Learning by Zoom
Responding positively to the limitations forced upon art clubs around the world by the pandemic, the Sidmouth Society of Artists put together a programme of zoom demonstrations by professional artists. ‘One of the benefits,’ says club member and publicity officer, Terence Crook, ‘is that you can get to see artists at work from all around the country, if not the world.’ Recent zooms included a seaside in acrylics scene by Mark Warner and a demonstration by urban sketcher, Ian Fennelly. Here Terence explains how the demonstations have benefitted members by inspiring them to keep painting and to experiment with new media.
‘Mark hails from Wales and has worked as a teacher for many years, which has encouraged him to set up his own painting holidays and workshops. One of the tips he gave us was to use a strip of paper to the side of the painting on which to test the colour and blending. He also marked the horizon with a piece of tape. He likes colour and line and uses Winsor & Newton Artists’ quality paints, a large flat synthetic brush, size 25, and 160lb paper. He doesn’t thin the paint with water at all in order to give depth.
‘His exciting application of paint encouraged several members of the group to paint along with the artist. Which is exactly what was expected with the second painter, Ian Fennelly, who is an urban sketcher and paints mostly outdoors. He gave us a presentation using Tombow brush pens, fine liner pens, Winsor & Newton watercolours and a variety of brushes – from flats to riggers – in a range of sizes. We were asked to practise beforehand to give us time to keep up with Ian during the zoom, which comprised of six stages. He gave us plenty of tips and hints throughout his demonstration of Great Rissington in the Cotswolds, with the emphasis firmly on sketching and the importance of good drawing.’ If you are interested in joining the society for forthcoming demonstrations, go to their website at www.sidmouthsocietyofartists.btck.co.uk