“For me, this has become not just a place to learn, but a source of growth, encouragement, and artistic fulfilment” Olga Pannier
There once was a popular and well-attended portrait class at Bromley Adult Education that David Hammond used to go to, run by ‘a brilliant artist named Amanda Webster.’ When Amanda moved to Wales, Bromley Adult Education was unable to find a replacement tutor so the course was closed and the room reallocated to a cookery class. But society has learnt never to come between artists and their canvas, writes Michael Holland.
‘We were all disappointed and wanted to continue,’ says David, ‘so I found a new venue at Ripley Arts Centre and asked the others if they were interested in hiring the space to carry on our portrait sessions – without a tutor, but using models to pose for us.’
Ten of the original members made the transition and for the past two years have been attending their non-profit class with their own ‘encouragement, advice and suggestions’ covering as a stand-in tutor.
The Ten, plus two new members who have joined the weekly sessions since the move to Ripley, pay £30 a month to cover the hall hire and the cost of of the models who come and sit for them.
With increasing popularity at its new site, other artists are constantly asking to join but, David informs me, ‘We have no space to increase our numbers.’
Even tutor-less, the group has seen definite improvements in their art; they help each other become better artists, and the boost in confidence that accumulates led to an exhibition of their work last year.
David remembers, ‘When organising that first exhibition, my aim was to encourage everyone to finish their paintings, to have something to work towards, and to raise expectations by giving each artist the opportunity to see their own work exhibited. We were delighted by the positive feedback from visitors.’
Olga Pannier, a member for just over a year, heaps praise upon the group: ‘I have the chance to spend time with wonderful people who share the same passion for art. This sense of community makes every session truly enjoyable and inspiring.’ She emphasises that, ‘Weekly practice has helped me not only to maintain but also to steadily improve my portrait drawing skills from life.’
Jacqui, another member, tells me how ‘group members develop their practice over time and change their mediums and ways of working,’ adding that, ‘Working with others sharing the same activity is enjoyable. Interacting with live models and working from life, or from photographs of the model taken by yourself, is a great privilege and brings another dimension to the art produced. Looking at others’ artwork provides ideas and inspiration.’
Olga recalls her first exhibition with the class: ‘I still carry the memory of the solemnity and joy of seeing a season’s worth of work come together and being appreciated by others. Such moments of reflection and celebration are an essential part of my artist’s creative journey.’
Twelve months on, with the artwork getting better and better and confidence still rising, another exhibition has been organised where all members will have examples of their art on display, with some on sale between £20 and £60.
Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, BR1 2PX.
Opening Night: 6th November, 7pm – 9pm.
Exhibition: 7th – 14th November; 10am – 5pm.
