Hi folks! We've had a marvellous first half term of 2013/14, with sessions on using charcoal and chalk with Emma Owens. Emma used to be an art teacher, after obtaining a degree in Fine Arts. With great enthusiasm, and yet a gentle spirit, Emma shares her love of diverse techniques, styles and materials. She has a lovely way of dealing with people, and genuinely enjoys teaching our group. We looked at blocking our paper in charcoal, then lifting areas, shadows and light with an eraser, as well as using charcoal to sketch with in the usual way. Emma herself was our model, and did a brilliant job. A couple of pictures below show what we did. More photos to come. Stay tuned for an exciting project that we'll be working on with Emma soon: painting on glass. This will mean that for this session there will be an extra charge for materials of £5. If you can't afford that, or don't feel excited about painting on glass, then please carry on with an ongoing project or start a new one.
With Stephanie Morris, we studied the chinese art of painting mushrooms and toadstools - amazing variety! With this almost meditative style of art, we can generally produce a finished piece of work in one session! Stephanie has herself experienced aphasia, and so has a deep understanding of the needs of our group. She can really relate to the need to go slow and steady, giving much needed support for those who struggle. Her painting is inspiring and her method of teaching a subject matter which at first may seem totally daunting, gives us the tools and self-belief that we can achieve a super-good painting of our own. Check out the Gallery where there are a couple of photos, but more are to come. When we have show-and-tell at the end of each session, which is much more useful and eye-opening than scary - really! - we're all really amazed by how professional our own work is. When you're concentrating on close-up work, distance gives us a new perspective on it, usually highly favourable too.
Oliver Lovley was with us yesterday, and it's fair to say, he has a host of admirers in the group. Again, Oliver, like many of the tutors we have had, is sensitive to our needs and more than happy to spend time with a member of the group who is trying to learn a new technique. His style is very relaxed and he puts at our ease so that whatever we do, we can use it as either a learning experience, or develop it using layering techniques until we're happier with our work. In the Gallery, there are plenty of photos of the session in progress which show how our work progresses. This week, we concentrated on blocks of shade and colour in our faces. Oliver has made the cutest mirrors and little easels to support them while we study our faces, and, using pencil, water and pale shades of ochre and burnt sienna (and in my case, hot pink!) we began to build up the shades and shapes of different areas of our faces. Initially, a daunting task - who likes to paint themselves?! - the focus of attention being on describing "chunks" of your face is much easier than you'd realise, and much less scary. Oliver's approach was to not focus on "likeness" but to capture texture, light and dark, and blocks of shapes.
Catering for our needs, which to be fair, are many and varied, all of our tutors enable us to have a lot of fun while learning in an easy-going, supportive and caring atmosphere. We don't need to rush or produce finished pieces of work because we can continue it during the weeks we don't have a tutor. These weeks are so useful because we can practise what we've learnt or use our wide variety of resources to discover new ideas, or brush up on old ones. Sometimes, you might just want to come and join the group but don't have the energy to paint, that's fine too. Our group is such a great mixture of people, who, in a similar situation to yourself, have some idea of what it's like to be in pain or exhausted.
So come and join us and experience a group that's tailored to your needs :)
Ooooh! Don't forget HALF TERM is next week 23RD OCTOBER! We're back on 30th October, so it's just for a week :) Have a nice break! Although if anyone fancies getting together for a social, then do let me know - always happy to go out for a coffee, or to the flicks, depending on health of course :)
Bless you
Alli
Thursday 17 October 2013
Wednesday 4 September 2013
New Term Start Date 11th September 2013
Haven't we had a lovely warm summer?! Hope it made you feel brighter, and that you've had a chance to rest during the past eight weeks, because we have an amazing year booked for you at New Beginnings Art Group. To start with, Stephanie Glenn Morris and Oliver Lovley are returning for a new year with us. In addition, Emma Owen, who led a session back in January, is able to commit to a whole year with us too! She'll even be doing some glass painting, so keep your eyes peeled for further info about that.
