Thursday 2nd March with Maggie-Anne

The daily news is still dire, whichever way you turn. Thank goodness for our ability to turn to art for a healthy distraction, whether we observe and enjoy it or immerse ourselves in the practice of it. 
Maggie-Anne posed as our model today and supplied the still life objects.

Here first are some pictures from members who were not present today.  On the left a watercolour from June, a still life done at the Bank yesterday. It's a glorious mix of oranges and yellows against the deep blues and greens of the background scarf. On the right, Carolyn has done a convincing self-portrait in pencil. Is it her swan song? She talks about not renewing her membership as she does not participate actively; but she certainly participates actively in the blog, which I’m sure we all very much appreciate. Perhaps we could keep her on as an honorary participant?

Eileen was present but working on her own projects, the first being one we have seen unfinished before and now finished. The second is work in progress.

Irene has also now finished an earlier work.

Here are some contributions from the still life.  Jane has perfectly illustrated the small collection of jug and cups.

This is Lesley's interpretation 
of the Hazel catkins and jug, in watercolour, a difficult subject.

Frances says, As I was leaving this morning saw my black sketchbook and so picked my oil pastels and gave them a quick go! (With some ink too.) Second is a longer attempt with a watercolour wash first then various inks to give structure.

Harriet says, Here is my image for today - showing two sketches - I found the catkins beautiful but challenging.

Diana says:  National book day so Maggie -Anne gave us a really interesting set up. Still not finished.
She points out the amazing marbling on the books and includes a photo of "a bookshop in Portugal from surfing son".

Here now are a few portraits of Maggie-Anne. 

Four from Avril, who says she tried pastels today and got into a bit of a mess. (I don't see a mess - Noreen)

Two from Sally T, who says she enjoyed doing them but feels the first is the better one.

Three from John. 

And one each from Elizabeth and Frieda.

Jackie says, Arrived late today. Tried hasty sketch of Maggie without success so, after coffee, managed this arrangement of drooping catkins and pretty flowers. Just had fun today.

Last but not least from Sally L. She says, I’m afraid those books defeated me this week.
So I’ve included a sketch of the Swan Hotel in Harleston. Jackie and I joined East Suffolk Plein Air painters for a freezing cold session last Sunday morning. It certainly kept us on our toes, - once we could feel them again!

Thanks to you all for your contributions today.  Next week is  a workshop, led by Lesley and Avril so there will be no model or still life. For full details of the workshop, go to Stop Press.
It is Hannah's turn to do the blog, so please remember to send your pictures to her.  
​Best wishes for the forthcoming week, Noreen.