In May 2019, we took part in an inspiring landscape based workshop under the instruction of Kate Boucher. 
She lives in West Dean in Sussex, and has access to a forester on the estate who burns charcoal for her from various natural sources including chestnut, vine and bramble stems. 
We discovered that each different type of charcoal produced variations which could be used in a finished piece.  She also demonstrated techniques of applying charcoal and methods of rubbing it to achieve line and tone variations.


In July, we have held an exhibition of small works entitled Side by Side at the Wallspace which is part of the Discovery Centre in Winchester.


Our most recent speaker was Kate Dicker, the printmaker.
Following her degree at Camberwell College of Art, her first work was for the Weald and Downland Trust, illustrating some of the earliest buildings relocated at the site in Singleton in Sussex. These works were precise and meticulous wood engravings.
By contrast, her current work has gradually become more free, and she works solely in monotype , but uses layers of colour responding to light and imagery in the landscape.


During the dates of Hampshire Open Studios, many members will be showing work, either individually or as part of group shows. These include Frances Mason, Angela Perrett, Jill Jennings, Judith Parr- Eaton, Julia Fairhall, Karen Eames, Margaret Ferrone, Sue Halloway and Don Richards.


Our next speaker in September will be the portrait painter Karl Wuzniak, who is based at the Hotwalls Studios in Old Portsmouth. One of his most memorable paintings in the B.P. Portrait awards was of the Portsmouth Football supporter in full regalia.


From September 27th – October 10th nineteen members of the group will be exhibiting at The Garden Gallery, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire.
The exhibition, Creative Fusion will include paintings, drawings, prints and glass  and will show a diversity of approaches from abstract to figurative.

Recently we have heard two excellent speakers.


In September, Holly Hickmore the animal sculptor spoke about her work and her rigourous training at the Hungarian School of Art, and her subsequent commissions in the U.K.
At our February meeting, the abstract painter Bonnie Brown based in the Isle of Purbeck gave us a very thought provoking exploration of her inspiration, technique and rationale.
The next speaker , in September will be the artist Jenny Muncaster.


In November ,our practical workshop was led by the Dorset landscape artist Gerry Dudgeon . This enable participants to make use of the accident as part of underpainting.
His approach and method has gone on to inspire many of the group to rethink their working practice.
Our next practical workshop in May will be led by the West Dean based artist, Kate Boucher, who will direct en plein air drawing.


Last November and December ,we held an exhibition, Praxis, at the Willis Museum and Art Gallery in Basingstoke.
This year, due to Winchester University rebuilding its art gallery we will not be taking part collectively in the Hampshire Open Studios, although several members will be opening their stdios independently.
However, in July we will be holding a small show at The Wall Space at the Discovery Centre in Winchester . This will be followed by an exhibition at The Visitors’ Gallery at the Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey which runs from 27th September until 10th October.
Kern Eames will be showing her work at the West Sussex Art Fair at Goodwood racecourse from 17th - 19th May.
Margaret Ferrone and Jackie Green continue to be represented by Bell Fine Art, Parchment Street , Winchester.
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