Issue 1 - Jan 7th 2010 - Blank Canvas

With the world outside looking remarkably like a blank canvas, what better time to say

HAPPY NEW YEAR

to you all from Bromley Art Society's Website.

The society's canvas is no longer blank however - the programme provides the first outline of an artistic year ahead. We have some very colourful speakers, but I need to be careful with the analogies here to avoid the impression that they are just blocking in. I already feel the need to argue with October's speaker, Anthony Slinn, whose website describes him as "Probably the most unknown artist in the world."

You will find the programme online . It is also on the membership card and in the last Easel. You might notice slight differences in wording, but I think we are all describing the same events. As usual any updates will appear on the website and in these newsletters.

Our first meeting is not until February, so you will have to contain your impatience till then. In the meantime, anyone who means to rejoin and has not yet done so ...... Brenda is waiting for you. Do encourage others to join too.

I have revamped the list of members exhibitions. I am sorry if I missed one or two over the last few weeks when life has been rather hectic. I am very happy to advertise exhibitions for members, but please email me the details in as simple as form as possible. There is room for a small image.

The new list starts with a single entry from the indefatigable Allan G H Davies, who has produced 17 new oils (and only two new initials) for an exhibition entitled, and in, Dartford.

Allan would also like your copy and pictures for the next edition of "The Easel". He didn't ask me to say this, but he always does need them so I thought I would get it in first. The Easel is something we should be proud of and Allan puts a lot of effort into it - so please keep him supplied with copy. Most of it I pinch for the web site sooner or later as well.

I am sure you have all been painting away since we last met so please send him some pictures. Don't forget that we have a nice gallery of members' art so please create or refresh your own gallery (instructions are there too)

 

Issue 2 - Jan 30th 2010 - Start the year with the bang ...

... of a gavel, as our auctioneer Peter Dinsmore rattles through the lots at our first meeting this coming Friday.

This is your chance to sell things as well! Please bring any unwanted Christmas gifts, or anything replaced by a gift that could be enjoyed by someone else. The Society charges a commission (I have forgotten the percentage – possibly 20%)

In addition to the auction there will be sales of books, art materials and mosaics. It is also of course our AGM, with hotly fought contests for the key committee posts. Webmaster anyone?

This meeting will be on Friday 5th February at 8pm, in Verrall Hall, Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY. There is usually plenty of parking space in surrounding streets. I hope to see you there!

We now have dates for the first three meetings of BAS@BEECHE (Bromley Environmental Education Centre at High Elms). This is a joint venture with BEECHE which we started last year, to promote both the Society and the Centre. We had great fun and made some sales – we hope the latter will increase as this becomes an established event. The dates so far are: 10-11 April, 12-13 June, 21-22 August. Please consider joining us to exhibit, to paint and draw or just to chat to each other and the public. For those who don't know High Elms, there are lovely walks with ponds, woods and fields, and a very welcoming cafe.

Issue 3 - Feb 27th 2010 - I think I have to call this Printerly

Our illustrated lecture in March will be given by Peter Richards on Friday 5th March. He will be talking about the four basic techniques of printing used by artists, an unusual topic that we have not covered in the Society - at least in my time in it. Peter also paints in printing inks which produces very vivid works. It's not often that I can say that I know the speaker - but Peter is a friend of mine and I think we are in for a treat. He is an ex member (and committee member) of Bromley Society and I hope that you will welcome him back with a large audience.

As with all these talks, it will be held in the Verrall Hall, United Reform Church, Widmore Road, Bromley BR1 1RY, starting at 8pm.

At our first meeting of the Society this year, and AGM, the Jack Hill cup was presented to Peter Dinsmore for all his work as exhibitions secretary - and many other things.  Well done!

There is plenty of space for new galleries on the Society's web site, or to refresh your existing one. There are some stunning new works at present from Christine Mallion, Derek Burt, Ailsa Chapman, Allan Davies and Peter Cox. Thanks to all of them. You can see the latest additions at the updates page . Of course if you upload your work, you can displace them from this list ....

