Demonstrations, workshops, critiques and judging for art societies
One could say I am an unusual mixed-media artist.
Living in a war-torn, heavily sanctioned country for many years, I couldn't buy normal art materials, so I had to get creative.
When doing demonstrations, I have not lost the ability to surprise. I am now totally spoiled by the abundance of mediums to choose from, and I tend to favour watercolour mixed media. However, I also love to demonstrate something completely different: a technique using oil pastels and shoe polish as a drying agent on rag paper made from industrial overalls or banana leaves.
Which is what this demonstration was a local scene using oil pastels on rag paper for the Hughenden Art Group.
“Thank you so much for a really exciting and fun demo/ workshop. It was great to have a go and lovely to see your techniques first hand.
”We were full of admiration, your work really is so different and beautifully loose. You are so very inspiring.”
What I can do for your Art Society
DEMONSTRATIONS
£220, travel included
I paint a scene from start to finish in about two hours, over an afternoon or evening, telling stories and chatting with your members. I demonstrate in watercolour mixed media, or oil pastel and shoe polish on rag paper.
CRITIQUES
£220, an evening
Each member brings one finished painting. I look at what that artist has put on the paper, find the strengths first, then give constructive advice.
JUDGING
By arrangement
I judge exhibitions and competitions. I judge the Crowthorne and Sandhurst Art Society's still life competition every year, and I've judged for Marlow, Bognor Regis, Fleet and Crowthorne Art Societies among others. The fee is by arrangement.
WORKSHOPS
£400 full day · £350 half day
Your members paint along with me, usually the day after a demonstration. A full day runs from 10am to 4pm. I send a kit list beforehand, but not everyone is a watercolourist, so members are welcome to bring the medium they use and I'll advise as we go.
On the day
I bring all my own equipment, easel included. People often ask why I paint watercolours upright, when most watercolourists paint flat.
All I need from you is access to water, and a cup of tea at the break never goes amiss. For a critique, please ask your members to bring one painting each, and set out a few easels.
What would you like me to paint?
London is what I'm best known for: red buses, black cabs, cranes, St Paul's, and the little people I invent as I go, someone reading a newspaper or walking a dog. I also paint zebras, giraffes and guinea fowl, sea scenes and local scenes, and jazz bands and African market scenes in oil pastel and shoe polish. Florals if you ask. Just tell me what you'd like when you book.
Travel and payment
I travel up to about two hours' drive from Sandhurst for the standard fee. Further afield is by arrangement, with a higher fee and an overnight stay. There's no deposit. I send your society an invoice afterwards and you pay by bank transfer.
What societies say
"Thank you very much for a fantastic demonstration. Everyone really enjoyed it. I really like seeing your technique and how you put together your picture."
Wallingford Art Society
"Thank you so much for a really exciting and fun demo workshop. It was great to have a go and lovely to see your techniques firsthand. Your work is really so different and beautifully loose."
Hughenden Art Group
"She clearly explained her techniques and the colours she was using and had some interesting stories to entertain the members."
Fleet Art Society
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Demonstrating watercolour to the Merton Art Society. The Request was for ‘Wildlife in watercolour
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standing back and assessing
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Darker layers bring the painting to life
Booking me
Most societies book me about a year ahead. Fill out my contact form with two or three dates that suit you, and any subject you have in mind.
Tell me whether you'd like a demonstration, workshop, critique or judging.
I'll check my availability, pick a date and come back to you within two days, usually sooner. Then just pop me in your programme.
