show and tell April 2026

Let me set the scene. It’s a soft, warm and balmy summer evening with two people sitting together at a table gazing at the reflected heavens in the sea. The rich tints streaking across the sky as the sun dips below the horizon remind us of typical Mediterranean island nights. Vivien’s intimate small painting invites us to enter into it as we further discuss and discover a small boat sailing shorewards, the twinkling lights of a town across the bay and the suggested holiday atmosphere. A painting recalling memories of a recent or distant place and time.

Jane then presented two figurative paintings of Orla, one of our regular life drawing models. One image is of the clothed figure reminiscent of a Degas dancer and the other is unclothed. The subsequent debate initially focussed on attitudes and opinions towards the depiction of female bodies in art and in the media. This led on to us reaching interesting conclusions as we interpreted the narrative of each figure holding what appeared to be a picture frame. As seen in the photos below, are the figures stepping in or out of the constrictions of a frame or are they the ones in control of the frame and it’s intentions? The viewer may decide the outcome.

The final chapter of the session was held by Catherine and Sumi who were doing the same online course. Both are at the initial stages and concentrating on freeing up their process. This involved using any and various materials, tools and mediums they choose to create a sizeable, freely put together piece of artwork on paper. Once dry they focused on cropping to find interesting compositions and ideas. Several small squares and rectangles were cut out individually and became pieces of artwork in themselves. The remaining left overs were then torn or cut and collaged to make further interesting pieces. We all found this way of working fascinating, in fact so much so, that some of us couldn’t wait to follow their example and do it ourselves the following day.

Finally Catherine read us an intriguing article to do with the question of whether an artist has a need for affirmation of their artwork. Who do we ask? Who do we listen to? Whose opinion do we value? Do we need it at all? Are we strong enough reject some opinions? Profoundly interesting questions that I would hope to revisit.

This was such a riveting show and tell, they are always helpful and just seem to get better.