Peter Cox has uploaded his work ih preparation for an exhibition at the Ripley Arts Centre titled Spanish Flavours which will run from April 6th to April 31st 2010. The open evening will be on the 6th from 7-9 pm with an open invitation to all.

Don't forget our new series of exhibitions BAS@BEECHE at High Elms. The first will be 10th - 11th April. We have had great fun at these last year, with a certain amount of Ripley style communal painting alongside the exhibitions themeselves. We are hoping that having regular events there will get us a new audience, both for the Society and for individual sales. Why not join us and submit a picture or two?

 

Issue 4 - Mar 28th 2010 - Art@Home, BAS@BEECHE - An Art Feast

Art@Home: Our April meeting is not the first Friday of the month as is our usual custom. I have therefore designated Friday 2nd April as Art@Home Friday. Have a Happy Easter!

The weekend of the 9th - 11th is something of an Art Feast however. Bromley Art Society's Illustrated Lecture for April will be on Friday 9th April. We look forward to welcoming Caroline Aston who is going to demonstrate a watercolour landscape. The meeting will start at 8pm and take place in the
Verrall Hall, Bromley United Reformed Church
20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY.

Don't forget we now have a projection system, and we welcome non-members to these lectures - there is a small fee. Plenty of parking in the surrounding streets.

BAS@BEECHE: The weekend of the 10th & 11th April sees another one of our exhibitions and demos at High Elms. The "official" time is 12 - 4, but we shall be in at 10 to set up.

Exhibitors - BAS members are welcome to exhibit - please let me know roughly how many artworks (paintings, drawings, ceramics, mosaics, cards, sculptures) you want to show. If you have already told me, it might be wise to tell me again as I have been very busy recently! These are very informal affairs and we have ended up painting much as at Ripley, often with an admiring crowd. Exhibitors will need to steward, but we arrange that on the day unless you want to tell me beforehand. We need to be cleared up and out by 4pm on Sunday.

Visitors - do please come and join us if you are not exhibiting, and bring all your friends and relations. This really is a fun event and is as much about promoting Art in general and BAS in particular as it is about selling work. These exhibitions also help out the BEECHE centre and we work closely with them. There are always plenty of lovely things to see on walks at High Elms, not to mention the Green Roof Cafe and its fabulous bacon sandwiches.

Members Spring Exhibition: Sadly this has been cancelled as the Central Library's building works are now going ahead. We are all hoping that an exhibition space will arise from the ruins of the current one, without much reason to hope ....

All the more reason therefore to make best use of the several BAS@BEECHE events this year, and the Ripley Exhibition in May for those entitled.

One last item: The website took a hammering recently at the hands of a software bug. Many of the items disappeared, particularly the archive of previous issues of "The Easel". I have spent a lot of time stiching it all back together again. Please browse around it to help me check that I have assembled articles and issues correctly. You will realise what a terrific amount of work Allan Davies puts into producing "The Easel". He is always on the prowl for new articles and pictures, so please send him some.

Issue 5 - Apr 11th 2010 - Record sales for BAS@BEECHE

I thought you might like to know that we made £248.90 in sales of paintings, cards, mosaics etc at BEECHE this weekend. We also made £52.30 in "hanging fees". The first figure is credible - I don't quite know how we made £52.30 at £3.00 per person! Both figures broke our previous records for BEECHE events.

The reason for this is quite clear - we had a fantastic turnout of artists with a huge variety of works. Once again everyone had fun, painting, chatting in the sunshine and eating chocolate cake and bacon sandwiches. Having the artists "working" there and enjoying themselves clearly brings the audience / customers in.

The other key to our success is advertising - so please start making preparations for the next BAS@BEECHE event on the 12th and 13th June 2010 and get the date out to all your friends, neighbours, colleagues and family.

and in other news:

A group visit to the Art Gallery at Bethlem Hospital has been arranged. If members are interested in joining in but have not yet put their name down on the list, please let Pat Tucker know as soon as possible. The time is 2.00pm on 27th May 2010. We are to meet in the Main Entrance Hall of the Hospital which is in Monks Orchard Road, West Wickham.

