Salisbury Meadows

The last meeting of the year, and what a year (well, 10 months really) of painting it has been! From the open plains & hills of Cranbourne Chase to the magnificence of Old Sarum.

While it was cold, the morning was nice and bright, quite a surprise, as it had rained for most of the week.

After a welcome Coffee in the pub, we headed out. Only one piece worth showing this time and the honour goes to Marshall.

Thank you and well done for turning up, on what could have turned out a grotty day, to Brian and Marshall.

Thanks to everyone who turned out and supported our small group during the course of the year. It has been great fun and I am looking forward to posting even better locations next year.

SWOPs will be taking a break until February or March next year. In the meantime, why not subscribe at the bottom of the page and get email updates as they are posted.

Till the next time

Jim

December Meeting

Back to Salisbury once again...

Two reasons why...

First: The riverbank looks amazing this year, with a riot of colours, as Autumn seems to be hanging in there longer than usual.

Second: The Christmas Market is on, so we can get two subjects for the price of one!

Of course, there are plenty of subjects if one follows the course of the river through the town...

Parking will probably be hard to find, free parking at least. So I suggest we meet up at the Old Mill, as we did in July. From there it is a short(ish) stroll into town.

• Where: Old Mill, Harnham, Salisbury
• When:  Saturday, 15 December 2012
• Meet-up: At the Mill
• Time: 09.30 for a 10.00 start.
• Parking: Available (free) in the Pub Car Park.

 Directions: Here is a link on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/6IXH

See you there.....

Grovely Woods

After a week of rain and frosty mornings, once again Lady Luck smiled on us for our meet at Grovely Woods.

While it was overcast, it was mild, making ideal painting conditions.

It seems my estimate of a '15 minute' stroll to the woods was a  'slight' understatement..Sorry Viv, but at least the dog enjoyed the walk..

The variety of colours were almost overwhelming but glorious in their intensity..

Marshall and Viv chose to experiment in Acrylics and Watercolours while I stayed with using Oils..

Here are some pics from the morning....

And some shots of work in progress and finished pieces..

An excellent day's painting! Thank you Viv and Marshall ...

Till the next time

Jim

November Meeting

It's Autumn and that must mean the woods.

It is, Grovely Woods, with it's Roman road and wide ranging views over farmland and valley.

Should the weather be a tad inclement then we should have a bit of cover under which to paint.

• Where: Grovely Woods
• When:  Saturday, 10th November 2012
• Meet-up: The Barford Inn, Barford St. Martin
• Time: 09.30 for a 10.00 start0
• Parking: Available (free) 

Directions: Here is a link on Google Maps: The Barford Inn

Please note: It is a bit of a walk to the woods from the Pub. There is space to park at the end of Grovely Rd, making the walk a lot shorter, but it can be very muddy when it is wet.

See you there....

Philipps House - Dinton Park

A lovely bright morning greeted us on our arrival at Philipps House.

Only four of us this morning. Well done to Jenny, Marshall and Clive, for braving the cold wind.

Lots to choose here as potential subjects. Would it be the house itself? The wonderful Trees? Or perhaps the small Lake or the herd of Cows?

We split up, agreeing to meet back at the car park at 13.00hrs.

Here are some photos from the day....

And some pictures of the final results for Jenny and myself...

 

More pieces were attempted in the afternoon, unfortunately I had to leave early and have no pictures..

Till the next time

Jim

October Meeting

Nestling between a wooded ridge and parkland, Philipps House is possibly one of Wiltshire’s best kept secrets.

The spire of Salisbury Cathedral can be seen on a clear day from the highest point in the park.

• Where: Dinton
• When:  Saturday, 13th October 2012
• Meet-up: St Mary's Road car park
• Time: 09.30 for a 10.00 start.
• Parking: Available (free)

 Directions: Here is a link on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/0K9rh

As you turn onto St. Mary's Road, carry on up and just as you see the Church, you will see the Car Park on your left..

Michael Richardson spends a day with SWOPs

It was a bright, sunny morning as the six of us met with Michael to begin a day of painting at Fonthill Lake.

After introductions and a short chat about such subjects as Linear Perspective, Arial Perspective and using techniques such as Warm & Cool colours, Texture and Saturation, we all settled down to paint...

There was nothing formal about this session. It felt more like painting with an old friend, who, every now and then, would pop over and offer some words of advice, if you wanted them...

My first attempt at a scene was, I felt sure, more than worthy of a place in the National Gallery.

Well, it would have been, if Michael hadn't casually strolled over and wiped it off! Yes, it was pretty bad.

However, 10 minutes of listening to Michael's advice and sage observations and I realised what I was doing wrong..


Techniques, ways of looking and thinking about a subject, composition, these are all skills that are learned through experience OR you can shorten that time and have someone who has already gone through the same trials, show you the way....

Sometimes, that is all you need to help you raise your game..

Enjoy the pictures below of the day.....

A big 'Thank You' to Michael for sharing his skills and knowledge with us.

Thanks also go out to everyone that attended; Jackie, Jenny, Katherine, Brian and Marshall....