BOLDERWOOD SKETCHING IN OCTOBER

A fabulous day for our Adventurous Artists challenge today at Bolderwood in the New Forest.

The changing light, the hiding deer and using different colours for green took some working out.

But everyone produced some great paintings and enjoyed the outdoors.

OPAQUE SATURDAY WORKSHOP WITH GAIL IN OCTOBER

Many thanks to Helen for her account of the workshop.

 

 

These are the photos from the fabulous 'Opaque' workshop with Gail.  It was great, we learnt more about what to leave out of your painting to grab the viewers attention than ever before.  We used GWR Poster design (pop that into your search) and one of our favourite local artists, Evelyn Bartlett, www.evelynbartlett.co.uk for inspiration.

The technique depends on using a different colour for each shape in the painting.    

 

 Do have a go - it is good fun.  You can use Gouache or Acrylics (transparent colours can be mixed with white to make them opaque). Gail did say 'fat over lean' is a good technique for the medium for this style of painting.

A colour copy of your image is obvious, but also having a black and white copy can help to simplify the process of what to put in and what to leave out. This is a more controlled way of producing an art work, so working at A4 scale is fine and you will not need huge brushes.  The effect is shapes of flat colour, not blended or using washes.....what a challenge for everyone.

 

As for materials: water pot, palette, kitchen paper and white support which is either paper or canvas depending on the paints you use.  Gail used gouache, which is a traditional medium used by designers. Acrylic paint will also work well, just adding Titanium white to acrylic pain will make it opaque.  

 

Inktense blocks are mostly opaque, they produce lively coloured pictures, these pigments also work well on coloured papers.  I would not suggest using watercolour as even with the addition of white paint it's unlikely you will be able to layer colours successfully. 

Helen didn't overlay at all. I noticed it was difficult to achieve a lovely flat colour so next time I will try a thinner coat of the colour and once thoroughly dry, lay on a thicker top coat.
Thrilled to bits with my painting and will finish it.
Many thanks to Gail for such an inspirational day.

DANNY BYRNE CARTOONS & CARICATURES IN SEPTEMBER

 

Danny Byrne, using his professional expertise, gave us an introduction to cartooning at our evening meeting in September.

We all enjoyed the step-by-step guidance.

His caricatures are inspired!

A huge thank you to Danny for a fun and informative evening.

PALAIS DES VACHES SKETCHING IN SEPTEMBER

 On Sunday 21st September 2025, six Adventurous Artists enjoyed a sunny afternoon at Palais des Vaches, with stunning views over the Beaulieu River to the Isle of Wight.

The house and outbuildings were a good subject for sketching too.

Later we had a warm welcome to the gallery showing a huge variety of paintings, 3D sculpture, pottery, jewellery and more.

Hot coffee in the beautiful courtyard bought our extra special 2025 Summer Weekend Sketching outings to a close. Many thanks to Helen for masterminding them!

ASHLETT CREEK IN SEPTEMBER

 8 Totton Art Society Adventurous Artists basically got damp today at Ashlett Creek.

Lots of lovely sketches and some atmospheric photos for future pieces!

We rewarded ourselves at the Jolly Sailor pub with drinks and chat.

What a great place for a visit any time of year!