Our tutors are gentle, but there may also be a challenge for you as well. We're all aware, and have experience of, how difficult it can be to join a group on your own, let alone cope with all the problems/issues you have already. So this is a warm, welcoming group set up for people like you. The venue is marvellous too and so easy to navigate, even if you're in a wheelchair/scooter. The Oasis church staff are very accommodating and provide us with refreshments, so that our wonderful volunteers can make sure you're always topped up with a cuppa, water or juice. If you do need constant help though, please do bring someone with you because we have a limited number of volunteers for the group - WE CAN ALWAYS DO WITH MORE VOLUNTEERS THOUGH! :)
If you're returning, then we welcome you back with open arms too. This year we have the timetable all set up and I have the artist/tutors coming up with ideas for each session, which I'll post here when it's all sorted. I think the last term especially of 2012/13 helped us firm-up great working relationships with both Oliver and Stephanie, because we were able to spend three weeks consecutively with each of them. It was an absolute joy to see how far we ourselves can develop our artistic skill with this level of tuition and support. This was only possible because of the good year we had with a higher number of regular members, and donations from Eric Kerry and Chilwell Road Methodist Church - for which we thank you most sincerely.
Do please remember that those of us who run the group are also chronically ill or disabled, and simply volunteers. None of us get paid to run this wonderful group, apart from the tutors, who are generous enough to charge us a minimal fee. So the £20 you pay each half term (preferably at the beginning of the block please), has to cover hall rental, tuition costs, art materials and supplies and the sundry items necessary to run a group like ours. It's vital to the continuation of New Beginnings Art Group.
We really look forward to seeing you on 11th September at 1.30pm at The Oasis Centre, Union Street (next to the Malt Shovel). If you're driving, please be aware that there are some crazy roadworks at the bottom of Union Street, on the main road, so just take your time and turn left after the main Tesco's and then right past an elderly residential complex. If you've reached the Tesco petrol station on the main road, you've gone too far, so simply do a loop. The best way is to go round the one way system, ie, continue down Middle Street; road bends left into Regent Street; at the end, turn right onto Broadgate; at the traffic lights, bear right, down Humber Road (past the fab chip shop); turn right at the bottom onto Queens Road East; continue on this road for a short way until the junction with Station Road; turn right at the lights onto Station Road; at the junction with Middle Street, you're back at the Tescos again! There's a small car park adjoining The Oasis Centre and a small number of disabled parking spaces in the immediate vicinity. If you live in the Chilwell area, it may be possible for you to get a lift with a member of the group, or it may be that you can offer others a lift, or live in a different area and can offer a lift, if that's so, please contact us by email.
See you soon!
Alli and the gang at New Beginnings Art Group
Our tutors are gentle, but there may also be a challenge for you as well. We're all aware, and have experience of, how difficult it can be to join a group on your own, let alone cope with all the problems/issues you have already. So this is a warm, welcoming group set up for people like you. The venue is marvellous too and so easy to navigate, even if you're in a wheelchair/scooter. The Oasis church staff are very accommodating and provide us with refreshments, so that our wonderful volunteers can make sure you're always topped up with a cuppa, water or juice. If you do need constant help though, please do bring someone with you because we have a limited number of volunteers for the group - WE CAN ALWAYS DO WITH MORE VOLUNTEERS THOUGH! :)
If you're returning, then we welcome you back with open arms too. This year we have the timetable all set up and I have the artist/tutors coming up with ideas for each session, which I'll post here when it's all sorted. I think the last term especially of 2012/13 helped us firm-up great working relationships with both Oliver and Stephanie, because we were able to spend three weeks consecutively with each of them. It was an absolute joy to see how far we ourselves can develop our artistic skill with this level of tuition and support. This was only possible because of the good year we had with a higher number of regular members, and donations from Eric Kerry and Chilwell Road Methodist Church - for which we thank you most sincerely.
Do please remember that those of us who run the group are also chronically ill or disabled, and simply volunteers. None of us get paid to run this wonderful group, apart from the tutors, who are generous enough to charge us a minimal fee. So the £20 you pay each half term (preferably at the beginning of the block please), has to cover hall rental, tuition costs, art materials and supplies and the sundry items necessary to run a group like ours. It's vital to the continuation of New Beginnings Art Group.
