Art classes

[Nana]

I've just found this. Did any of you carry on to do any artwork? If so I'd love to see what you've done please.

When I went to art college (not all that long ago) the thing I found most liberating was as adults there were no hard & fast rules. In fact we were encouraged to mix mediums/media & go against the rules. That's how we developed our individual style.

I found this thread because I was looking for a conversation relating to art classes but can't find it. I'd mentioned I'd taken an art group at MIND. Someone (Enfys?) said I must be a better artist. I just wanted to say that everyone's creation is wonderful in my eyes. My artwork is no better than anyone else's. Keep painting & drawing ladies. Maybe I should follow my own advice😉

[Enfys]

I’ve recently found a local art group which I am enjoying very much. No instruction just a group of us ladies who do our own thing. Some work in watercolour pencils, watercolour paints, pastels...all,sorts. One elderly lady does colouring in...she says she can’t draw but loves the colours and all the chat....that’s what it’s all about, having a nice time, doing what you enjoy with a group of friends. A couple of the ladies are very talented indeed but there’s no competition, we just enjoy ourselves. I haven’t been for the last couple of weeks and can’t wait to get back to it.

[Plantaholic]

That sounds like a good idea Enfys, lovely for the lady who just loves colouring in and the chat.

[Gemini]

That group sounds lovely Enfys. Relaxing, non competitive and good company.

[Nana]

Brilliant Enfys. I'm not surprised you haven't been to your class due to your circumstances. I thought it was you who was going to an art class. The class sounds lovely & I'm really pleased you can relax & enjoy.

[Daisy]

I haven't made any progress at all! What happened to those long winter evenings I talked about in September?? Part of the problem is having all my art stuff in the summerhouse - not suitable for really cold weather, but there isn't anywhere in the house I can work either - unless I turn my study+GCs' bedroom into a studio!!! Now there's an idea!

Nana - I love the idea of mixed media. I'm part way through a wall hanging for the summerhouse using pyrography and acrylics. I'm just very frustrated that I have ideas but not the skills and techniques to turn them into reality!

[Plantaholic]

That sounds interesting Daisy, we shall require pics when finished

[Daisy]

Plant - yes, I'll post pics, but I still have a few problems to solve with it. There are three wooden heart shapes with pyrographied (that's a new word I think!) words on, and some other painted decoration. I've sanded down a natural looking twig to act as a bar hanger and have raffia or similar to hang the thing on. But I think the heart shapes will just twist round so I might have to mount them on some kind of backboard/driftwood.

[Nana]

Could you perhaps use your pyrography on both sides & then it won't matter if they turn round. I was often told to 'Think outside the box'...thread with a thin copper wire? Driftwood is one of my favourites. I'm sure you'll come up with a brilliant idea. By the way, how did your dried flower project go? When you're well maybe you could share some pics?

[Enfys]

That sounds very interesting Daisy. A good idea to have some decoration both sides,Nana, then if it swivels it won’t matter. Would love to see it sometime.

[Gemini]

What talented members we have!

I am better at the ideas than having any actual ability to create anything!

[Daisy]

Nana - many thank for the copper wire idea. I had thought about decorating both sides, but I think I want it to hang flat because I shall be forever straightening it up if bits of it swivel round. The dried flowers are still on the 'development' list. I was going to use them in this project but decided on paint to make it a bit more robust.

I was going to use something natural like raffia but I could perhaps intertwine that with copper wire. Mmmmmm ..... (thinking cap on!)

On the subject of driftwood - I have a few interesting pieces of wood I've collected on dog walks. One will make a bird sculpture, I can see a fish in another, and I've got one which will make a good base for something else. Loads of ideas - I need more skill and more time.