Workshop with #ClaremontArtCircle

I was recently invited By Stef Lorenz to do a couple of workshops with an art group that meets at Pendleton College on a Thursday evening from 6-7.30pm. I offered two workshops on oil painting with a palette knife and proposed the members painted along with me.

I arrived early and set up with help from Stef and my wife, Sue. She had helped carry the equipment in and then brought a couple of extra pictures to illustrate my paintings.

​ I then had to wait patiently to see if anyone came, particularly after the bad weather we had been having. It is only a small group, which hasn't been going long, but eventually​ three members turned up with apologies from a couple of others. 

​I started by showing them my work and then getting them to do a simple drawing based on the photograph I had given them. Next, I slowly started adding paint to my canvas using a palette knife, starting with the light colours. As the evening progressed I would do a small section and then go around helping them mix colours and build up their painting. I was worried that I can get a bit carried away working on my own piece but by the end of the session all of them had a recognisable landscape painting, all completed in their own individual style.

​The scene was from an Autumn view looking towards Monton Cricket club. I decided on a colourful picture as I thought they may be fed up with the cold, bleak winter they were experiencing!

​The three paintings are shown underneath and for a first attempt a oil painting or using a palette knife are excellent.

Second session a week later

I felt, looking back, that I may have thrown the members in at the deep end, as they say, but was pleased with the end results. Also not knowing their ability I was at a disadvantage when planning the session

​After setting up again I waited for members to arrive. Had I scared off the ones last week and with the weather improving would more be able to attend?

​This time six members arrived, including the two men from the week before, and one lady from last week apologised because she had just had an operation.

​ This time I picked a water scene to paint, a picture from a visit to Heaton park. I started by showing how the palette knife could be used to apply paint in different ways, by dabbing with the end, using the edge or by dragging colour along. This would later be used to show the smooth water and the ripples in it.

​I used the same demonstration method, painting a small section and then allowing them to have a go on their canvas, helping where necessary. This progressed well and again all the members completed their work and again I was impressed with the outcomes. Some had never attempted anything like this but with more confidence and practice would become quite proficient.

​Again considering we were all doing the same picture it is interesting to see the individual styles developing. One member already had experience using oil paint and took to the style immediately. I will have to watch my back!

​The members pictures are shown below

A really enjoyable experience with a lovely group of people. I hope they continue to enjoy their painting.

My two demonstration pictures are shown below