We really look forward to seeing you on 11th September at 1.30pm at The Oasis Centre, Union Street (next to the Malt Shovel). If you're driving, please be aware that there are some crazy roadworks at the bottom of Union Street, on the main road, so just take your time and turn left after the main Tesco's and then right past an elderly residential complex. If you've reached the Tesco petrol station on the main road, you've gone too far, so simply do a loop. The best way is to go round the one way system, ie, continue down Middle Street; road bends left into Regent Street; at the end, turn right onto Broadgate; at the traffic lights, bear right, down Humber Road (past the fab chip shop); turn right at the bottom onto Queens Road East; continue on this road for a short way until the junction with Station Road; turn right at the lights onto Station Road; at the junction with Middle Street, you're back at the Tescos again! There's a small car park adjoining The Oasis Centre and a small number of disabled parking spaces in the immediate vicinity. If you live in the Chilwell area, it may be possible for you to get a lift with a member of the group, or it may be that you can offer others a lift, or live in a different area and can offer a lift, if that's so, please contact us by email.
See you soon!
Alli and the gang at New Beginnings Art Group
Monday 5 August 2013
Having a great Summer? Good. Need the new term dates??
Hi Folks
Do hope you're enjoying the Summer as much as I am, she says, ignoring the weather today. I've been chilling out, sitting in my lovely "new" garden and playing with my little dog. Still, I've not been tardy thinking about the future dates for New Beginnings... For details, please go to the "Teaching Dates" page :)
If you'd like to get together with the gang before the middle of September though, some of us are meeting at Caroline's on Wednesday to look at her jewellery making stuff, and possibly to make some! I'm also hoping to get a mosaic tutor to work with us at some point during August. I'll keep you posted. There will also be an opportunity to meet at the University gallery during the holidays too. As we are all in a similar boat, either disabled or chronically ill, events are a moveable feast, so do please keep checking back here. Added to this, Stephanie Morris is exhibiting and demonstrating at Attenborough Nature Reserve during August, so do visit and have a look at this lovely, talented lady's work. She makes it look so simple! Oliver Lovley will be "touring" this summer as well. Do check out his website on the links page.
I've just added a really useful site if you're interested in going further with Chinese painting: Sidewinder Studios. Stephanie Morris, our awesome Chinese painting tutor, highly recommends them. Amazing value for money, real depth of colour in the paints, and a whole host of other essentials for all your Chinese brushstroke needs. Of course there are other reputable sites, but this is the one with which we have had personal experience.
So, enjoy the rest of the Summer, and see you on 11th September at The Oasis Centre!
Ciao!
Alli Bennett
Do hope you're enjoying the Summer as much as I am, she says, ignoring the weather today. I've been chilling out, sitting in my lovely "new" garden and playing with my little dog. Still, I've not been tardy thinking about the future dates for New Beginnings... For details, please go to the "Teaching Dates" page :)
If you'd like to get together with the gang before the middle of September though, some of us are meeting at Caroline's on Wednesday to look at her jewellery making stuff, and possibly to make some! I'm also hoping to get a mosaic tutor to work with us at some point during August. I'll keep you posted. There will also be an opportunity to meet at the University gallery during the holidays too. As we are all in a similar boat, either disabled or chronically ill, events are a moveable feast, so do please keep checking back here. Added to this, Stephanie Morris is exhibiting and demonstrating at Attenborough Nature Reserve during August, so do visit and have a look at this lovely, talented lady's work. She makes it look so simple! Oliver Lovley will be "touring" this summer as well. Do check out his website on the links page.
I've just added a really useful site if you're interested in going further with Chinese painting: Sidewinder Studios. Stephanie Morris, our awesome Chinese painting tutor, highly recommends them. Amazing value for money, real depth of colour in the paints, and a whole host of other essentials for all your Chinese brushstroke needs. Of course there are other reputable sites, but this is the one with which we have had personal experience.
So, enjoy the rest of the Summer, and see you on 11th September at The Oasis Centre!
Ciao!