Issue 6 - May 2nd 2010 - Life Drawing with Bromley Art Society

Our "illustrated lecture" slot in May is not going to be a lecture but a life drawing session with a model. I for one have never done this before, so I am looking forward to it - but with a little nervousness! Here are two pieces of advice from our luminaries.

Allan Davies's advice (from a much longer article in the Spring edition of The Easel): Bring your own kit to the BAS session. If you have a protable easel and board to which to clip your paper, bring them as it is easier to draw from life on a near vertical plane. Charcoal and white chalk or pastels are good to start with. Good quality soft pencils enable fine drawing of details. Leave your pencil eraser at home! Bring plenty of paper. It's also handy to have some wipes or a rag to clean your hands.

Pat Tucker's advice: Bring the art materials that you think you will need, depending on how you wish to work - eg - pencils, pens, ink, charcoal, paints, pastels and paper and a board or other firm base on which to work. Remember that you will have less than two hours to work so drawing rather than painting is advised. Drawing is also cleaner in the Church Hall - if you do decide to paint you should also bring some floor protection. Bring an easel if you prefer but tables will be provided.

As always, the session starts at 8pm but Allan advises arriving in plenty of time.

Friday 7th May 2010, 8pm Verrall Hall, Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY.

See you there

Issue 7 - May 26th 2010 - Exhibitions at Denbies and BEECHE

1) Message from Pat Tucker about Denbies Vineyard Exhibition (21st - 27th
June)

This is a message for all those Members who intend to exhibit at our
exhibition at Denbies Vineyard.  As you will know, in common with our general
practice, all exhibitors are expected to take a turn at stewarding  the show.  
It is realised that this venue is further away from the Bromley area than most
and it is for this reason that the Committee is willing to transport your
pictures to and from the venue as well as hanging them for you.  They cannot
also be expected to do all of the stewarding.

I hope as many of you as are possibly able will volunteer and not look upon it
as a chore but as an opportunity for a pleasurable day out.  The vineyard is
visited by people from all parts of the country - many much further away than
Bromley.

The exhibition space overlooks the main entrance to the building as well as
providing a clear view of the exhibition itself - there are always people
milling about and many studying the work on show.   On the ground floor is a
splendid shop and cafe area. Nearby the building is a nursery, with its own
shop and surrounding it is the largest vineyard in the country.  Guided trips
round the vineyard and wine making areas are available when your stewarding
stint is over - or before it begins.

The best way of getting there is by road and there is plenty of parking.  The
journey from Bromley takes about an hour.   Dorking railway station is on the
road out to the vineyard but a local bus would be needed to its front gate
from which there is quite a long walk to the central building.

If you find the prospect of getting there too difficult please talk to other
members who are going so that you could beg a lift with them or, if all else
fails persuade a friend to share the outing with you. 

2) BAS @ BEECHE (12th - 13th June)

Please let me know if you would like to join us for this increasingly popular
event. I should be grateful if someone could pass the message on to those
Ripley group members not on email. More details to follow shortly.

It's going to be a busy month!
 

Issue 8 - May 28th 2010 - Summer Salad

Here is a salad of notes, written in some haste!

1) Sandra Martin is unable to do the demo (abstract in acrylic with collage) so Pat Tucker will do a demo in acrylic instead at the meeting on 4th June.

2) Crafty Arts in Brentwood is closing, and has a closing down sale for the next few weeks. Their Bluewater branch remains open.

3) Our friends at BEECHE High Elms are having a Bio-diversity Family fun day, on Bank holiday Monday, 31st May, 11.00am - 4.00pm.

4) Three in One
Sue Howes and Ann Holdway are joined by Tessa Knott to bring you an array of arts and crafts to delight your eye, inspire and tempt you to reach for your purse, wallet, cheque book. Paintings, jewellery, fused glass, silk scarves, felt work, bags, mosaics, cards.

When: June 5/6/10/12/13/17/19/20 10.30 - 4 pm each day
At: 4 Park Grove, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3HR
Directions: From Bromley take A222 East, turn left into Freelands Road. At crossroads turn left into Park Road, then immediately right. Number 4 is on the right. From Chislehurst take A222, turn right into Freelands Road and follow directions above.

