Exhibition at Hornchurch Country Park Visitors Centre.....

On Sunday we had our exhibition at Hornchurch Country Park Visitors Centre, Ingrebourne Valley. This was a chance for all the learners from my Drawing class, Watercolour class and Painting and Drawing class to display their work in their first exhibition. 

I have to say I was so proud of them all as it looked absolutely fantastic. They've all worked incredibly hard and the results were amazing. Most of the learners are all complete beginners and haven't picked up a paintbrush or pencil since leaving school, which make their achievements even more applaudible.  
 

Some close ups of all their pieces..... It was really nice seeing the learners develop their own style during the courses and I love the wide range which you can see here

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It was always great to see their work in class but then to see the pieces framed or mounted for the exhibition was even more special.

My little section including the robin we did in one watercolour class....

It really was a lovely day especially as all the learners brought their friends and family to share the day too. The work is now going to be used for the Student Achievement night at Havering Adult College too, another great opportunity to celebrate their hard work. 

I cant wait for September to see their work develop further and meet some new students too. 

Ingrebourne Valley, Hornchurch Country Park......

I am very happy to say that I will be teaching again at Hornchurch Country Park come September. I first grew to love it through my kids, who love it here, I think because it's full of little nooks and crannies you can explore plus it has a giant concrete aeroplane in the playground area, what kid wouldn't love that. Over the past few months from teaching there I've grown to love it even more. Everybody there is incredibly friendly from the dog walkers to the visitor centre staff. Plus, like the kids, I love going off the beaten track to discover a few hidden gems like these......
 

 These cows gave much pleasure to one of my lessons as they kept running past the window : )

It is full of inspiration and I cant wait to start teaching there using a little colour this time rather than just drawing.

A little art on location......

It was a little sad as all of my courses have finished now for the summer. But what better way to finish than with a little art on location. For the finale of the drawing class we did some life drawing within Hornchurch Country Park taking it in turns to draw each other and passers by. 

For my classes based at Bower Park Centre at Havering Adult College we went up the road to Bedford's Park. I've been coming here for years ever since I was a little girl so it holds strong memories for me but there's something about the view across London that make it extra special. There are so many views and different aspects to choose from around the Visitor Centre which has a terrace, seating, canopy and most importantly loos : ) which make it an ideal location to sit, draw and paint. The soundtrack of the birds and wind rustling through the leaves make it so calming and relaxing. 

A perfect way to end the art classes.......

My Students Summer Show.......

I am very excited to announce that I am holding an exhibition of my students work. They have produced amazing work and I am very proud of everything they have achieved. This is a joint exhibition from my Drawing class, Watercolour class and the Drawing and Painting class. So there will be a great mix of different art works. Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre are letting us have their education room on Sunday 7th August to show our work.

I'm also doing some drop in sessions on the day so come along, sit down and relax with the amazing view across the park and have a go at a little drawing or painting. What better way to spend a Sunday.

Taking place on Sunday 7th August from 10am until 4pm. If you walk into the Visitors Centre, follow it through to the cafe and we'll be on the left, you wont be able to miss us. 

Hopefully see you there,

Kirsten

Blooming marvelous.....

One of my learners in the watercolour class had a request from a family member to paint flowers in glass which as you can imagine is a hard subject matter. 

So I found and produced some easier examples for them to follow with these 2 images......

  

And for anyone who wanted a harder challenge I photographed some flowers and painted this one. It doesn't quite show in the picture but this one was quite a long and detailed picture.

 

Here is what they produced which are amazing. I particularly love seeing their own styles starting to come through.....

Some then chose to attempt the harder challenge at home so I'm glad I didn't put them off : )

Joy of art....

I've always loved art and the more I teach it the more I see the benefits it has on people and no where more so than in this great location. Every Thursday morning I've been teaching a drawing class at Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre at South Hornchurch Country Park (yes that very same one that was on the news for the weasel riding woodpecker). These are the views from our windows.....

 

which creates a flood of great natural lighting in the room.

We can often hear and see the blue tits and great tits right outside the window. This week we even had a heard of cows running along! I'm pleased to say that I'm going to be teaching there next September introducing a little colour with a pastels and paint class (as soon as I know all the details I'll add them on). 

What more could you want...creating in such an inspiring location.

Proud mother hen.....watercolour portraits

I've been feeling like a proud mother hen lately from the learners in my art classes. I love seeing their work develop and progress over the weeks especially from people who haven't picked up a pencil or paintbrush since leaving school. Plus every week never feels like work!

These are some of the portraits the learners made.....

 

I have to confess that some did use carbon paper. I always show the learners how to draw the subject matter so in this case I showed them how to break down the face. But as the lessons are so short some chose to spend their time concentrating on painting the face. 

For such a hard subject matter I think they're brilliant.