Newsletter

Newsletter www.farehamartgroup.co.uk President: Monica Clarke Vice President: Ted Baker Spring 2018 Inspired by Current & Forthcoming Exhibitions Need inspiration, why not try one of these current or upcoming exhibitions? Lymington - St Barbe Museum + Art gallery. 18th Annual Open Exhibition until 15th April. Living on the South Coast we are lucky to be within a short train ride of some excellent galleries and special exhibitions in London, and there are plenty of events being held locally too. Here are some you may like to explore: Southampton City Gallery - Roger Mayne and St Ives photo exhibition of Patrick Heron, Ben Nicholson et al on until 12th May. Open Exhibition: Four seasons (Hampshire artists) until 21st April. Sweet Cuts Angela Sweet - Paper cutting art until 14th April. Mottisfont National Trust property hosting an exhibition of Heath Robinson Dreams and Machines showcasing the quirky machinery and exquisite paintings from 20 January - 15 April 2018 London - Tate Britain - Impressionist in London runs until 7th May. Tate Modern - Modigliani (4*) runs until 2nd April. National Gallery - Degas from the Burrell Collection runs until 7th May (5*). Royal Academy - Charles I : King and collector runs until 15th April (4*) (The number* in brackets gives my personal rating out of 5!) Paul Stovold Chichester - Pallant Gallery. Pop!: Art in a changing Britain until 7th May

View from the Studio Welcome to the 2018 Spring Newsletter. I hope you all had a happy Christmas and New Year and hope you all enjoyed the FAG Christmas party. I certainly did! Thank you to everyone who helped out and especially to Sue Page who, once again, organised the event almost single handed. Well done and thank you all. So, with the winter almost over and 2017 way behind us, what will 2018 bring? There will I m sure be the usual high standard of demos from visiting artists, to inspire us. I m afraid for me last year simply came and went (they say time flies when you enjoy yourself. so I m sure that was the reason!) and once again I failed to keep my last year s resolution which was to make more time to Fareham Art Group s Committee Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Membership Secretary Committee Member Programme Co-ordinator Exhibitions Organiser Minute Secretary Newsletter editor Barbara Kenny Ros Croft Sue Page Bruce Humphreys Susan Barton Becky Falstein Joe Coburn Karen Morton Paul Stovold Membership fees increase from September 2018 At the last AGM we advised members that we would review the annual membership subscription ahead of the next renewal date. We have been fortunate to have kept the fee at the same level for a considerable number of years. However, inflation has increased by over 20% since the rate was set at 12 and membership numbers have reduced. The membership fee should cover the core activities of the club including the monthly demos, website, newsletters, competitions & membership administration. The cost of paint. Maybe this is my year!! We had some fabulous tutoring sessions with Stewart again last year and we will continue to run some more during the coming year at the afternoon and evening painting sessions. When the sessions are running I m really disciplined, hopefully you are too! I know at the AGM there was a lot of discussion about another shop in Fareham shopping centre, but at the time of writing nothing has come to fruition. We haven t given up hope and are still in regular contact with the centre management. Sadly, In October last year we lost Val Carter at 92 years young. I know we often say young about older people but with Val it was certainly true. She will be sadly missed by all and there are some special articles about Val later on. Well enough from me, I hope you all have a fun and prosperous 2018. Read on for some more exciting articles from your friends and fellow artists, and if there is something you would like to share in the next newsletter don t forget to let us know! With the very best of wishes. Barbara Charitable Activities Members will recall that we made a donation of 250 from our fundraising activities to the Mayor s charity at our annual exhibition preview evening last year. So far this year we have raised 130 from the sale of books and materials at our monthly and weekly meetings. In addition, we recently raised 120 for charity from the sale of art materials donated to the club. providing these activities exceed membership income and is being funded from our reserves which is not a sustainable long term strategy. Consequently, the committee has agreed to increase the annual membership subscription to 15 with effect from next renewal i.e. September 2018 (subscription due by 1st October 2018). We will also follow up cost saving suggestions made by members at the last AGM regarding printing and postage. There is no planned change to the fee for weekly painting sessions at this time.

