WORKSHOP PAINTINGS

 SOME PAINTINGS PRODUCED DURING THE ABSTRACT ART WORKSHOP - A MONTAGE

WRKSHOP ON ABSTRACT ART

Report on abstract workshop 

Twenty members attended the workshop on  abstract art run by Betty (Rackham) We first looked at a powerpoint presentation Betty had prepared on the development of abstract art ending with an examination of the different ways of abstraction which  

exist today. She then showed examples of her own paintings which illustrated these before we tried a few exercises to produce simple paintings using shape and colour and line to express our personal feelings about a subject. After the lunch break we developed this approach to produce a final painting.

 Betty is an excellent teacher and this well organised and prepared workshop inspired us to think about and approach our paintings in a different way to our usual style with very satisfying results. Hopefully this will continue in the future.

Anne at work

Betty and Muriel

June and pattern painting



Russell Coates Museum Outing

OUTING TO THE RUSSELL COATES ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM , BOURNEMOUTH

 Helen is trying to arrange this outing for MARCH 17TH . Please let her know if you are interested.

VIDEO EVENING

VIDEO EVENING  

This was an evening devoted to viewing videos chosen by Di to help us with our art.

She put much effort into selecting them and getting permission for us to view them as a group so we are grateful to her for arranging such an entertaining evening.

        The evening started with a video on how to photograph pets to get a picture to help with painting a portrait by Glynis Barnes Mellish. She suggested that the photographer gets down to the same level as the animal and doesn't use flash. The background should be simple and the picture not include people.

         The second video dealt with composition and the "rule of thirds" - usually regarded not as a rule but an aid to composition. The author - Will Kemp - does on-line courses .   

         We then had a series of drawing tips by Phil Davies. Referring to a still life he suggested that the general arrangement is drawn first. As curved lines are more difficult it is best to draw a series of straight lines first then turn them into a curve. Block in the shadows first and then the highlights.

 

          Di then did a live demonstration on scaling up a portrait from a photograph using strips of paper and proportional dividers. The strips of paper were placed on the photograph to form a grid and a proportional one created on the canvas. This was done using the dividers and locking on to features such as the tip of the nose as reference points. It was then easy to transfer the subject in the different segments using good judgement. She referred us to her website www. Old England Fine Art . co.uk for more information.

         After the tea break we had another video by Will Kemp this time on mixing greens to paint trees. He picked up blues and yellows on a wide flat brush and then rolled it across the canvas to produce a tree. Sound simple but needs practice!

         We then had a session on "loosening up" by Peter Keegan. The first point he made was that it is best to stand back from your work and hold the brush by the main part of the handle and not the ferrule. Also a large brush helps a looser style and if it feels too big it is probably just right. Using few brush strokes helps and - even more important - take a break!

          Next followed a tip from Rob Dudley who suggested dividing a large sheet of paper into squares with masking tape to form small "paintings". These could then be used to practice e.g. skies in different colours and moods and produce good reference material.

          We then had 5 top tips for portraiture. These were:-

                (i) nose - this is usually drawn too long so turn the photo reference if using one on it's side to get the feel of the length. Compare the length with the distance to the eyes or chin.

                (ii) eyes - these are usually the same size as the bridge of the nose. They tend to be pushed apart.

                (iii) ear - this is slightly down from the eye line so keep it low.

                 (iv) neck and shoulder - these are lower than you think so check that the neck is not lengthened.

                  (v) jaw - usually made too round so keep it angular. 

This was a fascinating evening so Thank You, Di, for all your hard work.

 

 

 

Next meeting JANUARY 24TH

The next meeting will be on January 24th when we will have a selection of videos to watch will questions and discussions. See website for more details.
There may be one or two places left on the Abstract Workshop on February 3rd with Betty Rackham and Anne will be taking bookings at the meeting.  Again more details on the website.

ADVENTUROUS AT THE ART GALLERY

ADVENTUROUS AT SOUTHAMPTON CITY ART GALLERY

Nine of us gathered  to sketch in the City Art Gallery in January. Helen, Jean and June sketched a sculpture, David sketched the architecture, Muriel sketched items in a display cabinet and Elaine, Pam, Di and Pat found paintings to sketch. We all enjoyed being in the familiar artistic environment. You might like to visit their Four Seasons Exhibition of the work of local artists on display in the Gallery  from 3rd February until 21st April. Afterwards we enjoyed a well-earned break for refreshments in the Sea City Museum.

ADVENTUROUS ARTISTS

The next Totton Art Society Adventurous Artists sketching trip will be at:
the Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre, SO14 7LY on Friday 12th January at 10.15 a.m. There is a multi-storey car park in West Park Road (near the railway station). We will meet in the art gallery.