Past Meetings
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11 January 2023 - Debra Snow - Oil in Contemporary Landscape
Debra described her work as contemporary oil painting; she aims to reflect the feelings, atmosphere & emotions she experienced when she first saw the scene. She described her work as drawing with colour, dabbing to build up the image & working into wet oil as she likes to watch the texture change. Debra prefers to work outside rather than from photographs & it usually takes her about two hours to complete a painting in this setting. Debra’s demonstration was a painting of the River Esk. Her preparation included an in-depth knowledge of the scene, the use of a tonal drawing & a watercolour study for reference. In her demonstration she took us from the start to the finished picture. |
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9 November 2022 - Paul Blackwell - Still Life ... Then & Now
Thanks to Paul for standing in & presenting a fascinating talk on the history & development of Still Life, which goes back to the 17th century. Prior to this date Still Life was drawn as part of a study rather than being the focus of the work. Paul used examples of artists' work throughout the ages, explaining different approaches & how artists influenced each other. He also spoke about the impact of photography which enabled artists to see topics differently & in ways they previously couldn't have imagined.
Thanks to Paul for standing in & presenting a fascinating talk on the history & development of Still Life, which goes back to the 17th century. Prior to this date Still Life was drawn as part of a study rather than being the focus of the work. Paul used examples of artists' work throughout the ages, explaining different approaches & how artists influenced each other. He also spoke about the impact of photography which enabled artists to see topics differently & in ways they previously couldn't have imagined.
12 October 2022 - Vicky Millson - The Magic of Paper
Vicky Millson was, and still is an academic, art did not feature in her early years. Then life got in the way and she ended up doing a degree in art. She claims to have a, “grasshopper brain,” and has successfully hopped from law to - “The Magic of Paper Art.”
The work for her degree includes a five foot square, (I think,) labyrinth, of which her tutor said, “It’s bonkers,” and that only she would attempt it. She found this encouraging! Her labyrinth is mathematically accurate and balances through the central axis involving algebra and geometry.
Vicky likes her work to be accurate and relevant to the subject. Her portrayal of the Bronte’s parsonage and her Whitby Bookshop are to scale and the latter even has a tiny spiral staircase inside. The portrayal of her favourite book, The Secret Garden, depicts themes and features from within it.
The other point about the labyrinth is that it is meditative art. Walking a labyrinth can have physical benefits and contemplative art can have psychological benefit. It’s calming.
Vicky just loves paper and weaves her magic by folding and manipulating it into fantastic shapes, recycling books with the right spine and at least three hundred pages into Christmas trees, angels, candles or vases, examples of which she brought in for us to view. Most of which does not include glue.
Glue, however, is necessary in her flower work, for example the wreath she brought in. During the second half of the demonstration she showed us how to make a flower but as this followed the audience’s attempt to make a cube with coloured paper squares, kindly brought in by Vicky, this mostly served to demonstrate that we need more practice with fractals and sonobe and to take up Vicky’s suggestion to look at the work of Agnes Martin.
Vicky Millson was, and still is an academic, art did not feature in her early years. Then life got in the way and she ended up doing a degree in art. She claims to have a, “grasshopper brain,” and has successfully hopped from law to - “The Magic of Paper Art.”
The work for her degree includes a five foot square, (I think,) labyrinth, of which her tutor said, “It’s bonkers,” and that only she would attempt it. She found this encouraging! Her labyrinth is mathematically accurate and balances through the central axis involving algebra and geometry.
Vicky likes her work to be accurate and relevant to the subject. Her portrayal of the Bronte’s parsonage and her Whitby Bookshop are to scale and the latter even has a tiny spiral staircase inside. The portrayal of her favourite book, The Secret Garden, depicts themes and features from within it.
The other point about the labyrinth is that it is meditative art. Walking a labyrinth can have physical benefits and contemplative art can have psychological benefit. It’s calming.
Vicky just loves paper and weaves her magic by folding and manipulating it into fantastic shapes, recycling books with the right spine and at least three hundred pages into Christmas trees, angels, candles or vases, examples of which she brought in for us to view. Most of which does not include glue.
Glue, however, is necessary in her flower work, for example the wreath she brought in. During the second half of the demonstration she showed us how to make a flower but as this followed the audience’s attempt to make a cube with coloured paper squares, kindly brought in by Vicky, this mostly served to demonstrate that we need more practice with fractals and sonobe and to take up Vicky’s suggestion to look at the work of Agnes Martin.
14 September 2022 - Paul Talbot-Greaves - Watercolour Painting
10 August 2022 - Katie Ventress - Artist Blacksmith
Katie started her blacksmith training in Egton before she went on to gain formal training in Art and Design. She displayed some examples of her work and showed a video of her working in her forge at Hinderwell. Katie explained how she developed her ideas from initial sketches to the final pieces and we were able see her working on them in the video.