Alli Bennett
Friday 28 June 2013
Oliver's lovley sessions end, Stephanie's begin
Oliver Lovley
Do check out our gallery of work to see what we've been up to with Oliver Lovley. It was a brilliant opportunity for us to work diligently with one artist and learn how to expand our repertoire, while being brave and "having a go" at using a variety of implements and techniques. Oliver encouraged us to to keep a sketch pad with us at home, or out and about, and to practise drawing quick sketches. He has helped us to think beyond our perceived limitations, and to use different methods to represent objects and materials.
Stephanie Glenn Morris
Stephanie is another of our regular tutors, and so it is with real relish that we look forward to practising our Chinese brush strokes with her over the next three weeks, from 3rd to 17th July 2013. Her plan is to teach us how to draw a variety of fruit, culminating in a studied piece describing a fruit basket. Having seen the programme she has devised earlier today, I'm eager to see what we can achieve this coming Wednesday! Do come and join us for these sessions, and be assured that Stephanie is a proficient teacher and enabler, so even if you have never attempted Chinese painting before, you will discover - with her expert help - how to create beautiful art work.
Alli Bennett
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Teaching bonanza this half term!
Hi folks!
What a choc-a-bloc half term we have for you right now! Oliver Lovley is joining us the first three sessions, and Stephanie Morris the last three weeks - we're delighted! It's been such a good year for the group that we decided to treat ourselves to expert tuition for the whole six week block.
Last week, Oliver had us experimenting with techniques, media and style - in 20 minute blocks. The project was to draw four different trees in the session using whatever came to hand - bearing in mind we have a plethora of materials (latterly, courtesy of Eric Kerry who, sadly, is no longer a councillor). At first, a little stymied by the idea of painting something in just 20 minutes, and dazzled by the array of equipment, we got stuck in. Those who don't talk nineteen-to-the-dozen managed to accomplish far more than the required number of paintings! We thoroughly enjoyed it :) And produced some pretty amazing work - I don't know why that always seems surprising, I really should EXPECT this level of amazing :) - but what we learnt from the whole process was to be more free in our styles, to explore different marks made by various implements, and to do it all much quicker, with less nervousness.
A thoroughly entertaining and educational session was had by all - thank you, Oliver.
You can see Oliver at the Open Studios in Sherwood this weekend.
Stephanie runs a Chinese painting class at "The Other Space" as well. It's on Tuesdays on Chilwell High Road, Beeston (next to the Fabric Place). Really looking forward to learning more about her craft from 3rd - 17th July.
Come and join us, we have new folks every term :)
Best wishes,
Alli Bennett
What a choc-a-bloc half term we have for you right now! Oliver Lovley is joining us the first three sessions, and Stephanie Morris the last three weeks - we're delighted! It's been such a good year for the group that we decided to treat ourselves to expert tuition for the whole six week block.
Last week, Oliver had us experimenting with techniques, media and style - in 20 minute blocks. The project was to draw four different trees in the session using whatever came to hand - bearing in mind we have a plethora of materials (latterly, courtesy of Eric Kerry who, sadly, is no longer a councillor). At first, a little stymied by the idea of painting something in just 20 minutes, and dazzled by the array of equipment, we got stuck in. Those who don't talk nineteen-to-the-dozen managed to accomplish far more than the required number of paintings! We thoroughly enjoyed it :) And produced some pretty amazing work - I don't know why that always seems surprising, I really should EXPECT this level of amazing :) - but what we learnt from the whole process was to be more free in our styles, to explore different marks made by various implements, and to do it all much quicker, with less nervousness.
A thoroughly entertaining and educational session was had by all - thank you, Oliver.
You can see Oliver at the Open Studios in Sherwood this weekend.
Stephanie runs a Chinese painting class at "The Other Space" as well. It's on Tuesdays on Chilwell High Road, Beeston (next to the Fabric Place). Really looking forward to learning more about her craft from 3rd - 17th July.
Come and join us, we have new folks every term :)
Best wishes,
Alli Bennett
Sunday 2 June 2013
Sad news about our good friend Veronica Boorman
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Veronica's death on Saturday 25 May. She was an inspiring tutor and artist, and her passion for her faith was clearly brought into her artwork. She was involved with many different events and activities to do with faith and art and will be very sadly missed. Her son, Peter, and his fiancee Joanne, were at her bedside when she died.