To Print or not to Print At the AGM you asked to be able to submit prints at Fareham Art Group exhibitions. Members agreed that prints should be of fine quality in line with those exhibited and sold at other art groups to ensure the quality and longevity of any work sold. This isn t quite as easy as you might first think, so we ve done some research and we are sharing some information to help you to decide if making prints of your work to sell is right for you. Only professionally produced Giclée (pronounced G-clay) prints are suitable for exhibition and sale in any Fareham Art Group exhibition Giclée is a fine art digital printing process combining pigment-based UV stable inks with high-quality archival paper to deliver a superior quality print with longevity for light fastness and stability. Domestic printers and photocopiers are not suitable because the inks are dye based opposed to pigment-based inks used in Giclée printing. Below are some things you will need to think about Find a professional print maker who is able to produce Giclée prints. Obtain a high-quality digital file of your original painting with a minimum resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi), to ensure the sharpest detail and colour corrected to reach the closest match of the original. Black and white originals are edited to reach the closest tonal range of the original. Your picture will need to be printed on archival quality fine art papers, 100% acid-free cotton rag. These papers offer the best result for longevity and colour reproduction. Decide if you want to have more than one print made Decide if you would like an open edition or limited-edition print. Limited-edition prints should be clearly marked with the length of print run along with the number of the actual print, e.g. 10/100. Preparing your print for sale Anything making contact with the print must be acid-free, including cellophane sheets or pockets, mount board, tape and any storage or packing materials prior to mounting and displaying. Prints will be displayed in the portfolio display stand at our Exhibition. To minimise constant handling damage, prints should be rigidly supported with a mount board backing, wrapped in cellophane or inserted into a cellophane pocket with a window mount if necessary. Clearly mark your entry that the picture is a Giclée print and say what weight and type of paper was used. And finally. Giclée Prints submitted to the Fareham Art Group's Annual Exhibition will be subject to inspection and are expected to be accompanied with proof of the Giclée printing process. We can t accept your print without this. Becky Falstein We need your help! We are always looking for members to help us - ensuring it continues from strength to strength Refreshments at the Monthly Meeting: could you volunteer to make the tea and coffee at our monthly demonstrations & competitions? Many hands make light work, and the more volunteers we have, the lighter the load please help if you can, it doesn t take long and we really appreciate your help. Don t be shy please volunteer!

Celebrating Val Carter a life lived well! A note from our President Val was the first member of Fareham Art Group that I really got to know when I joined around 18 years ago. Already she was an established member and we have been able to trace her name back as far as 1986 when our records began. I remember her firstly, for her kindness. She quickly sized up the situation when as a new girl I found myself on a painting day out not knowing a soul or the procedures. She made me feel welcome and at ease. Val took part in all the club s activities, from making tea to helping at the exhibitions and Pop up Shop. She was a true artist, always searching, looking, trying, never completely : conflict with her although I believe teaching art is not an easy thing to do. satisfied but never giving up. Val took her work seriously enough to sit A Level Art when she retired and she took every opportunity to expand her knowledge and skills. She also belonged to Marwell Art Society and exhibited with them as well as Fareham. She always had her sketch book with her, even when she was in hospital and was so pleased when the Committee was able to put some of her work in the last exhibition. As a teacher Val was a natural, kind, encouraging and helpful. She knew her stuff and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with her students. I worked with her for several years teaching at the Tuesday afternoon sessions and I can say, truly, I never felt in In addition, Val was very clever with words. She was proud to tell of the time when she took part in Countdown, only being beaten by the final winner. She wrote good poetry and had some of her poems in print. Her talents were endless but above all I shall miss Val for her friendship. For me Val epitomised Fareham Art Group and she will be dearly missed by us all. Monica Clarke