She is currently experimenting with different metals and has worked jointly with a stained glass artist to create an amazing peacock which was displayed at the Great Yorkshire Show. The majority of her work is commissioned and the designs are developed in conjunction with her customer creating truly bespoke works of art.
Katie started her blacksmith training in Egton before she went on to gain formal training in Art and Design. She displayed some examples of her work and showed a video of her working in her forge at Hinderwell. Katie explained how she developed her ideas from initial sketches to the final pieces and we were able see her working on them in the video.
She is currently experimenting with different metals and has worked jointly with a stained glass artist to create an amazing peacock which was displayed at the Great Yorkshire Show. The majority of her work is commissioned and the designs are developed in conjunction with her customer creating truly bespoke works of art.
13 July 2022 - Helen Birmingham - Untangled Threads & the Practice of Mindfulness in Stitching
Helen is a mixed media textile artist & she delivered her presentation with an enthusiasm that reflected her personality and her passion for her work. She explained that in creative stitching it was essential to have full awareness & a focus on what you were doing. In this sense engaging in creativity is in essence a mindful activity. Helen demonstrated the techniques she uses in her work. This included layering fabric randomly and not thinking of the end result, returning later to see what it inspired her to create. Paint and printing using a gel plate was particularly interesting and showed that the range of stitches and textiles that can be incorporated into the art work really had no boundaries.
Helen is a mixed media textile artist & she delivered her presentation with an enthusiasm that reflected her personality and her passion for her work. She explained that in creative stitching it was essential to have full awareness & a focus on what you were doing. In this sense engaging in creativity is in essence a mindful activity. Helen demonstrated the techniques she uses in her work. This included layering fabric randomly and not thinking of the end result, returning later to see what it inspired her to create. Paint and printing using a gel plate was particularly interesting and showed that the range of stitches and textiles that can be incorporated into the art work really had no boundaries.
8 June 2022 - Ady Wright - Palette Knife Painting
Ady Wright is a local painter and has a studio on Flowergate. Working with oil paints and a pallet knife his demonstration subject was a coble boat in Whitby harbour. Aidan used a limited range of colours and showed how blending paint with a knife and fingers could be very effective. He also demonstrated how leaving ridges in the paint added texture and helped create an illusion of houses in the picture. Aidan described how he tries to complete a subject in one go, which requires significant concentration and focus.
Ady Wright is a local painter and has a studio on Flowergate. Working with oil paints and a pallet knife his demonstration subject was a coble boat in Whitby harbour. Aidan used a limited range of colours and showed how blending paint with a knife and fingers could be very effective. He also demonstrated how leaving ridges in the paint added texture and helped create an illusion of houses in the picture. Aidan described how he tries to complete a subject in one go, which requires significant concentration and focus.
11 May 2022 - Clare Belbin - Floral Watercolours
Claire Belbin is a watercolour artist who only works pleine air and she described how she paints the flowers and plants that grow in Helmsley Walled Garden. For the demonstration she brought sprays of blossom as the subject. Working on heavy duty watercolour paper she painted the negative shapes taking great care to observe the shapes in order to build up a representation of the flowers. Using a wet on dry technique drawing with her paint brushes, then layering the colours, she progressed to demonstrate how her pictures developed.
Claire Belbin is a watercolour artist who only works pleine air and she described how she paints the flowers and plants that grow in Helmsley Walled Garden. For the demonstration she brought sprays of blossom as the subject. Working on heavy duty watercolour paper she painted the negative shapes taking great care to observe the shapes in order to build up a representation of the flowers. Using a wet on dry technique drawing with her paint brushes, then layering the colours, she progressed to demonstrate how her pictures developed.
13 April 2022 - Paul Blackwell - Drawing with Conte Crayon
Paul explained that conte crayons are made from graphite & clay, and he described how they may be used. The artist is able to identify the range of tone in the subject although Paul chooses to work with B as he finds 2B too soft and it smudges easily. The tone is built up gradually, from light to very dark. Conte crayons can also be worked with pastels. He suggested that it is a good idea to do conte drawings before a watercolour as it is worked in a similar way, creating light by keeping the white of the paper. Alternatively grey paper may be used as a white conte crayon creates the light. The focus is on building up light and dark tones through layers of cross hatching, but conte is unforgiving – once a mark is done that is it!
Paul explained that conte crayons are made from graphite & clay, and he described how they may be used. The artist is able to identify the range of tone in the subject although Paul chooses to work with B as he finds 2B too soft and it smudges easily. The tone is built up gradually, from light to very dark. Conte crayons can also be worked with pastels. He suggested that it is a good idea to do conte drawings before a watercolour as it is worked in a similar way, creating light by keeping the white of the paper. Alternatively grey paper may be used as a white conte crayon creates the light. The focus is on building up light and dark tones through layers of cross hatching, but conte is unforgiving – once a mark is done that is it!
