Lion Demonstration in watercolour

Was lovely to be invited to the Ilford Art Society to give a demonstration. A local society that I joined and gave my first UK demo too, some years back. Very friendly society, always on the lookout for new members to join them. 

They requested a wildlife demo so I decided on one of my favourite animals, a lion in watercolours. 

Photo ref with thanks to  Pete Lambert on Unsplash

llford Art Society is highly respected in the local art community, with a history going back to 1925. Members range from beginners to experienced artists. The atmosphere at classes is informal, and there is a substantial social element to the Society's activities and committee life. We hold weekly classes on Wednesday evenings run by an experienced Tutor and exhibit regularly at a range of venues.

Once a month they host a painting demonstration, showing artists' materials and techniques. These are well supported and are always introducing new and exciting ideas. During the year a series of life classes are also arranged. Their online gallery showcases Members' work. Paintings are available for sale, and commissions can be undertaken by individual artists upon request. They have regular life and costume models. 

Members are free to either work from the model if they wish or to work on landscapes, still life or simply their own imagination - in a variety of materials of their choice.

HOW TO JOIN 

#lion #bigcats #lioness #africa #african #wildlife #art #watercolour #wildlifeartists #lionpainting #wildlifeart #instagood #instagram

Portraits in Watercolour - 2 Day workshop UK

I had such a wonderful afternoon demonstrating at the Babylon Gallery in Ely a couple of weeks back, while stewarding at the Society of East Anglian Watercolourists Selected Exhibition.

It's a beautiful gallery in a lovely setting on the river, lots of light and a charming area. 

This was the painting I did for the demonstration. Today it sits in my studio while I decided, what and if it needs more. I have to thank Frans Devriese for the kind use of his photograph.

I have been invited to teach at the East Devon Art Academy on the 13th and 14th October this year, so if you would like to come join me and learn how I paint just get in touch with me or the Academy. www.eastdevonart.co.uk

©Stephie Butler

©Stephie Butler

"In this exciting, informative workshop, Stephie will show you how to paint portraits in watercolour full of colour with an impressionistic feel. Suitable for all abilities. Stephie will share how to portray feelings and emotions in your work making it unique."

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Portraits in watercolour

2 Day WORKSHOP

13th & 14th OCT 2016

Contact

East Devon Art Academy

Old Fore Street

Sidmouth

EX10 8LS
 
Tel: +44 1395 516284

E-mail: info@eastdevonart.co.uk

The joy of teaching . . .

There seems to have been so much going on lately to keep me from remembering to update my blog, so it may take me a while to catch up with it all.

My demo painting "Eyes of Blue"

Among other thing I have been teaching, which is something i'm trying to do more of . One of the many friends I've met online over the years is very talented lady, Pat Elliott. Not only is Pat an Author, an Artist, but an amazing healer as well. I had known Pat for quite some time and recently started having Reflexology treatment from her, this I can highly recommend, hands that heal don't come close to describing what Pat has done for me. If you live in the south of the UK, look her up, you won't be disappointed.

Back to the teaching day. Pat wanted a days tuition on how to paint portraits in Watercolour, so off I went and spent the most wonderful day with her. The sun was shining and as it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year, we painted all day in her summerhouse.

I started the demo using a ref photo from the Wetcanvas photo library. Painting a little at a time showing Pat various techniques that I use, along with encouraging her to include part of herself in her painting. This is a little difficult to do at first when learning to paint in a different style, but does come when you learn to relax, play and take chances.

I was amazed how quickly Pat picked things up and her eagerness to learn was inspiring to me . What she achieved at the end of the day was outstanding, especially when taking into account, the ref she used was a very small snap shot.

This is Pat's painting as it stood at the end of the day. Isn't it amazing. So much more than a portrait painting, the emotions captured here are uplifting.

Pat's painting from the tuition day. @Pat Elliot  

 It was wonderful to read that Pat had kept up the hard work soon after I left and carried on playing and practicing the techniques, combining her already vast knowledge. This was a painting she produced on her own, developing the composition herself as she was already a much practiced artist. It was great to see her post a comparison to a much earlier painting, something we should all do with our own work every so often.

It gives me such a thrill to know i've helped in any way. When seeing a student paint with eagerness and enjoyment, it gives me added inspiration in my own work.

Archie ©Pat Elliot - 

Pat's previous painting @Pat Elliot 

The most important thing I can advise anyone learning is to play. Not everything will turn out as wanted, just take the bits you liked and carry them on to the next painting. It is the only way to move forward.

Free Demonstration at Hobbycraft Store . . .

I will also be having a clearance sale of Prints and Originals as well as Greetings Cards.

Ideal for Christmas presents if you are looking for something different and special.