Art group present a self portrait of a pandemic while at home in lockdown
ARTISTS who could not meet up due to the lockdown did not let the pandemic stop their passion for drawing, using the time to produce a serious of powerful self-portraits that are now on public display.
The Newton Solney Life Drawing Group was set up in 1994 and is a non-profit, self-supporting group which would meet every Thursday at Newton Solney Village Hall. However, due to the pandemic, they had to suspend their sessions.
Despite Covid lockdowns, the team decided to continue their drawing from home after a suggestion that they produce self portraits instead, and now they are part of a free exhibition at Burton Library, which is open to the public. It started this week and runs until September 12.
David Wilton, art group co-ordinator, says he set the group the task to keep them busy during the pandemic and has been very impressed with the outcome.
The 78-year-old, who lives in Rangemore, said: “Because of the lockdown we could not meet like we used to and I wanted to make sure the group had a task which helped them through the lockdown and made sure they were kept busy.
“All of the members were okay with the task and it was very good to see what they had done, and I expected them to do well.
“The exhibition will be great way for members to showcase their skills and I hope to see a lot of people there as usually the footfall is quite good.
“I am hoping people see the self portraits and become interested in joining the group as we are selffunded and are always looking for new members.
“Doing self portraits is a skill and I am confident after seeing the results people will gain interest and may even want to learn how to draw.
“We are starting to meet up again like we did before, and I can see the difference in the skills the members have, they have really expanded their talents and I do feel the exhibition will give them more confidence.”