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9 March 2022 - James McGairy - artist & illustrator
Guisborough artist James McGairy aims to capture a moment in time in his work. In looking at the scene he reflects the atmosphere and the impact of the season on the subject. He explained the techniques he uses and gave an overview of how he approaches his work. James' demonstration included a slide show, presented with humour, to illustrate the development of his pictures and gave a short demonstration in acrylics and the use of glazes. |
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9 February 2022 - AGM & Critique of Members' Work
Paul Blackwell & John Freeman gave a critique of members' works of art following this year's AGM. They assessed the pictures highlighting areas for improvement and offering their opinions on how some of the work could be altered. They also gave a great deal of positive feedback and encouragement to those members who had submitted work to be critiqued. Sue Welford was re-elected as chair & Paul Blackwell as vice-chair. Two new committee members were elected.
Paul Blackwell & John Freeman gave a critique of members' works of art following this year's AGM. They assessed the pictures highlighting areas for improvement and offering their opinions on how some of the work could be altered. They also gave a great deal of positive feedback and encouragement to those members who had submitted work to be critiqued. Sue Welford was re-elected as chair & Paul Blackwell as vice-chair. Two new committee members were elected.
12 January 2022 - Mike Shaw on Frank Meadow Sutcliffe (part 2)
Three years on & Mike continued the story of the life & work of the acclaimed photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. On this occasion Mike compared images taken by the Victorian photographer with similar images taken by himself 20 years ago - this was the basis of Mike’s publication 'Every Now and Then'
Three years on & Mike continued the story of the life & work of the acclaimed photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. On this occasion Mike compared images taken by the Victorian photographer with similar images taken by himself 20 years ago - this was the basis of Mike’s publication 'Every Now and Then'
10 November 2021 - Paul Blackwell - The Rise & Fall of Impressionism
A really informative & entertaining talk by Paul, using a fascinating range of slides to illustrate his points. Many thanks to Paul for the work he must have put in to make the evening such an enjoyable one. Everyone learnt a lot about this brief period of art near the end of the nineteenth century.
A really informative & entertaining talk by Paul, using a fascinating range of slides to illustrate his points. Many thanks to Paul for the work he must have put in to make the evening such an enjoyable one. Everyone learnt a lot about this brief period of art near the end of the nineteenth century.
13 October 2021 - The Society's First Meeting for 19 Months
This was our first meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic. Members were asked to bring samples of their work; sketch books & art works. Time was spent browsing through the the work and generally catching up with each other.
Paul Blackwell then presented 'An Artistic Journey' - the life and work of Mondrian 1872 -1944.
"A fascinating talk, Paul explained how Mondrian was influenced by other artists as he developed his own style. Paul highlighted how the artist used vertical and horizontal lines, shapes and patterns resulting in harmony and balance in his work"
This was our first meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic. Members were asked to bring samples of their work; sketch books & art works. Time was spent browsing through the the work and generally catching up with each other.
Paul Blackwell then presented 'An Artistic Journey' - the life and work of Mondrian 1872 -1944.
"A fascinating talk, Paul explained how Mondrian was influenced by other artists as he developed his own style. Paul highlighted how the artist used vertical and horizontal lines, shapes and patterns resulting in harmony and balance in his work"
11 March 2020 - Debra Snow - Woodland Oil Painting
Debra showed the process involved to create a woodland oil painting of Falling Foss. The talk involved the composition, tonal and working drawings, basic colour theory and palette. Demonstrations of the stages, materials and techniques used formed the first half of the talk. In the second half, the painting was worked on to show the full process of creating a finished piece. Debra's enthusiasm for stretching the boundaries and the experimental approach to her work were evident.
Debra showed the process involved to create a woodland oil painting of Falling Foss. The talk involved the composition, tonal and working drawings, basic colour theory and palette. Demonstrations of the stages, materials and techniques used formed the first half of the talk. In the second half, the painting was worked on to show the full process of creating a finished piece. Debra's enthusiasm for stretching the boundaries and the experimental approach to her work were evident.
12 February 2020 - AGM & Critique of Members' Work
John Freeman & Peter Hicks provided members with a very constructive critique after the AGM, where Paul Blackwell was elected Chair of the Society. General advice given included: dark areas need to have sparkles too, keep brush strokes horizontal when painting water, Monet blurred the foreground to focus the eye to the middle of picture, hold on to your first idea when creating a picture, don’t be afraid of cutting up a picture to find the gem, avoid repetition to surprise the viewers, work beyond the parameters of your potential frame i.e. don’t leave bare paper on the edges.
