Painting demonstration to the Society by John Scott Martin PRBSA FRSA

Collage of SAS John Scott Martin painting demo 2013
John Scott Martin PRBSA FRSA painting demo for Shropshire Art Society, May 2013

The first of these ‘demo by a visiting artist’ events, new to the Shropshire Art Society calendar, was held on Friday 10th May at the excellent Trinity Centre. This demonstration was given by the regular contributor the ‘The Artist’ magazine and current President of the RBSA, John Scott Martin. His paintings, in various media, are often of ships and boats, with a particular focus on the light on sky and water. Our recently acquired camera equipment enabled us all to have a close up view of the work in progress. We enjoyed an excellent insight into the working methods of this artist, complemented by tea and homemade cakes in the interval. There was a draw for one of the demonstration paintings by John, and it was won by Shirley Charman, pictured below with the painting.

Image of Shirley Charman and her demonstration painting by John Scott Martin SAS 2013
Shirley Charman and her demonstration painting by John Scott Martin

We are now looking forward to receiving the artist Carole Baker in July. Thanks go to Rob Leckey for organising the event, and to Angela Kidd and Anne Linton for the super photos (above) that captured the occasion perfectly.

Sketch Club starts new season at Hundred House Hotel

Our April outing (the first of the Shropshire Art Society Summer Sketch Club season) to the Hundred House Hotel (www.hundredhouse.co.uk) and Norton village was a successful event. The weather in the morning was overcast, with a blustery, cold wind, brightening up later in the day. There were plenty of interesting views to draw, including old brick & timber buildings, thatched roofs, a quirky flower and herb garden, and inside the Hundred House Hotel, a cornucopia of objects and furniture in several rooms. It was a most enjoyable and productive day out.

Collage of SAS Sketch Club at Hundred House Hotel 2013
Shropshire Art Society April Sketch Club at Hundred House Hotel

Report and photographs with thanks to Alison Williamson. We hope to see you on a sketch day soon!

Shropshire Art Society Bristol and Bath Gallery Weekend

On Friday 15th March, 46 of our members and friends set out on our twelfth Annual Gallery Weekend, this time to Bristol and Bath.

Collage of SAS Gallery Weekend to Bristol and Bath 2013
Bristol and Bath Weekend | Photos with thanks to Dennis Webster and Anne Linton

Showers did not dampen our spirits, and we enjoyed our first day, exploring the National Trust village of Lacock and its magnificent Abbey and ancient inns. The delights of Bristol, with its museums and galleries, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, attractive waterfront, excellent covered market and niche shops, kept us busy through Saturday and Sunday morning. Then on Sunday afternoon, the stunning National Trust owned Tyntesfield House beckoned, with its original contents, including a centrally heated billiard table, largely preserved intact through its occupancy. Finally, Monday allowed us plenty of time for us to savour the attractions of Bath, both architectural and gourmet, before heading for an 8pm return to Shrewsbury. Our very comfortable and welcoming hotel and the good spirits of our party ensured that an excellent weekend was enjoyed by all.

Plans are already being hatched for a return London Gallery Weekend in March 2014. Watch this space!

Figure painting inspired by watercolourist John Lidzey

On Saturday 2nd March, our penultimate Saturday Workshop of 2013 took place at the English Bridge Workshop. This month the artist chosen by the members of the group as the starting point for their day’s painting was the distinguished watercolourist, John Lidzey.

His subject matter includes landscapes, still lifes, flowers and figures, the latter typically seen in a corner of his studio. His loose and free flowing watercolours display a vivid and vital quality. After a helpful introduction from our leaders, Mike and Lynne, members spent the rest of the day painting the figure, working from our excellent model, Sally, who with her viola in hand managed to create and hold some challenging poses.

We took plenty of photos of the works in progress to give you a flavour of the day. We hope you enjoy them.

Collage (1 of 3) output from SAS Saturday Workshop 2013
Collage (2 of 3) output from SAS Saturday Workshop 2013
Collage (3 of 3) output from SAS Saturday Workshop 2013

Our final Saturday Workshop on 30th March will focus on the work of semi abstract landscape pastellist, Norman Blackburn. We realise it’s Easter Saturday but we hope to see as many of the Saturday Group as possible to round off our Workshop season!

Ben Nicholson inspires first Saturday Workshop of 2013

Collage of SAS Saturday Workshop, January 2013
Saturday Workshop, January 2013

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 !