Clive and Grinshill WI

We had a long journey last night to the Wi talk and demo at Clive and Grinshill.The normal room at Clive wasn't being used so we had to travel a couple of miles on to the village hall at Grinshill.

There was a full house of almost 40 members.

We set up early and sat back and listened to the Jerusalem anthem being sung and played on the organ--one of the better versions we have heard on our travels on the WI circuit!!

The members were amazed to see 2 complete oil paintings being produced in such a short time--I had quite a few questions fired at me while I was painting-and I'm always aware of the time--people need to be out of the village hall at a certain time usually so its a fine line between talking and painting! Bill keeps a close eye on the time as well, and hurries me on if need be!

Lots of the members were interested in doing a class in the future and I was asked if we would travel to the Grinshill to do a class----I explained that it would be better if they travelled to Ludlow---

By the time we get the car loaded and drive for over an hour to the location----set up the class with the easels, palettes,paint -- etc------do the class-----pack up --- drive home, unload----clean upwards of 100 brushes--I would have to charge more than I am at the moment. It would add at least 2 hours to what is already a long day ,and I don't think that would be a good thing for Bill or me!

I have kept my prices for the classes down to what they were when I first started up over 4 years ago--just £35 and that includes the canvas, paint, refreshments etc. I have absorbed the price increases of the canvas and paint etc without passing it on to my students.

I'm sure the people that were interested in coming to classes wont mind making the journey-the scenery is beautiful on route!

The raffle prize was won by Janet who chose the Summer Day painting.

Saturday 26th April--change of Class

Next Saturday was supposed to be an encaustic day-unfortunately Bev and Maureen who had booked to do that class cant make it after all. I will re-schedule the class for another date

So I have decided to hold another oil painting class instead.
Forest Pool is also a class subject for July but I have 2 people interested in doing it next Saturday.
If you would like to join them please get in touch via http://www.paintingmyway.co.uk

This painting is suitable for total first time painters as well as more experienced ones.
It is painted onto a black background which makes life much easier!
Its a very atmospheric picture, the light just glows through the background trees and onto the surface of the pond.

Sundorne WI--- Wed 2nd April

After a busy start to the week getting work on a commission nearly finished, we had a trip to the other side of Shrewsbury to Sundorne WI.
The letter sent when booking stated that they met at "The Lantern"
Unusual I commented to Bill-they meet in a pub!
When we followed the directions to The Lantern we found it was not a pub but a community centre!!
It was packed when we arrived, and we set up at the back of the room while their meeting went on.
They turned their chairs around watched my demo -there were a few questions but mainly it was silent!!!.
I finished the first painting in record time-Winter Wonderland was finished in less than 15 mins-and I was stopping to talk as well as painting!
There were many comments when I carried the painting round after I had finished it, -a lot of people said "its the first time Ive seen an oil painting that looks fantastic close up as well as at a distance"
When I started the second painting "Summer Day" it was even quieter-again I finished in record time.
Joan won the 'Winter Wonderland' painting and I donated the 'Summer Day ' painting to the WI to use for raising funds for their chosen charity.
I am conscious that all of the WI and art groups that have booked me to demonstrate all have to pay for the room that they meet in by the hour, so if my demo goes on for too long they have to pay out more money for the room, so I have to keep it as short but imformative as possible.
So my demos range from 60 mins to 120 mins depending on their circumstances!
There are lots of interested ladies in Sundorne WI that will be coming to a class.
I have 3 ladies from Hadnall WI coming again to class tomorrow.
This will be their 3rd time.
I also have one of the WI members neighbours booked for a class at their home for 6 people! Its all go at the moment!

Wellsbourne Art Society

I have been invited back to Wellsbourne Arts Society to give another demonstration in June.
We were there in November, and obviously everyone enjoyed themselves as Ive been invited back!
Ive booked us into a lovely hotel for a couple of nights-we have to grab a few days break while we can now the -----weekends are being taken up with the classes.

The craft fairs have started up again,first one is tomorrow on Ludlow's Castle Square.Im looking forward to it, the weather is supposed to be quite reasonable, so fingers crossed for a busy day!

People are going to be able to see what goes on in classes on our new 10 in Digital photo frame, that will be on our stall.There will also be a slide show of the paintings that I cant take to the fair.
It will prove to be an invalueable tool I think.

Some More Pics For Jan!!!

The latest sky pics were all taken traveling to and from Wellsbourne last week.Every picture was taken out of the car window as we were going along.When I got home and loaded the camera onto the computer I found that I had taken 222 pictures in just over a day,mainly of trees and skies!!!

They are all good for practising techniques, and Jan was going to have a go at skies before the next class, Ive certainly given some food for thought again!!!

Apothecary's Guest House

I have got to recommend staying at the guest house we were at in Wellesbourne.Its called Apothecaary's -The Old Dispensary, Straford Road , Wellesbourne, Warick CV 35 9 RN tel 01789 470060
It was the best nights sleep we have had in a long time! The bed was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in!!!
The room was spotless and comfortable, and Jenny our hostess couldnt have been nicer.
After we had unpacked in the aftenoon, she directed to a great pub that did meals just up the road from there-The Kings Arms--another old place which seeped history.We had a beautiful meal of gammon,pineapple, egg,peas and chips there! I know the diets gone out of the window again!!!
After that we went and did the demo at the fire station for the art society.Then back to the guest house to relax.
The next morning we went down to the beautiful oak beamed dining room,with wood burner, to find some fresh orange juice and chunks of fresh pineapple awaiting us. After that came the full english-all freshly cooked and sourced localy. It was absolutley beautiful.
we will definatly be stopping there again, most relaxing and homely.