Her brother, Andrew, is has sent the details regarding her funeral which I will place here for your information.
Friday 14th June
12.30pm — Cremation Service at Bramcote Crematorium (anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to do so).
Followed by:
2.00pm — Thanksgiving service, at Christchurch Chilwell.
The thanksgiving service will be followed by refreshments and a chance to view a display of Veronica’s paintings. There will also be an opportunity for family and friends to acquire paintings — possibly in return for a donation (that’s yet to be decided).
Family flowers only please.
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Veronica's death on Saturday 25 May. She was an inspiring tutor and artist, and her passion for her faith was clearly brought into her artwork. She was involved with many different events and activities to do with faith and art and will be very sadly missed. Her son, Peter, and his fiancee Joanne, were at her bedside when she died.
Her brother, Andrew, is has sent the details regarding her funeral which I will place here for your information.
Friday 14th June
12.30pm — Cremation Service at Bramcote Crematorium (anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to do so).
Followed by:
2.00pm — Thanksgiving service, at Christchurch Chilwell.
The thanksgiving service will be followed by refreshments and a chance to view a display of Veronica’s paintings. There will also be an opportunity for family and friends to acquire paintings — possibly in return for a donation (that’s yet to be decided).
Family flowers only please.
Thursday 16 May 2013
Open Studios Notts
The Festivals held at Lady Bay and Patchings as well as several other art events are advertised on the Open Studios Notts website. So if you'd like to satisfy your artistic cravings this May and June, log on to the OSNotts link on the right. Here in Nottinghamshire, we have a fantastic heritage of talented artisans, and with the generosity of great sponsors, we're able to share our love of art through festivals like these. Relish these opportunities and support our treasure trove of gifted artists and crafters. The entry fees are usually low, and great for the whole family. So have a wonderful time interacting and sharing with the folks at these events - and have a great May and June out and about in Notts!
Lady Bay Arts Festival - this weekend
Our very own Oliver Lovley will be exhibiting this weekend at the Lady Bay Arts Festival - an event held in West Bridgford this weekend. What happens? Different artists will be exhibiting or demonstrating their craft in the houses of some really generous residents. So check out the link, pop over to Lady Bay and take part in what promises to be an excellent artistic experience.
Monday 13 May 2013
A Big Thank You To Eric Kerry
Our grateful thanks go to Mr Eric Kerry, a councillor in Broxtowe, who very kindly donated £300 to New Beginnings for art supplies. This came at the perfect time for us as we were running very low on even the basic materials. This means that we'll be able to invest in the better quality products for group members. We like to have a decent supply for folks, but do also encourage members to begin to build up their own equipment and materials so that they can practise at home - or out and about!
What we like to do is to buy great equipment and supplies at art events like Patchings, which is coming up soon. This means they're greatly reduced in price, but great quality and therefore our money goes further! Marvellous! For details about the Patchings event please see the link on the right. If you're going, look out for our art tutor, Oliver Lovley, who will be demonstrating there. Well worth a look!
What we like to do is to buy great equipment and supplies at art events like Patchings, which is coming up soon. This means they're greatly reduced in price, but great quality and therefore our money goes further! Marvellous! For details about the Patchings event please see the link on the right. If you're going, look out for our art tutor, Oliver Lovley, who will be demonstrating there. Well worth a look!
Summer Term 2013
Well the final term is upon us - cannot believe how swiftly this academic year has passed! We've even had several new members join us this term, but we are always happy to see even more new folks come along.
Why do we think New Beginnings is worth giving a shot? Because, courtesy of the Oasis Centre, Beeston, we're able to provide a safe, disabled friendly, warm and inviting venue. We have talented tutors on hand several times a term, and gifted artists within the group members to learn alongside as well. And we have a marvellous little team of volunteers, who make sure that we operate without a hitch. The group is a haven for those who aren't able to get out as much as they'd like, and friendships blossom amid the sessions, which can be thoughtful, even restful, or filled with laughter and chatter. We provide a respite for those in search of like-minded people, with a passion for art and developing personal styles and techniques. Refreshments are available a couple of times during the two hour session. If you need a helping hand, it may be sensible to bring a friend/support person with you, just in case. We're disabled or chronically ill too, so won't be able to offer much in the way of physical assistance.
