TOTTON ART SOCIETY BLOG

The blog contains society news and activities. You are welcome to comment on the pages. Find out more at: tottonartsociety.org and Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/134056857189218/

Monday, September 30, 2024

HELEN TALBOT'S DEMONSTRATION IN SEPTEMBER



Helen Talbot's demonstration in September was informative and inspiring using different mediums to create moonlight. Helen had also brought many examples of her work.

 Helen said that it is important to control the tonal values in any medium. 

Using a dark paper enabled her to create a moonlit scene using white pastel pencil. Controlling the strength of the strokes and the spacing of the cross-hatching is important.




Watercolour on white paper required a different technique. 



The strengths of the washes had to be controlled and the white paper used for the lightest area - the  moon.


Helen also demonstrated how to use conte crayons with a sharpened rubber to lift out the light areas.


Another watercolour of a deer on white paper began with pencil lines. 


Transparent washes of colour were applied in layers. 


A dark wash created very subtle contrasts with the moon a pale glimmer of white.


Helen convinced us that creating a moonlit scene can be done simply with the minimum of equipment using her methods.










A VIEW FROM A WINDOW USING PRIMARY COLOURS


 Betty Rackham's VIEW FROM A WINDOW workshop focused on the use of primary colours.

We could use any medium but Betty suggested that we use a bright red, bright blue and bright yellow all with the same opacity.


The topic was inspired by the 'Fauves' ('Wild Beasts') French artists who expressed emotion through the use of primary colours and often used the looking through a window device in their paintings.





  







Everyone taking part rose to Betty's unusual challenge!








Saturday, September 28, 2024

SKETCHING AT SADDLERS MILL ROMSEY

 A real treat for ten Totton Art Society Adventurous Artists this afternoon at Romsey by the river Test leading to Saddlers Mill.

 





Di did a sketch from one of Helen's photos while she is recuperating at home.


Sunshine, water, old buildings and just a tinge of autumn in the surrounding trees and foliage - what more could an artist need?









After we shared our work and had refreshments at 'The Cromwell Arms' - a delightful end to yet another wonderful sketching afternoon organised by Helen.


Thursday, September 26, 2024

ART AFTERNOON WORKSHOP IN SEPTEMBER

 There were six T.A.S. members at our afternoon workshop at Calmore Community Centre in September.







Those two hours relaxing and painting or drawing with fellow artists are always a welcome break from the pressures of everyday life.