British writer and poet. He was included in the Times list of top 50 Post-war writers in 2008 His poetry is called ‘dup poetry’ which means it is performed – the words are recited over the beat of reggae music.

Christine painted a really colourful Benjamin wearing his ‘Rastacap’ or ‘Tam’

Juliet sent in an image created using her iPad. Surprisingly this was her first attempt. She used the ‘Procreate’ program

Dot first work was a sketch she made in 2005 and the second a striking painting using mixed media. Graphite, watercolour and pencil on Bockingford paper. She started the painting on Saturday and finished it later in the week

Tracy also used her iPad and the pre-installed ‘Art Studio’ programme. She produced the image by using ‘Wet brush,’ her fingers and a ‘tiny brush and has captured a really realistic younger Benjamin

Steve painted a thoughtful Benjamin using Acrylics on hardboard

Well done all.

Tracy finished two pieces of work started at Wednesday’s meeting. She bought these lovely little frames and then added the colourful watercolours. A really original idea

Susan painted two more delicate watercolour sketches from our visit to Chalk Church on Saturday

Steve finished his watercolour and ink painting of Chalk Church in the style of a Tiffany panel. It was fun to try something a bit different.

The weather on the day was changeable. We saw the sun, briefly, it was a bit breezy, chilly and finally smoky. In spite of this we had 15 hardy souls just enjoying being together and producing quite a bit a work

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Members chose various subjects to draw or paint. Some just made a few sketches

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Thank you again to all that attended the July and August outdoor meetings at Chalk Church. We made collections at both and gave a total of £66.69 to the church fund.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday the 8th September at Chalk Parish Hall 7pm to 9pm

It was good to have 16 members attend the session and because we were not restricted to groups of 6 we sat in our usual horseshoe shape and could walk around and look at all the paintings.

Pictures were started of this month’s suggested subjects of PAOTM Benjamin Zephaniah, Emperor Augustus and the view through a window.

Some painted the view through their window including birds in the garden and others painted real places and imaginary ones. Two members continued drawing their granddaughters in pencil. The photo frames at the end are included to show what was bought from eBay for £10 (brown frame) and £7 (blue one) including postage. With shutters that open they can be used as the frame of a window and a painting added to show the view.

We plan to meet on the second Wednesday and fourth Saturday as usual, but as things could change at any time please do look out for emails nearer the time of the session. 

Wednesday 11th July – Chalk Parish Hall – 7-9pm 

We no longer have to sit in groups of six so the tables will be in the usual horseshoe shape and you can share a table with another person if you want to. Anti-bacterial spray and cloths will be provided if you would like to clean your table and chair before use.

Face masks are not mandatory but as we’ll be inside we still want to be cautious. We ask that you please wear a mask coming into the hall and if you walk around, but you can remove it whilst sitting down. A way to remember this is…sit down, mask down; stand up, mask up.

The buckets for clean and dirty water will be used at this session and please remember to bring along a drink and snack if you want one. The fee will be £2 towards hall hire.

Saturday 28th August – Chalk Church – after 10am-3pm

Please arrive after 10am so we don’t block the road with cars before the car park gate is open.

This is our second summer session at Chalk Church but as we meet there every year you don’t have to paint the church, come along and paint anything you want to!

The suggested subjects are below or start a picture for our Open Day which will hopefully take place on 27th November. We will have access to the loo and barn but please wear a mask inside as the rooms are small. Don’t forget your folding chair and lunch, snack and drink.

If you don’t want to paint why not join us at lunchtime with your own picnic? Bring along a chair and come for a natter with your art friends.

If it rains we will still meet as there is shelter near to and in the barn.

No fee but a donation to church funds will be appreciated. 

Here are some ideas to paint this month…

PORTRAIT ARTIST OF THE MONTH (PAOTM)

• Benjamin Zephaniah – British writer of novels and poetry, lyricist, musician, performer of dub poetry and in his own words a ‘naughty boy’. His website is at www.benjaminzephaniah.com

AUGUST

• Originally called ‘sextilis’, the sixth month, it was renamed in honour of the first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, great nephew of Julius Caesar. From the Latin word ‘augustus’ meaning venerable, noble and majestic. Many mages of Augustus are available online as busts of him are in museums.

THROUGH THE WINDOW

• looking in at…
• your family or favourite room
• looking out at…
• your garden
• an imaginary scene
• a favourite holiday view
• where you’d rather be if you’re still staying at home
• include the window frame if you want to

As always these are just suggestions, you are welcome to paint anything at all.