5) I am still looking for artists to join us at BEECHE on the 12th and 13th June. See previous email for details, catch me at the Talk on Friday or see it on the web when I have time to put it there! Hope to see many of you on Friday 4th

Issue 9 - Jun 20th 2010 - Criticise Yourself

Allan Davies will be hosting a criticism evening for Bromley Art Society's
July meeting. This will be on Friday 2nd July at 8pm in Verrall Hall, Bromley
United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY.

Please bring along 2 of your works if you wish, and do join in the discussion.
Of course there will not be much to discuss if you only bring absolutely
perfect works!

Peter Richards, our March speaker on printing techniques, has an exhibition of
his recent work, paintings and prints on paper, called MUSIC FOR THE EYE. This
will be held at
Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, SE 22
Open Friday 25th, Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th June
Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July between 11am and 4.30pm
Private Views: Friday 25th June 6.00-8.30pm and Sunday 27th June 12-4pm

Good Luck to all those exhibiting at Denbies. We don't get much of a mention
on their web site, but it does help if you need directions.

Issue 10 - Jun 30th 2010 - Outing with West Wickham Art Society

Message from Carol Crouch:

As you may know I am also Chairman of West Wickham Art Society. We have a coach outing on Sunday 11th July to Strand on the Green which is near Kew Bridge. We leave from outside the Post Office in West Wickham at 9.00 and the
cost is £10 per person. We have a few places on the coach at the moment and if any members would like to join us please contact me on 0208 462 3642. I hope to be at the criticism evening so members could always talk to me there.
There is an excellent site for Strand on the Green on the internet.

I wonder if Carol means this website?

See this one also

Issue 11 - Sept 14th 2010 - Two autumn exhibitions

Sent on behalf of Christine Richards:

Foal Farm, the animal sanctuary near Downe, is organising a fund-raising event on 9th October and has invited members of Bromley Art Society to contribute paintings for an auction. They would particularly like work inspired by Foal Farm and its animals but would welcome any paintings, especially of wild life and the countryside. Members are invited either to donate the whole amount raised or 20% of the purchase price. Paintings should be available by 29th September and arrangements can be made to take them to Foal Farm. Anyone interested should contact either Ann Holdway or Christine Richards.

Art in the Garden at Harcourt House, 2nd - 3rd October. Some of our members are organising a fund-raising exhibition in aid of the NSPCC at Harcourt House, Grasmere Road, Bromley BR1 4BB on 2nd and 3rd October from 10am to 5pm each day. This famous garden is part of the National Gardens Scheme (Yellow Book) and is open to the public on special days throughout the year. Visitors will be able to walk round the gardens as well as see (and buy) the art and craft work, much of which will be displayed in the Victorian Conservatory. Hot and cold drinks and cakes will be available. Entry £3.

Issue 12 - Sept 26th 2010 - A busy October ahead

There are so many fantastic things on offer to us this month that I have created an index for you to help you find all the stories!

+Wetherspoons needs YOU!

+Exhibition at St Luke's Church Bromley.

+Sir Joseph Swan - Bromley’s bright spark

+BAS Meeting 1st October: Anthony Slinn on Vincent van Gogh

+Harcourt House Exhibition

 

Wetherspoons needs YOU!

Graham Adkins has approached Bromley Art Society with this proposition: I am working for a pub refurbishment company based in Colchester and we are to put together an art package for our client- JD Wetherspoon, who we are working with to refurbish a site in Bromley town center.

We will be looking to buy artwork produced by local artists, ranging from sculptural work to Oil paintings/Photography. Our client will want to see a range of styles of artwork, and will require photographic imagery of the works, dimensions and prices - I understand that artists sometimes find it hard to value their work but we will need to know rough costing as we have to work within a budget.However this is not to say that for the right artwork our client will be prepared to purchase something of value.

The usual style for JD Weatherspoon is traditional painting / drawings etc, ideally with a local theme.  Anything too Modern/Abstract they usually dismiss.  All 2D artwork, we will be required to frame ourselves to be in keep with the overall style.  All artwork to be sent to us rather than site.

