The workshop held on Sunday was a real success, with lots of fun, creativity, and enthusiasm throughout the day. Ian and Jo did a fantastic job helping members explore new ideas and techniques, leading to some exciting and imaginative results.

It’s always inspiring to try different approaches to creating artwork and to spend time together sharing ideas, experimenting, and seeing what everyone can produce. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and full of creativity.

We’re hoping to organise more events like this in the future, so if you have any suggestions for workshops you’d like to see — or if you’d be interested in running one yourself — please do let us know. We’d love to hear your ideas!

On 4th June we are delighted to welcome Brendan Smith RI for a demonstration of painting a town/cityscape in watercolour.

Watercolour is Brendan’s favourite medium, though he believes the subject should determine the choice of medium. When greater detail, depth or texture is required, he may work in acrylics, oils or gouache — and sometimes even combine them.

Brendan enjoys painting ‘en plein air’ just as much as working from his garden studio, and his passion and versatility always make for an engaging and inspiring evening.

This promises to be another great night — we hope you can join us!

For the past couple of years, we’ve taken our painting out into the great outdoors — and it’s become something of a summer tradition. We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many interesting local places that provide wonderful inspiration for sketching and painting, so this summer we’re planning to continue the adventure.

Over the coming months we hope to organise four or five painting days where members can meet up, paint together, and enjoy a relaxed and creative day out.

When choosing locations, we try to keep a few important things in mind: somewhere easy to reach, not too far from useful facilities, and ideally close to a café or pub where we can retreat afterwards for a well-earned coffee, lunch, or perhaps even something a little stronger!

In previous years we’ve enjoyed painting at places such as Esher West End, Sunbury Riverside, Shepperton Lock, Bushy Park, and Walton Riverside. We’ve even ventured a little further afield for a visit to the Watts Gallery in Compton.

Now we’d really love to hear your ideas. Do you know of a local spot that would make a great place to paint? It could be a riverside scene, park, village green, garden, or anywhere with interesting views and a bit of character. And of course, there’s absolutely no reason we can’t revisit some of our favourite previous locations too.

Please send us your suggestions for places that aren’t too far away and would make an enjoyable and inspiring day out for the group. Once we’ve gathered a good selection of ideas, we can start putting together the summer programme.

We’re looking forward to another season of painting outdoors together!

Our AGM will take place on 25th June, with reports being made available beforehand for members to read through.

The AGM is your chance to have your say, share your views and ask any questions about the club and its activities. We’d love as many members as possible to come along and take part.

Once the formal business of the evening is finished, we’ll move on to the presentation of awards, followed by a relaxed social evening with some fun activities planned. Refreshments will be provided — all you need to bring is something to drink and a glass.

It should be a really enjoyable evening, and a lovely way to round off the season together.

Following on from last week’s piece about help and support for the club, you may already feel that you do your bit — and that’s very much appreciated. But perhaps you could do just that little bit more for a community that is not only a club, but also a place to relax, enjoy good company, and produce some wonderful artwork together.

As we all know, age catches up with everyone eventually, and the existing committee members cannot carry on forever without a little more help and support. Now is a great time to think about how you might be able to lend a hand, even in a small way, and support committee members who would welcome some assistance.

There are plenty of areas where help would be greatly appreciated, including:

• Instagram and Facebook

• WhatsApp updates

• Social events

• Contacts with the media, press, radio, TV, and local celebrities

• Organising Plein Air sites and outings

• Cake making and helping organise the cake makers and tea rota

• Flyer distribution team leader

• Workshops — attendance, venues, facilities, and advertising

You don’t need to take on a huge commitment — every little bit helps, and fresh ideas are always welcome.

If any of these activities interest you, please have a chat with David, Ian, or Jackie at the club, or email privately at waltonartclub@gmail.com to express your interest.