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This time we received fewer framed painting submissions compared to last spring but the numbers of 3D work submitted were up. A total of 182 submissions in all from 55 members. The exhibition offered an interesting mix of art and once again we were complimented on the high standard of work on display. Visitor numbers were 543 down compared to 724 last spring and picture sales were also down but sales of 3D work were very good.
Thank you to all of you that took part and helped with the setting up the exhibition. There is a lot of work involved so your help is always appreciated. Also thanks to Matrix for providing a fusion of art and music on the middle Sunday.
Our outing to the Mall Galleries organised by Chris Taylor proved to be popular and once again we combined with Lichfield Society to ensure a full coach.
Our ‘Summer Sketching days’ programme has been put together by Chris Bowden. The dates and venues have been sent out by email but are also detailed in this newsletter, so remember to diary the dates and join fellow members for a great day of painting en-plein air.
Your committee still needs members to come forward and help with various roles to run the Society, so please let me know if you are able to contribute in any way.
Be creative…
Geoff Stubbins
PUBLIC VOTE
Well done Keith and thanks to everyone who voted for their favourite picture.
SPRING EXHIBITION AWARDS
This year the selection panel consisted of John Wood RBSA who was the Award Judge, assisted by David Upton and Petra Röhr-Rouendaal for the Society.
The awards are as follows:
1. The Ratcliffe Award for Best Painting went to Linda Smith for ‘Cheeky Donkeys’.
2. The Artifex Award for the Best Landscape went to Deborah Hodgson for ‘Autumn – Bracebridge Pool’.
3. The Ashwood Veterinary Clinic Award for the Best Animal Painting went to Keith Wilkins for ‘Pair of Terriers’.
4. The Turner-Hilton Award for the Best Craftwork went to Pauline Barnes for ‘Carnevale’.
5. The Vesey Art & Crafts Award for Best Flora Painting went to Hugh Heaven for ‘Cow Parsley’.
6. The new Emily Smith Award for the Best Watercolour Painting went to Wing Lien for ‘Crab Apples’.
Remember that you can view the award winning art work on our website: www.suttoncoldfieldsocietyofartists.co.uk
SPRING EXHIBITION
At our Private Preview evening our official guest was Viv Astling OBE, who presented the awards to the winning artists and declared the exhibition open.
PREVIOUS SUMMER PAINTING DAYS
Come along and join fellow members of SCSA at the following venues to make finished paintings or sketches for future work, all of which can be displayed informally at the AGM later in the year (with or without framing). We aim to meet about 10.00 and leave about 3.30. There will be time at the end of the day to view and evaluate our efforts. It would be useful to know if you intend to take part in one or all of these venues, please contact me by phone or email to let me know, details below.
Thursday 14th July – Kingsbury Water park – Bodymoor Heath, Sutton Coldfield West Midlands.B76 0DY
There is a cafe and toilet facilities on site by the main gate. There is an entrance fee of £4.50.
More information on www.countryparks.warwickshire.cov.uk
Wednesday 20th July – Lichfield. Hopefully we would be able to park in Bird St car park and meet by Minster pool about 10.00am – 10.30am
Opportunities for views on the Cathedral, Minster or Stowe Pool and the city.
Thursday 28th July – Coughton Court – Coughton Court, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5JA Tel: 01789 400777
Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years and this finest of Tudor houses stands testament to a family’s courage in maintaining their beliefs.
Meet at the main entrance at 11.00. See : www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court
Wednesday 3rd Aug – Akamba Heritage Garden Centre – Tythe Barn Lane, Shirley, Solihull B90 1PH
See : www.akamba.co.uk. Unusual garden centre in the spirit of Africa. Meet 11.00am.
Thursday 11th Aug – Fradley Junction – Fradley, Arlewas, Staffordshire DE13 7DN
There is a parking charge but not sure how much for the day. Cafe and pub on site.
For more information see : www.canalrivertrust.org.uk. Meet in car park about 10.00am
Wednesday 17th Aug – Visit to The SAA Headquarters – ONLY A FEW TICKETS REMAINING
11 Tickets were purchased earlier in the year as dates were selling out fast. If you would like to go please contact Chris Bowden soon. Millennium House, Brunel Drive, Newark, Nottingham, NG24 2DE
World Record Challenge Exhibition which members of the society took part in, Hands on workshops, test and trial products, tour of the head quarters and on site SAA Home Shop. We will try to car share for this trip so details of timing are to follow. You will need to take a packed lunch.
For more information see : www.saa.co.uk
Monday 29th Aug – Newhall Mill Craft Day. Members of the society are invited along to paint and exhibit other pieces of their work. The mill will be open to the public 10am – 4pm.
See : www.newhallmill.org.uk/friends
For more information or help with transport contact Chris Bowden at citbowden171@gmail.com
Tel: 0121 378 1009 or 07779 981 878. Will email a reminder and a contact person before each date.
2016 SUTTON COLDFIELD ART TRAIL
Many of our members took part in the Sutton Coldfield Art Trail event, held over the June weekend, which brought together local Artists including painters, potters, sculptors and textile artists living or working in the area.
There were seven venues on the trail, the largest being at the Gracechurch Shopping Centre. Children were also encouraged to try their hand at painting a Fathers Day card, helped by Chris Bowden our General Secretary.
SATURDAY DEMONSTRATION
At our Saturday meeting in June, Carol Baker gave an excellent demonstration of a landscape in acrylic based on her holiday photos. She had previously prepared the canvas with texture paste to enhance the underlying textures of the landscape and applied glazes of acrylic on top to build up the depth of colour required.
Carol runs a number of workshops on acrylic painting techniques and further information is available on her website.
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO PAINT?
Why not join a small group of artists that meet together at The Streetly School on a Wednesday night from 7.30 to 9.30 pm, to paint and give each other help and encouragement.
For more details ring Geoff Stubbins on 0121 323 2694.