The People

Using a range of media, with drawing a common thread, my work is a continuing attempt to unravel my own sense of being, and more recently to renew connection with my external landscapes.

When a crisis occurs in your life you take steps to preserve your own sanity and inner happiness. When my husband was diagnosed with kidney failure, I took the step and joined the Art Group. We were a mixed bunch. Some had great talent, others, like me, a lot of interest and enthusiasm. Our tutor drew out in each of us something of ourselves which we could communicate in many different ways. It gave me a confidence I did not know I possessed and for only two hours a week I was in another world: aware only of my desire to improve and, for a time free from anxiety.

The encouragement I was given helped me to improve and develop as well as sharing the successes of others. One day I hope to produce a masterpiece that will say all this visually!

Brian initially took up art at school however science studies leading towards a career in dentistry meant that painting was a lifetime’s hobby. He is primarily self-taught and was prepared to experiment with assorted media to copy pictures from books or photographs using watercolour, acrylic and oils. He subsequently progressed to painting his own landscapes, portraits and wildlife compositions mounting them in his picture frames he made himself. His woodworking skills were evident in the detail and accuracy he devoted to the wide array of high quality tables, chairs, an assortment of functional wooden toys, including a ‘hobby horse’ and most significantly an elaborate corner cupboard (as in the attached photograph) that he produced. Such were Brian’s accomplishments that they were recognised by a professional carpenter who commended him on his skills.

His artistic skills were also obvious in his design patterns for tapestries, cushions and chair seats that his wife Joan translated into finished articles.

In the twenty years that Brian has lived in Felton he has been a regular member of the Felton Art Group and has continued to paint; this has included a series of local village scenes – some of which have been incorporated into the ‘Village Trail’ Notice Boards. Added to these achievements he was called on to paint the Village Pantomime scenery and backdrop as well as painting a series of wild life and animals on boards used in children ‘hide and seek’ quizzes. His woodworking skills continued unabated with a range of furniture and tables. In addition he made a Christmas crib for St Michael and All Angels Church and an ornamental cross that remains on display in the Felton First School reception.

Teaching art has been a constant source of delight to me and I never cease to wonder at the differences and potential in each of us. Working with Felton Art Club has been especially good fun as we gossip and make and have a thoroughly self indulgent time. My art making comes from life experiences but I’m visually inspired by qualities of light and colour in wild land and seascapes and the seasonal changes in my garden. What happens on the canvas is a journey of exploration where inner meaning and outer reality come together through symbolism and the interplay of aesthetic elements.

My interest in art was aroused when I went to a coffee morning and art exhibition in the village and saw all the lovely paintings. As I was admiring them the art teacher came across and asked me if I would like to join the class - and I did!

Its been the most enjoyable thing I've ever done. I love the people and the atmosphere. I was expecting to draw beautiful faces and I have ended up drawing strange caricatures. I love the work of Miro and Paul Klee. I find I can do things at home and I am never bored. I was a bit late starting (82 years) but it has been well worth it.

I had always loved drawing since I was a small child, but didn’t start painting until I joined our newly formed local Art group.  What a pleasure it has been, starting at the very beginning, being introduced to different mediums and gradually finding my favourite.

 Twelve years later we still have the same tutor and some of the original group, together with lots of new members.  It is still a pleasure and fun to be part of our group, to share a love of Art and learning all the time while enjoying our efforts to produce our Artwork.

My husband and I moved to West Thirston in early 2007. Being newcomers we did not know anybody and wanted to be part of the Felton and West Thirston community. I joined Felton Art Group in the September of that year and enjoyed a very warm welcome and was made to feel very much a part of the group. Although the art aspect is the reason I joined, the feeling of belonging is equally central to the pleasure and enjoyment. Our weekly meetings not only provide tuition and guidance, but are a comfortable and pleasant way to spend an afternoon. We also enjoy outings, workshops and events which complement our regular get-togethers.

I enjoy photography and wildlife and my main goal in life is to be a zookeeper so I like to do drawings of the animals I take photographs of and it makes a good sideline/hobby. I've really only ever focused on coloured pencil drawings, but in the future I would like to try different media. The drawing process I do now is very time-consuming as it is reasonably detailed work, but I've always been a bit of a perfectionist!

I started with the class a year ago and I have learned so much about using watercolours, pastels, acrylic and charcoal, and met so many lovely people. This is something I always wanted to do.

I started painting as a hobby after I retired. My medium is oil and I usually paint Northumbrian landscapes and seascapes but I also like painting animals. I often paint animals on small wooden blocks.I am amazed at the number of painting I have sold but my main reason for painting is purely for pleasure.

As a young man I was in the merchant navy and then spent 30 years in the police force based at Alnwick and Ellington. I took up painting several years ago when I retired. I have only recently joined the Felton Art Group and they want me to make the tea! I really like working with watercolours .

I spent much of my working career at Prudhoe Hospital helping brain damaged patients gain greater dexterity through working with clay. I joined Felton Art Group recently and have enjoyed experimenting with new materials. I have found working with oil bars and oil paints quite challenging. I enjoy the work of Joan Eardley.

We have recently welcomed Louise as our newest member. She is rapidly developing her artistic skills and interests!