Why do we charge for the full half-term when you're only able to come two or three times? While we appreciate that those on benefit, or low income, may well be struggling, the cost is very low. We still have the rent to pay for the rooms, as well as the tutors and art supplies. If you were paying for art classes elsewhere, you'd be expected to pay up front in many cases too - but significantly more. It means we can, with confidence, continue to offer this wonderful service for you.
Well the final term is upon us - cannot believe how swiftly this academic year has passed! We've even had several new members join us this term, but we are always happy to see even more new folks come along.
Why do we think New Beginnings is worth giving a shot? Because, courtesy of the Oasis Centre, Beeston, we're able to provide a safe, disabled friendly, warm and inviting venue. We have talented tutors on hand several times a term, and gifted artists within the group members to learn alongside as well. And we have a marvellous little team of volunteers, who make sure that we operate without a hitch. The group is a haven for those who aren't able to get out as much as they'd like, and friendships blossom amid the sessions, which can be thoughtful, even restful, or filled with laughter and chatter. We provide a respite for those in search of like-minded people, with a passion for art and developing personal styles and techniques. Refreshments are available a couple of times during the two hour session. If you need a helping hand, it may be sensible to bring a friend/support person with you, just in case. We're disabled or chronically ill too, so won't be able to offer much in the way of physical assistance.
Why do we charge for the full half-term when you're only able to come two or three times? While we appreciate that those on benefit, or low income, may well be struggling, the cost is very low. We still have the rent to pay for the rooms, as well as the tutors and art supplies. If you were paying for art classes elsewhere, you'd be expected to pay up front in many cases too - but significantly more. It means we can, with confidence, continue to offer this wonderful service for you.
Thursday 31 January 2013
AGM Wednesday 13th February 2013 at 1.30pm (tbc)
We will hopefully be holding our AGM on Wednesday 13th February for an hour, starting at 1.30pm. We need to confirm with the Oasis Centre to make sure that this date is ok first, so do stay tuned. This would normally be our half-term vacation, but we felt it would be an ideal opportunity to raise issues, concerns and future hopes for this expanding group.
It is hoped that at this meeting we will be able to talk about the future of the group, current finances and potential for future funding, task reallocation and a whole host of other things. So bring your positive head, join us for lunch, and meet other members of the group for an interesting insight into New Beginnings - the art group for those who are unable to continue working because of chronic health or disability.
It is hoped that at this meeting we will be able to talk about the future of the group, current finances and potential for future funding, task reallocation and a whole host of other things. So bring your positive head, join us for lunch, and meet other members of the group for an interesting insight into New Beginnings - the art group for those who are unable to continue working because of chronic health or disability.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Hoping that 2013 is creative and fulfilling
Welcome to 2013!
Now I know it's been a while since you were updated with our shenanigans, but this year hopefully we'll be able to keep you more accurately up-to-date because Mary's going to take over the upkeep of the blog - yay!Our first half-term of this year is full of new blood! Stephanie Morris, our Chinese artist, will be back with us, and compared to our two other tutors has now been with us for quite a while! Stephanie joined us during our last academic year and has brought colour and confidence to our workshops. It's so rewarding to go home with a piece of artwork that is complete and beautifully presented that she's enabled us to create. Oliver Lovley joined us last term and will be back with us this term. His style is quite different to any that we've had before and he's inspired us to create our own "paint" from unlikely substances such as grass, coffee, and beetroot! Now I'm sure artists of old would have had to create their own but we're much more used to dabbing on a bit of Daler-Rowney, so it's been exciting to see what develops and how the colours change over time. Emma Owen is brand new to the group, but not to teaching. She used to teach art at secondary school, but is now focusing on her family and creating her own art work and glassware. We're thrilled that she can join us and judging by her recent email, our first session of this new year will be smashing! Er, well not literally of course!
Stay tuned as more dates are fixed for the rest of this academic year...
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