We have been known to commission Local artists.  However we are working to a time scale of 3 - 5 weeks. Local Landscapes, artwork of the exterior of the pub, artwork based on a local theme (e.g.. HG Wells & Charles Darwin lived in Bromley) are all possibilities, but will be agreed at a later date.

Graham Adkins
graham@fdmartwork.co.uk
FDM Artwork
Tel:  01206 764164
Fax: 01206 764264

 

 

Exhibition at St Luke's Church Bromley.

Chance to exhibit up to 3 paintings in an exhibition in the church. Delivery on the 14th of October to the Church, times 10 - 12.30 or 3.30 - 5 pm St Luke's Bromley Common, Southlands Road BR2 9 PD. Or to Peter Dinsmore prior to the 14th - call him on 020 8464 1800 to make arrangements or deliver paintings to Ripley Art Centre on Wednesday 13th between 10 am and 4 pm 24 Sundridge Avenue Bromley BR1 2PX.No entry fee. Church takes 20%.

Exhibition runs from the 15th of October to the 17th, Friday is for schools only, there are tours of the Church over the weekend ring Cannon Mike Insley on 020 8464 2076 for further details.

 

 

Sir Joseph Swan - Bromley’s bright spark. 8th October

“Story of London, 1-10 October” is a celebration of London’s rich history with over 100 events taking place across the city.

The Bromley United Services Club is taking part with ‘Sir Joseph Swan; Bromley’s bright spark’.

Sir Joseph Swan (1828-1914) was the inventor of the incandescent electric light bulb. He lived in Bromley from 1883-94 where he refined his invention making it practical for everyday use. This evening is a celebration of his work. At 6.45 there will be a display of work by local schoolchildren who have been working with Bromley Museum to light up a house using a simple circuit and light bulbs, accompanied by a display outlining Swan’s Bromley connections and legacy, researched by staff at Bromley Libraries, Archives and Museum.

This is followed at 7.30 by a talk & demonstration of Swan’s work by Dr. Ian Edwards of Newcastle University. At 8.15 there is a showing of the BBC film “Mr Swan’s Electric Light: the story of a great inventor” first shown in 1979, telling the story of his life and work.

See www.london.gov.uk/story for more information about the Story of London.

Bromley United Services Club
‘Sir Joseph Swan; Bromley’s bright spark.’
08 October. Doors open 6.45 to view children’s display, 7.30 talk, 8.15 film.
Free. Tickets from Bromley Local Studies & Archives in advance or on the door (if available).

 

 

BAS Meeting 1st October: Anthony Slinn on Vincent van Gogh

And finally don't forget our own Society's meeting. Slinn is described on what I think is his own website as "Probably the most unknown artist in the world." - something I wish to disagree with. However his lecture looks as if it is going to be a little different! Why not join us? 8pm Verrall Hall, Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY. Non members are welcome.

 

Make a weekend of it by visiting the “Art in the Garden”event co-hosted by Christine Richards in aid of the NSPCC at  Harcourt House, Grasmere Road, Bromley BR1 4BB on 2nd and 3rd October from 10am to 5pm each day. The Garden itself wins awards – see previous newsletter.

Issue 13 - Oct 13th 2010 - Our borough, our future – let’s talk

Ann Holdway, Bromley Art Society's Hon Sec, has asked for this to be circulated to our members:

Our borough, our future – let’s talk

A series of meetings have been organised by Bromley Council to take place in November. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Carr, is inviting all those who live and work in the borough to join leading Councillors and senior officers and have their say about where they think the money should be spent as the Council sets the budget for 2011/12.  From parks to town centres, social care to schools, housing, or the  the safer communities, the leaders of the Council wants to  know what’s important to Bromley people.

Said Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council:

“I want as many people living and working in Bromley to come along and talk about what matters to them, what services they value most in our borough and where they think the money should be spent.  In these  challenging times I am determined that as a Council we continue to  give value for money, to reduce waste in any form by looking at how we do things and how we deliver our services.  As ever we will do all we  can to keep Council tax low while minimising any impact on frontline  services.  Bromley Council exists to serve our people, to strive for  excellence in their eyes and as we continue Building a Better Bromley  it is imperative we listen and respond to their views for the good of  our borough and our future.”

