The regular fortnightly meetings of Fairfield Art Group continue and we are always open to new members. If you have some free time on a Monday, why not pop in and see what we have to offer? This months’s dates are the 12th and the 26th, and we meet between 10am and 1pm.

The format for these sessions is very informal, and our regular members cover a broad spectrum of artistic experience but we all share a passion for creating artwork using various different materials. For example: Sue is perhaps the least experienced painter – at present. She was inspired after some art lessons on a holiday. Sue’s family are encouraging her interest and she is now learning how to use acrylics (with some guidance from me) and her first ever painting was a great success. Mary and Jeanette both enjoy playing about with watercolour or coloured pencils. John creates restful landscapes using oil paints or watercolour while Komathy paints in oils or pastels. Komathy’s favourite subject is portraits. While she keeps quiet about her success, one of her paintings was selected for last year’s Royal Academy Summer Show – a very prestigious event in the UK art calendar.

These examples from our regular attendees are a good representation of the range of experience within the group. The good news is that we are all willing to share our expertise to help others, so that everyone has an enjoyable experience in the sessions.

There is no annual fee to pay, just come along with some art materials and have a go. If you’re not sure what to bring give me a call on 07434 351027 or email val@ vallawsonart.com. The cost is £5 per session with free tea and coffee. You could also pop in to say hello and have a chat over a coffee. I’m usually there, creating abstract acrylic paintings or enjoying some arty gossip! We’d love to see you!

In addition to the Art Group, Komathy and I are both taking part in the very popular Herts Open Studios 2022. Komathy Kumarasamy will be one of a group of artists in the gallery at Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage from Saturday 10 September to Sunday 2 October. I will be exhibiting with two other artists at North Herts Museum in Hitchin from Tuesday 6 September to Sunday 2 October. I will also be demonstrating at the museum on 7–11 and 14–15 September. The times of the demo sessions will vary – please contact me or visit http://www.hvaf.org.uk/open-studios for further info.

Keep painting and creating…

Val Lawson, Fairfield Art Group coordinator