Pams Paint-Along Workshop

Leyland Artists member Pam Harvey ran a very successful watercolour workshop at the meeting tonight. Despite a few issues with the dreaded technology all went well and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the session. Even members who hardly use watercolours joined in and had a go and nearly everyone produced two paintings under Pam's guidance. Below are just a few example of the evenings output.

Click or tap an image for a larger view.

Chris Shields - Demonstration

Professional Artist Chris Shields held us all spellbound with his demonstration at the group this week.  Chris is a wildlife artist and illustrator and as well as providing a mini-exhibition of some of his previous work he demonstrated the technique of using masks when producing an acrylic painting on canvas with pallet knives and brushes. He detailed how he makes reusable masks so he can remove and replace them during the process. At the interval he answered a myriad of questions from the members and everyone was a little late going home.

[Click Here] to visit Chris' website. Click on any image for a larger view.

Visit to South Ribble Art Group

As it was a special occasion, some of our members visited our nearest neighbours the South Ribble Art Group. Around this time of year the South Ribble Group, based in Hutton, Lancashire, hold their annual exhibition and the quality this year was outstanding. 

Weeks of planning by the South Ribble Exhibition Team came to fruition on Saturday 9th March with over 90 pieces of artwork on display. There was also a raffle, tombola and lots of tea and home made cakes available which helped raise over £800 for St. Catherine's Hospice. As the day progressed fifteen  paintings received the red dot to indicate they had been sold.

Here are a few snaps of the day. Click/Tap an image for a larger view.

We're on Facebook too!

 

Member Julie has just created a Facebook group for the Leyland Artists. She will be posting some of our adventures there for everyone to follow.

here is the link: [Leyland Artists Facebook Page]

2024 Birkdale Library Exhibition

Our first exhibition of 2024 is now on at The Birkdale Community Hub & Library, Southport, and runs until the 30th April.  Over forty paintings are on display around the building and it's great to see work from some of our newer members on display.

If you are out and about in the area do drop in and take a look.

2 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4AR. 

Opening Hours are:  Mon - Wed - Fri 10am to 4pm. Tues - Thurs 10am to 7pm. Sat 10am to 1pm.

Click/Tap an image for a larger view.

Glass on Glass Workshop

Capturing the image of something transparent is not an easy task. Drawing glass requires the art of capturing light, reflections and distortions. In our optional workshop member Paul guided us in the art of drawing transparent material. He brought in a few examples which were set up for everyone to attempt. The tables were moved into a circle and everyone had a go.

2023 Christmas Party

Due to the centre having their Christmas party early this year we moved our celebratory meeting forward to the 7th December. As usual there was a warm inviting atmosphere where, as well as bringing a painting from 2023 for the competition, everyone brought a contribution of something to eat or drink and a card to exchange. The festivities got under way with a short art based quiz organised by Paul and later in the evening votes were counted for this years winner of the John Emmerton Trophy. The quality of the work was high and It was a close contest but this years winner was Mike Ainsworth with is graphite of ‘Hedge Sparrow’.

Julie Searing, last years winner had the honour of presenting the trophy to Mike who now has the responsibility of cleaning it for the next 12 months! The group meets again on the 11th January 2024. Images provided by Sue Redman, Stephen Watson and Leyland Artist Archive.

Mike Ainsworth receiving the John Emmerton Trophy from
Julie Searing, last years winner. 

Sparrow by Mike Ainsworth (Graphite)

Other entries to the competition

High standards from everyone and the voting was close

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.