I remember the 2012 presentation evening for the Best Art / Community Project WE CAN DO IT award run by the News and Wave 105 radio station at the Kings Theatre in Southsea. There was a Take That tribute act and everyone (including Val) in the theatre stood and joined in with one of their best know songs Never Forget which has some arm raising sections in the middle. Val was a great sport and thoroughly enjoyed it. Barbara Kenny Poor Bertie Butterfly a Poem by Val Carter Poor Bertie Butterfly Was born a bit too late. His life was brief but busy, Until he met his fate. He thought he'd found a perfect pad To last the winter through With all mod cons, like heat and light, And a really smashing view. But, fluttering about one day Above the office ceiling He was spotted by a bunch of bods Who, with kindly fellow feeling Decided to release him, No matter what the cost And they pushed him through the window Out into the frost. He looked around him in surprise, And said 'well, fancy that So this is how the winter looks' And then he dropped dead. Splat! I had not known Val for very long, but wanted to pay a tribute to a fine lady. She was always ready to help with a painting or drawing problem and had an uncanny knack of spotting exactly what the problem was with a composition. She was kind, tactful and encouraging with her advice which left one feeling better about one`s small talents, rather than worse. When one chatted to her about her long life it was fascinating to find out about her skills, from designer of workshop drawings for making Spitfire parts to accomplished artist in many media. She was an inspiring tutor for our workshops and it has been a privilege to have known her and benefited from her talent Gwyneth Gale I loved Val for her sense of humour We sat together at art on Tuesday afternoons which resulted in many discussions and never managing to get any artwork done. We travelled together to demonstrations and workshops. Although there was a thirty-four year age gap, you would never know if you listened to our conversations, we were like two cheeky school girls. Do you know, even when she was in hospital she didn t stop sketching with her little industry of artistic commissions for nurses! Becky Falstein She was a very good teacher and I will always remember her laugh when I did a drawing of a figure but will not mention the situation! She will be GREATLY MISSED! Mollie Pearman

DATES FOR YOUR diary Weekly Painting Classes - Tuesday afternoon and evening sessions finish for the Easter break on 27 March. Classes resume on Tuesday 17 April Forthcoming Demos and Competitions 26th April 2018 - Molly Dicker Trophy Shadows, Shadowy Shade We welcome back Artist and Teacher Simon Cowper to conduct our artist appraisal with the subject of the competition kindly set for us by Sue Burgess. As usual this is a drawing competition only no wetting medium is allowed. Visit our website www.farehamartgroup.co.uk for full competition rules. Simon s work can be seen via the SAA website, click on Gallery - Professional Artist - type in Simon Cowper. 31st May 2018 A demonstration in fast drying acrylics by Chris Jones Full time professional Wiltshire based artist Chris will demonstrate his wonderful chicken with fast drying acrylics. The layering technique is no different to the way he works in oils. On his website you will see the incredible detail in his poultry and game paintings. Chris is well known for different breeds, he trained for four years as a natural history illustrator www.chrisjonesart.com. His paintings are worth many thousands! 28th June 2018 - Jack Smith Trophy Competition -Shapes Artwork in any media of your choice with a title of Shapes. Appraised by a local artist. 27th September 2018 A demonstration of Chinese brush painting by Maggie Cross Gosport artist Maggie Cross grew up in Hong Kong where she mastered the art of Chinese Brush Painting and has written many books on the subject. She runs courses throughout the year in Gosport and West Dean. www.maggie-cross.co.uk. 25th October 2018 Annual General Meeting along with the Diamond Trophy and the Jenny Jennings Trophy Competition, titled Action. Competition Winners Jenny Jennings Trophy & Diamond Trophy for the Presidents Pick Winner Tina Shaw Runner Up Sue Burgess Third Place Liz Randall Diamond Trophy Winner Marion Priddy Jack Smith Trophy Winner Gill Hopkins Runner Up Wendy Saunders Third Place Lyneth Howells Don Parmeter Trophy chosen by the Mayor of Fareham Winner Becky Falstein John Rashleigh Trophy Winner Gill Hopkins Runner Up Karen Morton Third Place Wendy Saunders

