In spite of low temperatures, sleeting rain and a few telephoned cancellations from far flung members who feared serious snow later in the day, seventeen of us assembled to launch our creative New Year together in the familiar surroundings of the English Bridge workshop.
The artist whose work was to provide the focus and stimulus for our day’s painting was Ben Nicholson, known to us particularly for his distinctive still life works with his subtly muted colours, skilfully achieved textures and tightly constructed compositions. For those of us who had enjoyed the November Gallery Trip to Cambridge and our visit to Kettle’s Yard, home to a good selection of his work, the reality of his paintings was still fresh in our mind’s eye.
The rich collection of stimulating artefacts and house plants, assembled by members, provided an exciting range of starting points. After a well researched introduction from our Saturday Workshop leaders, Lynne Morgan and Mick Krupa, we were soon fully absorbed in our paintings, working on through a very enjoyable day.
Welcome to a new Shropshire Art Society Painting Year, 2013 !