in Sally's garden for some delicious tea and homemade cakes and biscuits.
Twelve of us turned up for the day. Some just for the morning.' And here are Sally's finished sketches - the first in pencil, and the second a half hour pen and ink study.

Sally T found it frustrating that 'Every time I started to draw a boat it moved off. So a few quick sketches. I have included a charcoal drawing from yesterday of a neighbour's barn doors for good measure.'

From Avril a trio of pictures - 'Had a wonderful day at Beccles today.  The first attempt looms a bit like a page of a children’s picture book.  Not so good...
The second one was a close up in pencil, Harriet helped me with the positioning of the cabin - I liked the curtains.
The third was done in Sally’s beautiful garden, a frog ornament against a wall with creepers.'

Frances was similarly busy.  First is a small sketch of the Waveney and second larger version of same view using watercolour and charcoal. Third an exercise in geometry with some charcoal and thirdly colours in Sally’s garden.  She says, 'Lovely day and thank you to Sally for a tasty tea!'

I have held off until Friday lunchtime to publish because I thought something must be amiss with my email as I have received relatively few submissions this week.
Don't forget that you don't have to have gone to the 'plein air' session to participate.  Everyone will be very pleased to see what you have been doing.  Having said that, nothing from me this week - too much furniture moving!

See stop Press for details of trip to Beccles 10 June 2021.

This week we were at Carolyn's lovely garden, in definitely summer weather. Most of the day had sunshine, giving us nice contrasts of light and keeping us rather warmer than of late.  I counted 10 plus Carolyn, though some went earlier than others.  Thanks to Carolyn for the tea and coffee making, which was much appreciated, and to her and Roy for the glorious garden.  Before we came, Carolyn had sent me two drawings she had already done this week (the first of another dog from the same family as last week's - Finwe the springer spaniel, the second some of the tools that helped to create and tend the garden), and some photos of the garden for the benefit of those who might not be able to come.

Diana didn't stay long. She said it was good to see everyone, but also took her work home and did more to it.  The order is:
1. Beginning   2.Adding felt tips at home,then splashing on water.  3.Bottom half,better than whole thing.

Avril produced these three interesting plant studies.

Like many of us today, Lesley felt she had given more time than she should to catching up, and had therefore done less than she expected.  She said,'The drawing of alliums I kept simple as I will probably have it made into a thermofX screen so I can use it for printing backgrounds. The second of Carolyn’s woodland glade was to keep in the shade and experiment with drawing light and shade using a 0.1mm waterproof pen. I gave up........ So I went to the nursery in Weybread, then planted out my purchases.'  Then there are two atmospheric photos for anyone who might like to use them.

Harriet has sent in not only this week's unfinished sketch (which she is going to work further on at home), but also two others.
1. From last week - Abbey Farm, Hoxne
2. This week at Carolyn's - Alliums - not finished, I hope to work on it further this week
3. Aquilegia - I'm intending to do some more on this as well

Sally P. said, 'Two rather feeble attempts from yesterday. Started the Alliums but got too hot in the sun and then went into the shade in the afternoon to attempt the trees. Rather a lot of artistic license as I ran out of space! They say you learn by your mistakes and I certainly did! It was so nice to see everyone and listen to the background chatter.'

Chatter certainly was a feature yesterday as we caught up with one another - it was very convivial!  You can see above, Noreen and Carolyn chatting in the shade, and others at work in different parts of the garden, along with some other garden views.
I won't bother you with my first effort, as it was rubbish, but here is my second, and the beginnings of a painting in progress at home, based on the magnificent poppies in the garden.

Could I use this space to remind anyone who said they wanted to participate in the exhibition at The Bank that you have until Sunday to return your form to Lesley, whether electronically or by post.
Finally, we do still want to hear from you, even if you haven't been able to come to one of the venues on a Thursday, or done work that was based on any of the photos taken there.  Please continue to contribute!

Just realised, I should have said that it is Hannah this week, though I am sure you guessed from the style and the lateness(!), so send your entries to me during June.

Sally T (re second picture above) says:  I need to do a bit more to today's picture.  Beautiful building but complicated to draw.

Images from Harriet: her  offerings are:  one from last week, another from earlier this week and two from today. She says,  "One of those is not finished, it is a picture of a wisteria, which was a very beautiful blue and white one, I spent quite a long time drawing it and then decided to mask it and put a wash over it, the masking fluid has pulled off some of the drawing, especially the colour. I think it looks interesting enough for the blog but I do intend to do some more work on it."  Apologies for the rather unclear reproduction - N.

Have a very good week, with fingers crossed for some warm days and more sunshine.  Noreen

​​Sally is still working on her picture;  the morning started with a committee meeting then she did far more talking than artwork, she says.  (Now there’s a surprise!)

Well, we do have some hardy souls in the EAG, even to venture forth and stick it out for a while.  And talented too, to produce such good artwork in very cold, dull and miserable conditions.
It's 7pm now and I think that's all for today. The meeting is in Hoxne next week at Abbey Hall Farm, with its Tudor house and gardens.  See the instructions about parking and please note that the loos are going to be at Jackie's, not at Abbey Hall Farm.
The following week, Carolyn will be providing the makings for tea and coffee and providing the loo at her venue.
​Noreen

ZOOM yesterday - I was sorry to miss the meeting.  Hannah says, "There was quite lively discussion about the things we buy with good intentions but never use, and Josie showed us the wonders of her pop-up stool, rather like the Japanese water containers for plein air that concertina!  Hopefully we will see it in action on one of the summer outings."  And Sally P I showed her failed attempts at making  cards with her all singing  and dancing new printer. Like Hannah, she is persevering.

"​The lovely thing about collage is that you can cheat. It's  a lesson for painting and drawing I think that you don’t have to be too careful, which suits my impatience.”

Sally P has not been able to send us any artwork this week, but she has provided three photos to inspire any of those people not going to the old Coach House at Brockdish for an outdoor session next week:
1. Poorly Chick  2. Birthday Bouquet  3. Fred the Tread 

Sally also has a letter for us.  Please go to Messages to read it.  Click here.

That's all for now.  I hope to hear from you again next week, whether from the outing to Brockdish or from your working at home.  Noreen.

NOTICE:  We had a discussion on Zoom this morning about using the blog during the Summer Programme.  Firstly, do please keep sending us your pictures every Thursday.   If you can get to the venue, we would very much appreciate it if you would each photograph your own work and send it to whoever is doing the blog, rather than have one person photographing everybody's at the end.  If you are not at the venue, please just send us any work you recently completed.  For inspiration for those not out with the group, a photograph of the location will be posted on the blog for you to work on - if you so wish - for the following week.

She adds that this was, "because when I was about  10 yrs old I started reading the Malcolm Saville Books about the area around Stiperstones - Mystery at Witchend etc which made a lasting impression;  then 20 years ago we rediscovered it."

Avril has contributed the photos for inspiration next week.  The first is Richard's tools for electrics, with some tricky reflections.  The others speak for themselves I think.

PS 1  Some notes from Hannah which I forgot to put on yesterday - Sorry!:  First a reminder that today (30th April) is the deadline for expressing an interest in the exhibition at the Bank in June, so do let Sally P know asap.  
Also note there is a message about Creative Stitch Course open days, from Avril.  Look under MORE, then Messages from Members.
​After the conversation at yesterday's Zoom meeting, Hannah has converted the Word files to PDF.