THACKLEY TRUMPIT JULY 2014 THE LIVING WELL ART CLUB

The Living Well ART CLUB

Meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - 1pm,

at St. John’s Hall, Thorpe Edge.

By Jeff Thelwell

Last month I was describing the way the club functions on a day to day basis and the fact that one of our more experienced painters was running a workshop on wet on wet painting.  You may also recall I mentioned that an element of luck was useful in the process.  Well, it must have been my lucky day because my own effort wasn't too bad although I was not as lucky as Trevor (our workshop leader)  Never mind, practice will no doubt overcome a lack of talent! 
Also this month we have a visit from Jeremy Taylor to look forward to so I can live in hope that something will rub off. Jeremy has the unenviable task of teaching us the mysteries of painting water. One book I read on the subject said "don't paint the water- paint the shadows" which sounds a bit Zen to me.
You will be reading this in July and by then the club will close for the summer holidays which means another lunch out and an extended time painting at home. That can be fun although my wife has been quick to point out that watercolours do not necessarily wash out of the best     tablecloth or indeed from the tea towel, so be warned should you get the urge to have a go. On that domestic note I shall leave you and hope that should you wish to try us out you will give me a ring on 01274 61233      
Jeff Thelwell 

THACKLEY TRUMPIT MAY 2014 THE LIVING WELL ART CLUB

The Living Well ART CLUB

Meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - 1pm,

at St. John’s Hall, Thorpe Edge.

By Jeff Thelwell

It's that time again. Spring is here and along with the daffodils and young lambs comes A.G.M. time. It's the same for any organisation large or small but as I'm a doer, I always seem to end up with a committee place I don't really want. It's very easy to get on to a committee but it's bl---y hard to get off without incurring resentment and ill will, so unless there is a willing member, keen to step in, you're stuck with me for another year.

Clubs are not to everyone's taste. I have a strange  relationship with them, as on the plus side you meet people with similar tastes and interests and are forced by the club itinerary to attempt things you may otherwise not do, whilst on the other hand you don't always get to do what you want, when you want. 

The Living Well Art Club suits me as the monthly programme means we paint subjects that would otherwise be avoided for a host of reasons, yet allows us to follow our own interests just as avidly. Then of course there are the workshops that help us to try, or further develop, new skills. It's all a question of balance and to be frank I think we have got it about right because if we only painted what we wanted to then we may as well stay at home. On the other hand, if we only painted to a programme, we would resent not painting what we want There, I've got that off my chest- time to volunteer again!!!!

Our programme for next month is:-

May 6    Open meeting

May 13   Workshop with Doreen Betts.(Trees)

May 20   Open meeting

May 27   Path of Peace

THACKLEY TRUMPIT APRIL 2014 THE LIVING WELL ART CLUB

The Living Well ART CLUB

Meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - 1pm,

at St. John’s Hall, Thorpe Edge.

By Jeff Thelwell

As anticipated, the workshop we had with Jeremy Taylor was a great success although as usual everybody had a different version of Jeremy's chosen subject! It is nice to follow (as best you can) the work of an expert but even more pleasurable if they happen to be a good teacher as well. Jeremy, as I said last month, is both a gifted artist and professional teacher so his sessions are always something to look forward to. 

In April we are holding another workshop with our founder member Doreen Betts. Although not a professional artist Doreen has been painting watercolours all her life and produces paintings of wonderful freshness and  assurance.  I am lucky enough to have one of her pictures hung and never tire of its style and grace.  Her subject for the workshop will be  Derbyshire Walls.

We will also be holding our AGM in April so should you choose to join us for Doreen's session do make sure of the dates or you could get caught up in the cut and thrust of club politics!  Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Our list of activities for April are.

April 1st.      Stepping Stones

April 8th      Open Meeting and AGM

April 15th    Workshop with Doreen Betts

April 22nd   No  Meeting (Easter)

 Should you have any enquiries regarding the club don't hesitate to contact me on 01274 612334 and ask for Jeff

THE LIVING WELL ART CLUB

The Living Well ART CLUB

Meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - 1pm,

at St. John’s Hall, Thorpe Edge.

By Jeff Thelwell

It has occurred to me that my attempts to make Idle and Thackley the  Creative Capitol of the World in the last issue, have resulted in a lack of information on more mundane matters. Therefore, this month I will keep my feet firmly planted on the floor and dish out information on our activities  at The Living Well Art Club.

First of all an apology. In my January zeal, I forgot to inform you of a workshop with Jeremy Taylor that takes place on February 25th at St.John's Church hall. By the time you read this, it will, of course be too late for you to attend which is a great pity as Jeremy is not only an excellent  artist but also a painstaking teacher as well. As a result both artists and onlookers have an enjoyable time. I shall try to do better in future.

The new improved Jeff will now give you our programme for March. Don't forget that if you would care to try your hand with water colours, then we extend a warm welcome to you free of any obligation. We can supply equipment and materials for your "try out" and friendly advice is on hand. Give me a ring on 01274612334 for more details.

Anyway, our programme is as follows.

March 4th    Spring Wood.

March 11th  Open meeting 

March 18th  Mediterranean Memories 

March 25th  Critique "Scotland"  

THACKLEY TRUMPIT FEBRUARY 2014 ART CLUB

The Living Well ART CLUB

Meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - 1pm,

at St. John’s Hall, Thorpe Edge.

By Jeff Thelwell

As it is the beginning of the year I'm going to have an annual moan about the people who say "I'm no good at art so I don't do it". It isn't that we need more members (although you are always welcome) it's just that this outlook is so negative and only applies to what we perceive as creative pastimes. Lets take some examples.

None of us were born with the ability to drive a car. However we didn't say" I'm no good at driving so I don't do it, "we took lessons and a test and now enjoy the experience. Some of us are better at it than most. Some of us became professionals. Some of us even became famous due to our skill, but that doesn't stop the rest of us driving from A to B with only the        occasional bump.

My wife is a first class knitter and informs me she learnt the basics at school and through usage, trial and error, and asking other knitters improved her skills as she clothed us with her efforts. What she  didn't do was give up before she had even begun!

The world is full of butchers, bakers, candlestick  makers. Doctors, nurses, and people who cater. Plumbers, builders and candifloss makers. And you know what? They all started off not being very good at their skill. But rather than say "I can't do it" they took the point of view that they could learn and surprise, surprise, they did .

So why is it that when we see something as "CREATIVE" we expect to be experts from the start, without need of practice or improvement. True, some will be better than others. Yes, some may earn their living by their creative prowess, but that should not stop the rest of us enjoying the experience even if we do have bump or two on the way.  Make 2014 the year you became a creative person by dropping the "I can't do it attitude". Have a go and enjoy the doing.