You should have received emails from both Steve and myself (Tracy) about meeting at the hall again. Please read those emails thoroughly and we hope to see you in person soon.

Here are ideas to paint this month, which you can paint on the Wednesday and Saturday at the hall. If you don’t intend coming to the hall then paint any of the subjects and send your painting to me by email, text, WhatsApp or Messenger, on the mobile number already sent to you, by the end of September.

Portrait Artist of the Month (PAOTM) – Captain Tom or Tracey Emin

There were a few requests to paint Captain Tom’s portrait, so if you asked, here’s your opportunity. There are lots of photos of Captain Tom online and even one of him and his wife after they were married at Gravesend Register Office in the 1960s, standing in front of the mosaic wall outside. Some of us had our wedding pictures taken in front of the same wall!

Tracey Emin is an artist that people love or loathe, but for a portrait she has an interesting face as her features are not symmetrical. When she appeared on the tv programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, seeing her vulnerable personality was very moving. Maybe you could paint Tracey’s portrait in front of one her installations, artworks or neon signs?

Skies

A subject for Wednesday 9th September if you’re coming to the hall, or anytime at home. Make at least 2/3 or even 3/4 of your painting sky. September often has amazing skies which are bright blue with fluffy clouds, violently stormy or colourful sunsets. Your choice of sky, but make it the majority of your painting.

The Circus

For Saturday 26th September or any time at home. Years ago circuses had animals, so paint elephants, lions, bears, dogs etc from your childhood memories. These days circuses are performer based, so paint acrobats, jugglers, clowns, fire eaters, the ringmaster/mistress, the big top tent etc. Modern circuses such as Cirque du Soleil have become major theatre events worldwide, combining stories with music and human performances. Look on YouTube for Cirque du Soleil shows in all their colourful glory.