John Freeman & Peter Hicks provided members with a very constructive critique after the AGM, where Paul Blackwell was elected Chair of the Society. General advice given included: dark areas need to have sparkles too, keep brush strokes horizontal when painting water, Monet blurred the foreground to focus the eye to the middle of picture, hold on to your first idea when creating a picture, don’t be afraid of cutting up a picture to find the gem, avoid repetition to surprise the viewers, work beyond the parameters of your potential frame i.e. don’t leave bare paper on the edges.
8 January 2020 - postscript - Paul Blackwell
Below are the 2 finished pictures that Paul was working on at the meeting on 8 January
Below are the 2 finished pictures that Paul was working on at the meeting on 8 January
8 January 2020 - Paul Blackwell - Working with Pastels
Paul opened the new decade with a fascinating demonstration on the use of pastels and how to begin gradually to build up a picture. Using the pastel like a pencil, gentle light strokes are built up in thin layers resulting in a picture that works well from a distance and is interesting as you get closer. He spoke about the importance of tone and using a tonal drawing as the basis of the picture.
Paul opened the new decade with a fascinating demonstration on the use of pastels and how to begin gradually to build up a picture. Using the pastel like a pencil, gentle light strokes are built up in thin layers resulting in a picture that works well from a distance and is interesting as you get closer. He spoke about the importance of tone and using a tonal drawing as the basis of the picture.
27 November 2019 - Paul Blackwell
Paul gave a brilliant presentation on 'How different artists capture the changing seasons'. This should inspire all those taking part in The Four Seasons exhibition in 2020
Paul gave a brilliant presentation on 'How different artists capture the changing seasons'. This should inspire all those taking part in The Four Seasons exhibition in 2020
13 November 2019 - Kit Hemsley Ceramics
Kit's demonstration included how Parian (type of porcelain) is worked and the materials used to add texture and form to each piece. The finished work is unique, a fine porcelain which is textured and semi transparent allowing light to add depth and interest to her work.
Kit's demonstration included how Parian (type of porcelain) is worked and the materials used to add texture and form to each piece. The finished work is unique, a fine porcelain which is textured and semi transparent allowing light to add depth and interest to her work.
9 October 2019 - Wire Sculpture - Emma Stothard
An interesting presentation was well received by members. Emma brought along small models and an unfinished deer, sketch books and a bundle of willows. Slides shown illustrated how she goes about her work including making a ten foot mammoth!
An interesting presentation was well received by members. Emma brought along small models and an unfinished deer, sketch books and a bundle of willows. Slides shown illustrated how she goes about her work including making a ten foot mammoth!
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11 September 2019 -
Glazzard Lundsten Enamels Interesting collaboration between Lyn Glazzard & Tom Lundsten during which they explored the complex process of enamelling through all its stages |
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14 August 2019 - Costume Design by Sue Willmington
A fascinating insight into Sue's world of costume design for ballet, opera & musicals in theatres & other venues around the world |
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12 June 2019 - 'Personal Influences' Peter Hicks
In conversation with Paul Blackwell, Peter talked about his work and the artists who have influenced him over the years.
It was a truly inspiring evening, a visual feast and the time passed quickly. The Society would like to express their thanks to Paul Blackwell and to Mike Shaw who compiled and organised the slideshow, and of course to Peter Hicks for a compelling evening.
In conversation with Paul Blackwell, Peter talked about his work and the artists who have influenced him over the years.
It was a truly inspiring evening, a visual feast and the time passed quickly. The Society would like to express their thanks to Paul Blackwell and to Mike Shaw who compiled and organised the slideshow, and of course to Peter Hicks for a compelling evening.
10 May 2019 - Marine Painting by Christine Pybus
Click here for information about Christine
Click here for information about Christine
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10 April 2019 - Printmaking by Jan Stead
An informative presentation by experimental printmaker Jan Stead. Different types of printmaking were shown. |
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13 March 2019 - Figure Drawing by Sally Gatie
An excellent & well attended demonstration given by Sally
An excellent & well attended demonstration given by Sally
13 February 2019 - AGM & Critique of Members' Work
Christine Pybus and John Freeman provided members with a very constructive critique after the AGM. As an observer the one point that was frequently mentioned by both Christine and John was the direction of light and the importance this is in painting. I’m sure our members were encouraged and benefited by the tips that were given.
Christine Pybus and John Freeman provided members with a very constructive critique after the AGM. As an observer the one point that was frequently mentioned by both Christine and John was the direction of light and the importance this is in painting. I’m sure our members were encouraged and benefited by the tips that were given.
9 January 2019 - Mike Shaw on Frank Meadow Sutcliffe (part 1)
Mike gave a very informative talk on the life & work of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. Enthusiastic comments were made about the impact of Sutcliffe's photographs projected onto the big screen, many of them never seen before.
Mike gave a very informative talk on the life & work of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. Enthusiastic comments were made about the impact of Sutcliffe's photographs projected onto the big screen, many of them never seen before.