The Council is encouraging as many people as possible to come along  and have their say, and if you’d like any leaflets or posters to  promote the meeting please contact amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk, 020 8313 4390 or you can find and visit the Council’s website at Our borough,  our future - let's talk to download the leaflet.

The meetings, which are from 7.30pm – 9pm, will take place as follows:
Wednesday, 17 November, Beckenham Public Hall, Beckenham, BR3 5JE
Tuesday, 23 November, Orpington Methodist Church, BR6 9JH
Thursday, 25 November, Civic Centre, Bromley, BR1 3UH

To ensure people are as well informed as possible, the Council will be posting up-to-date information about the 2011-12 budget on www.bromley.gov.uk  the week before the meetings.

As well as giving residents and business an opportunity to highlight what matters most in their eyes so their view can be reflected in the Council’s budget and service planning for 2011/12, the meetings will also include the opportunity to ask leading Councillors questions about the public services we provide.

All venues provide access for people with disabilities and a hearing  loop; if you need further information or help about this please  contact Janet Johnson, 020 8313 4327 or janet.johnson@bromley.gov.uk Tea and coffee will be served after the meetings.

Issue 14 - Oct 17th 2010 - 4 Corners: Be prepared!

The Society's November event will be "Four Corners" - that is, 4 simultaneous demonstrations by members.

I shall be demonstrating how to process photographs of your art works and upload them to the Society's website. This is an early warning to allow you time to do your homework: Please bring photos of your works on either CD or USB stick - I may even be able to download them from your camera.

I am going to try to run a live update to the real website so that the world will be able to see your work by the end of the session. Computers are reluctant beasts at best and there is no provision for a practice shot, so it will be interesting to see what really happens!

Please pass the message on to fellow members who don't have email access. I hope to be able to send a full newsletter with detalis of all the "corners" in due course.

Issue 15 - Oct 30th 2010 - Fighting our corners - Know who your friends are

Bromley Art Society's November event will be "Four Corners" - that is, four simultaneous demonstrations by members. Join us on 5th November at 8pm in the Verrall Hall, Bromley United Reformed Church, 20 Widmore Road, Bromley. BR1 1RY.

The 'corners' will be:

Allan Davies
        demonstrating how to take photographs of paintings without distortion and get them into a PC. He will have a camera and a laptop with Photoshop installed. Please bring paintings.

Adrian Fowle
        demonstrating how to process and upload photographs to the Society's website, hopefully with a live internet feed. Please bring photos of your works on either CD or USB stick. I may even be able to download them from your camera. We will try to link to Allan's and Adrian's demo.

Sue Howes
        beading - making jewellery with beads (and also using wires for some)

Derrick Waller
        - pottery - carving plates
 

There will be an exhibition at Bromley Central Library entitled "Exhibition of Art by Pat Tucker and Friends"

Usually reliable sources tell me that the Friends include husband Leslie and Ann Holdway. They will be showing watercolours, oils, pottery and mosaics on Floor 1 at Bromley Central Library from 04 to 17 November 2010 during the hours  9:30 - 5.

Issue 16 - Oct 30th 2010 - BAS@Beeche Christmas Fair 27th & 28th November

Yes - there were two newsletters on the same day!

For our last exhibition this year at BEECHE, High Elms we are ringing the changes by making this a Christmas event. There will be stalls showing pottery, mosaics, beading, fused glass, silk scarves and jewellery in addition to cards, bookmarks and paintings in several media. We are also holding a children's activity, making Christmas cards to be run by volunteers and a lucky dip. Christmas Fair is 27th and 28th of November.

If you are interested in taking part please let Adrian know. We also need help with donations for the lucky dip, items can be for children and adults - it would be lovely if they were wrapped in Christmas paper or coloured tissue! If you can spare any odds and ends that could be used in the card making session please pass them to Adrian, Christine or Ann. We welcome extra publicity - any suggestions please pass to Christine Richards.

You can bring items to the Four Corners on Friday 5th, or drop them off at Ripley on a Wednesday from 10am - 4pm.

Thank you for your help. Look forward to seeing you on Friday.

Ann Holdway