THE ART GROUP
by Joyce Nicholas

The Art Group started in September 1998 with seven members. Our meetings are held every week on a Thursday morning 10 - 12am. At the moment we have thirteen people on the register, and the attendance is usually very good.

The ability of our members is varied, but the more experienced are always willing to help and give friendly advice to others in the Group. Our interest is mainly in pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolour pencils, acrylic and watercolour painting but several members have also had experience with oil painting.

One evening recently we went to Chepstow Library where our local artist Ron Ranson gave a brilliant demonstration in Watercolour Technique. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Ron Ranson is a real master of his craft, and has successfully written and published many books on the subject.

Last September several members of our group went to 'Clanna Gardens', Alvington, Nr Lydney to an 'At Home' exhibition given by Ron and Darlis Ranson. Approximately eighty of his paintings were on display. We received a great welcome and enjoyed it very much. It was a lovely sunny day with tea and coffee served on the terrace! The 'Open Day' is planned again this year, September 16th - 19th from 11 00am to 7 00pm, a date well worth remembering!

We are now waiting for the weather to improve and hope to be able, as a group, to sketch the countryside and various places of interest - maybe have a picnic lunch.

In the winter months we hope to have the services of a tutor on a monthly basis which would help us to improve.

We are a very relaxed friendly group and new members are very welcome