Monday 26th March 2018 at Little Hereford Village Hall

A really hectic, and fun meeting.  Only eight of us but sometimes it was hard to get a word in, perhaps because it seemed a long time since we had last met but also because we had homework to look at, daily sketchbook entries to see, picture frames and books to buy, a decision about a possible future meeting to make and information concerning a future exhibition board at Burford House Gardens to take in, phew!

Homework.  You will remember the subject was "Night" and here are the various takes on the title.  Some members managed to do more than one version; excellent stuff.  

These are Larry's, the first is "Night" in Venice and the second is December's homework "Memories" and is Larry's grandson on his first fishing trip with his first catch, both in watercolour.  Great pictures.

These are Angie's; the trees are torn from newsprint with white paint on black paper and the second is pastel (a medium I haven't seen Angie use before) on black paper from an unusual viewpoint.  Well done Angie.

This is great fun and is Bridget's ghosts and ghouls.  I don't know what Bridget is on but it made a super picture, perhaps we should all try it?

Ruth may be on Horlicks, or something stronger but I can imagine these slippers still warm from her feet as she snuggles down beneath the duvet!

These two prints are by Lesley Connolly, hares are always a favourite but I just love that fox's stance and his wicked face.  Great to see prints on the blog.

Eva says she took the inspiration for this watercolour

 from a Christmas card but changed it considerably.  Whatever she did, it really works well.

Although John wasn't able to make it to the meeting he sent me these two very moody paintings depicting "Night", both in oil. Scary!

These are my efforts, some remnants of snow were still lying where there was no traffic but rain was washing it away when we visited the OK Diner.  I took a photo from across the car park and then one as we left via the petrol filling station.  The diner is in watercolour on normal watercolour paper and the filling station in gouache on black paper.

Sketchbook project.  Many of us had managed to complete something everyday in a sketchbook.  There were too many to photograph but all were different, all interesting. Many of us felt the benefit of the daily routine and hope to keep it up if at all possible.  I think the main thing is not to get too hung up about it.  If you have to miss a day or two, that does not really matter but it would matter if you thought that it was no longer worth persevering with it.    If you want to have a look through the books again you must come along to more meetings!

Hand made sketchbooks.  As a follow on from the sketchbook project Lesley Connolly had brought along a selection of hand made sketchbooks with the idea of members making their own book.  There were one or two positive responses but maybe it is a project for when it is bad weather?  Whatever the feeling about it Lesley and I will be making more of them and perhaps some of you will want to try your hand?  A single A4 sheet of any paper (copy paper will do), preferably not too thick is all that is needed for the most basic handmade sketchbook and who cannot find one of those?  Bring something with you next time and we will show you how it is done.  Thank you for bringing the books and your inspiration Lesley.

Picture frames and art books.  Lesley Connolly brought along some lovely new picture frames from a framer who is giving up her business.  They were tremendous value and several took advantage of this one off offer.  Eva brought along some art books that had been donated to raise money for the church.  I only saw the last few but I understand several were purchased.  Thank you Lesley and Eva.

Summer promotion of LHAG.  Some time during the summer Lesley Connolly is exhibiting her work at the cafe in Burford House Gardens and she is generously allocating a wall for LHAG members to display their work.  It would be good to hang a selection of members work to show what we do and to encourage new members to join the group.   

At a date to be advised work should be made available and be nicely framed and ready for hanging.  Details of the works title, medium and price, (if it is for sale), will be required prior to the event.  It is not a large space but it would be nice to have a selection of different members work on show.    

So, have a look through your finished work, or get painting, and decide whether you want to exhibit.  More than one piece may be submitted but only one may be hung depending on the size of the work and the space available.  Lesley and I will do the hanging.

Homework for April.  This months subject is "something from the insect world".  A sketch or composition from life or photograph; or from your imagination; or a mixture of both.  Have fun - any medium, any size. 

As we are now meeting every other week bring along your finished homework to the last meeting in the month which is  23rd April.

NB  I had originally said that I would provide the refreshments for the last meeting of the month but I was over ruled on Monday so please bring along your own refreshments to every meeting.