Last Summer s Painting Days a report by Chris Phillipson Once again a big thank you to our members who gave their time and energy to put together an inspiring and varied programme of summer outdoor painting days. Wendy Saunders organised a June trip to Little Woodham, the 17th Century village in within the parish of Rowner. Volunteer actors bring the village to life which allows you to step inside the pages of history books; to open the doors of real homes and immerse yourself in everyday life in a small village. Lots to see and paint, and a thoroughly interesting day out! Carol Syred organised a painting day at Emsworth. The weather wasn t too good on the day so, disappointingly, there was a poor turnout despite the use of the Slipper Sailing Club which Carol had arranged as a wet weather alternative. Graham and Ann Stent invited members to paint in their beautiful garden which won a gold award in the Fareham in Bloom competition. It was a lovely sunny day and this event was well supported, raising 100 for a brain tumour charity Shirley Le Cornu organised a trip to Titchfield Abbey we were blessed with another sunny day and again there was a good turnout of members. Ros Croft organised a day out painting at Hill Head Sailing Club, and Chris Philipson organised a trip to the Michaelmas garden at Hill Head which raisd 70 for the National Garden Scheme charities. We would like ideas and suggestions from members on what we might do in 2018. We realise that people are put off by wet weather, but we re also concerned that attendance at some events was disappointing. this year. Members who arrange events do put a lot of effort into doing so, and so we need your ideas and suggestions on how we can encourage more people to take part. We think one way to solve this would be for members to pay a small deposit of two or three pounds at the time of booking. That way, all trip expenses would be covered even if members didn t turn up on the day but what do you think> Volunteers are needed for 2018 to help co-ordinate and organise summer days out. Please contact Ros on 01329 312342 or Chris on 01329 519067 if you can help General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) You may have read that the General Data Protection Regulations come into force on 31.5.18 and that these will affect the way that organisations hold your data. This will include Fareham Art Group as we hold your personal details as part of the membership renewal process, for general club insurance, and where relevant as part of our workshop programme. Under GDPR you will need to give your permission for us to hold your information, so we are currently redesigning the membership renewal forms to enable you to do that. We will be mentioning this further as our plans develop but we wanted to let you know how we are getting prepared. Susan Barton Committee minutes - For members who are interested in copies of the FAG committee minutes, these are available to all members at the workshops, monthly meetings and on request.

Exhibiting in the big outside world Each year FAG members exhibit at the Fernham Hall and a great display it is too! We have also had other opportunities to exhibit over the years who remembers the Stubbington fair or Bursledon Brickworks?! And of course we had the pop-up shop and now Fareham Gallery, all outlets for demonstrating members fantastic art! In recent years a few members have explored exhibiting outside the FAG environment and whilst sales have not always been high, good exposure has been achieved. Sue Page, Susan Barton and Jeanne Cavagnetto have twice exhibited under the Five of Arts banner. Paul Stovold also had a one man show there. Wendy Saunders exhibited at Stubbington library last November. She said: It is great to have a chance to display to the wider world and receive encouragement. Sales can be variable. It is good to have a range of prices, cards and other items on offer. At the very least as Wendy says it is good to get my pictures on a wall somewhere and not taking up room in my summerhouse! Stewart Beckett, Marguerite Payne and Chris Lewis have all exhibited at the Oxmarket in Chichester. Susan Barton, Sue Page and Paul Stovold have hosted a venue in the Hampshire Open Studios for the last 5 years under the Inspired By Our Travels banner. Chris Lewis and Heather Jay debuted at the same event last year and Wendy Saunders and Mark Davis are due to debut this summer. Also Darcey s Tea Rooms in Alverstoke Village have wonderful wall space upstairs and Barbara Kenny, Marguerite Payne, (The editor apologises to any of our externally exhibiting artists who I have missed. I can only report what I am aware of.) And finally. To help us to keep club costs down this will be the last edition of the newsletter that is printed for all members. We will continue to produce our newsletter but instead it will be available to read on-line. We know that not all members can access the newsletter online so we will still make printed copies available for those members who do not use the internet. We have a list of members who don t have email already, but if you still need a printed copy of the newsletter please let a committee member know.