Workshop with Dianne Sutherland

Dianne demonstrated how she prepares a study/sketchbook page to familiarise herself with a subject that she intends to paint. She uses an A3 sheet of hot pressed paper and makes detailed measurements of the flower or plant with the aid of a clear ruler. Drawings follow then colour matching making sure to record her paint mixes, followed by painting a flower or leaf in detail. Further detailed graphite or colour images of individual parts of the subject are also made. A study page may take months to complete as she may wish to illustrate different stages in the life of the plant material eg. bud, flower and hip in the case of a rose. We also saw some beautiful work in graphite and on vellum. An enjoyable and informative day.

We were pleased to welcome visitors who had come having seen our stand at the NEC at the beginning of the month.

The workshop ‘Graphite and Coloured Pencils’  by Sue  Vize on 16th October was very informative. Sue talked us through her vast collection of pencils explaining how she used the different makes and their qualities in her work. Sue brought some interesting seed heads and berries for us to draw and came around giving help and advice.

Members of the Society will be at three events in the near future. We will be at the ‘Big Draw ‘ at Stirchley Baths on Sunday 23rd October from 1.0pm demonstrating and helping members of the public to have a go. One week later we will be at a ‘Big Draw’ event at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens on Saturday 29th October fro 12.30. Come and join us and have a go.

The Society has a stand at ‘Art Materials Live’ at the NEC from 3rd to 6th November. We will have member’s work on display and there will be demonstrations in progress on each day. Come and chat to us.

It is with regret that the monthly meeting for October is cancelled.

There will be no meeting on 16th October 2016 as there will be no access to Stirchley Baths due to the Birmingham Great Run.  The Sue Vize Workshop on that date will now be held at Centre of England Arts, Hampton in Arden. Those members with a place on the workshop will be informed of all arrangements by email.

Sunday 23rd October the society is organising a ‘Big Draw’ event – ‘Science Meets Art in the Garden’. 13.30 to 16.00.

This is a free event everyone is welcome to have a go at drawing the plant material provided

See web site for further information – www.thebigdraw.org

Also second event Saturday 29th October – Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, 13.30 to 15.30

Painting with Gouache was the workshop led by Jeni Neale on 21st August 2016 and the subject – ‘Glorious Garlic’. This was a well attended meeting. Lovely images were produced despite painting using gouache and onto coloured mount board being new to many of the members. There are images on our Facebook page.

This autumn the society will participate in two ‘Big Draw’ events and have a stand at Art Materials Live at the NEC in November, further information to follow.