Poppy Theme

Tonight was the climax of the Poppy theme. Members brought in their poppy related work to show on the display table. These themes are voluntary and anything goes in any medium. Here are the pieces displayed at the meeting but more will be placed here as they are completed. 

Click any image for a larger view.

John Emmerton 1924-2014

Who was John Emmerton?

Many new members have joined the group since Johns passing in 2014 so here is a little note about this founder member.

John G Emmerton was born in 1924 and served as a Leading Aircraftman with the RAF from 1940 to 1946. After leaving the service he joined the police force where he retired at the rank of inspector in 2005. John was a prolific artist and covered a wide range of subjects but his favourite genre was historical and present day buildings, both in and around his home and on holiday locations. As a long standing member of the former Farington Art Group John became a founder member of the new ‘Leyland Artists Group’ at its inception in 2011 and took pride in mentoring new artists and running children's art workshops in the summer at the local park. Upon his death in 2014 it was decided to create the “John Emmerton Trophy” in his honour which is awarded to the competition winner (by votes) at the end of each year and is presented at the groups end of year Christmas Party.

We present some of his work.

Day of the Dead Theme

The 'Flowery Skull' theme was chosen to recognise The Day of the Dead. The finish date was the 7th November 2024 and these are the pieces presented by our members. More will be added as they come in.

The Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, though other days, such as October 31st or November 6th  may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.  Some argue that there are Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences that account for the custom, and it has become a way to remember those forebears of Mexican culture. The Day of the Dead is largely seen as having a festive characteristic.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Chorley Exhibiton 2024

Our exhibition at Chorley Library is now on display and will run until mid December. Great to see works from some of our newer members included in the 38 paintings in the exhibition. [CLICK HERE] for Library opening times and directions.

Chorley Library, Union Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1EB

Click an image for a larger view. Photo credits: Julie Searing, Paul Stanley.

Publicity Material

Our leaflets and posters have been updated with the latest details including a QR code leading to our website and all our social media streams (Facebook, blogger, Instagram and YouTube). This material is designed not only to encourage new membership but to publicise and raise awareness of the group which, hopefully, will lead to new exhibition spaces and cultural exchange. Just the laminated signs are to be used for exhibitions outside our catchment area so as not to needlessly waste the leaflets and bookmarks but all three will be used for local venues where we have a greater chance of picking up new members.

Autumn Workshop

This week Leyland Artists member Sue Redman organised an optional workshop called Autumn.

This was a slightly different concept to the traditional Autumn picture as Sue suggested everyone to use a limited palette of 5 colours e.g. Orange, yellow, red, gold, brown, burnt umber, raw sienna etc. Any medium such as watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pastel pencils, felt tips or even collage was fair game. The subject was unlimited and not constrained to the usual autumn concept. Abstract, animal, still life, portrait, landscape were all acceptable. The previous week Sue had brought in some samples for inspiration. 

The finished works are shown below and more will be added upon completion.

Click/Tap for a larger view. 

Autumn Workshop Samples

 Next week (25/10/24) member Sue Redman is organising an Autumn Workshop with a difference.

This will be a slightly different concept to the traditional Autumn picture as Sue would like everyone to use a limited palette of 5 colours e.g. Orange, yellow, red, gold, brown, burnt umber, raw sienna etc. which can be blended depending which medium you choose. Any medium such as watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pastel pencils, felt tips or even collage is fair game. The subject can be abstract, animal, still life, portrait, landscape etc. We can put all creations together at the end of the evening and vote for our favourite.

Sue brought in some sample images for inspiration which are shown below. Click/Tap for a larger view.

Animal Kingdom Reveal

The Optional workshop theme 'Animal Kingdom' finished on the 3rd of October evening and many of the members took up the challenge to produce a piece of work. There are still one or two to add from members who could not attend the evening but these will be added when they are available. Here are the finished pieces so far. Click/Tap on a picture to enlarge.

Themes are optional subjects which run for a few weeks. At the end of the theme, members present their finished work for display. The completed piece can be as simple or complex as you feel in your favourite medium or use this opportunity to experiment, be radical or work in an unfamiliar medium.