For me, sketching and painting this summer was memorable and fun, in spite of the fact that my calamitous results are consigned to the back of a drawer.
Placing oneself in a new and unfamiliar environment can encourage a sense of peace and calm, which does wonders for concentration and with that comes the rewarding fulfilment of at least one little lesson learnt, however disappointing the overall results.
The weather was unpredictable, but on each occasion we managed to get out for an hour or two and that window of opportunity was so worthwhile.
Like so many, I am a lifelong devotee of John Constable not only for his magnificent landscapes, but also his watercolour sketches and prolific letters and writing.
Re – reading his writings this summer, I have been reminded that in 1800 he asked the same questions as us about truth, observation and the emotional response to painting. He despaired of his “second hand painting“ as he called it, but was always excited by first hand observation even if it was just a tiny thumbnail sketch.

So far for next year I am planning trips to the Rare Breeds farm in Wanstrow, the East Somerset Railway in Cranmore and Fiddleford Manor near Sturminster Newton. I have more ideas in the pipeline, but would love to hear of any of your recommendations so please get in touch with me.
Whatever the weather I hope you will join me and we will make each day as memorable as we can.
I will end this with a quote from John Constable’s text that accompanied his big collaboration with David Lucas (printmaker), which he started in 1829;
“by a close observation of nature, he (the artist) discovers qualities existing in her which have never been portrayed before, and thus forms a style which is original.”

Jeffy Salt

It has been fun putting together five venues for outdoor painting and sketching this summer and I look forward to hosting these occasions, with the exception of Knowle Rock and Lordsmead house which will be kindly hosted by Corinna and Shelagh respectively, so on those days I will be a part of the group. 

There is nothing to beat sitting or standing at one’s easel in interesting outdoor settings  and because painting is normally a solitary occupation, mutual support comes high on my list when in a group providing  an opportunity to share and talk art, techniques etc. 

A planned part of the days proceedings will be a convivial lunch spent together munching on our sandwiches , making each day something of a shared adventure . 

All the days are free to members with the exception of Kilver Court which will cost £5.50 (admission fee) per person . I look forward to seeing you there and let’s hope for moderate weather. 

Jeffy Salt

For further details please visit the Events Calendar

Last spring members visited Lesley Beazer’s orchard at Home Farm for a painting day. On Wednesday 7th September there will be an opportunity to revisit the orchard for another painting day this time in the autumn. The weather may be autumnal too!

Home Farm, Stoney Stratton, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6EA
Kindly hosted by Lesley Beazer.
Bring lunch and usual materials

 A good turn out for our first Painting Day this year at a beautiful venue full of different features. Our thanks to the Drysdales who allowed us to sketch & paint in their grounds & for supplying coffee & cake! The old fruit trees provided shelter from sunshine & showers

  Fletcher Robinson and his wife Marie Helene were our generous and welcoming hosts to a beautiful, mild, sunny day in their home and garden with its mill house, river, trees and weir where we could wander and set ourselves up to produce masterpieces after meeting for coffee and lunch-time chat. Continue reading A Great Day Drawing and Painting at Lovington Mill →