Mounting and Framing Workshop

Member Julie showed the group how to cut mounts and frame artwork to an exhibition standard.

After a brief explanation of the process she demonstrated the use of a mount cutter to cut mount board to size and then how to cut out the centre achieving a perfect 45 degree angle on the visible edge of the board. 

Julie finished the demonstration by showing how to fasten the back using a pinning gun and gummed paper tape. This type of fastening and sealing is a requirement for most galleries. The gummed tape ensures no ingress of dirt and dust over the many years the art work is hung.

After a brew brake other members, under Julies supervision, had a go themselves. Leyland Artists have their own cutting and framing equipment which is available to all member to use upon request.

All set for the demonstration

Members having a go at cutting mounts

Pin Gun used to secure the back of the frame

Artists gummed tape designed to last for years

Geometric Workshop

Geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art based on the use of geometric forms sometimes, though not always, placed in non-illusionistic space and combined into compositions. Although the genre was popularised by avant-garde artists in the early twentieth century, similar motifs have been used in art since ancient times. 

In this voluntary workshop organised by our own member Joan Hassall, we explored the concept of drawing animals using this geometric style. Everyone expressed their own interpretation of animals and objects.

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.