Hello everyone, I’m so pleased to be returning to the Online Art Group once again, inspiring you all from mid May and through into July!

Since I was last with you, I have been busy in my art studio continuing to teach creative skills and workshops, but also, more importantly giving myself some “me time”, exploring some of my own ideas for coming exhibitions and open studio events later this year. I am sure there will be some time in our sessions for a sneak peek into some of my current work.

There is also a new addition to the family, “Poppet”. She is a five month old small Jack Russell puppy, whom as you can imagine is a great distraction. I expect there will be an appearance or two during the video sessions where I can keep you up to date with her progress, or more likely her puppy escapades!

So what are we going to do together in the Online Art Group?

Over the next five 1-hour fortnightly sessions, I would like us to join together, bringing some creative fun and joy into our art practices. Be that an established artist or as a new beginner.

Sometimes for me as a creative person, I just don’t need to be so serious about my outcomes. Sometimes, I just need to get started on something when I am having a creative block.  And sometimes, I just need to take some time-out to have a “play”, or to distract myself.

Here are our five activity titles, to use as some fun starting points for our creative time-out.

21^st May: Shapes in Nature, let us explore and play with drawing and painting simple floral and botanical imagery, breaking the process down into simple shapes and easy cheats. 

4^th June: Sticks and Stones, a rolling stone, or picked up pebble from a beach can inspire us to loose some creative time in playing with shape, form and application.

18^th June: Tear yourself a Landscape, a strip of torn paper can become the contours of a constructed landscape which forms across a page. Explore this concept of collage and making marks.

2^nd July: A Cup of Coffee, the magic of a cup of coffee! Not just to lift our mood as a drink, but makes for a great ink to play, splat, dribble and meander across a page.

All the sessions will be as inclusive as possible, I will post the easily accessible materials and equipment requirements in advance, so you can prepare and collect things together. 

From previous experience, some of you may wish to follow along during the live session, or you can just tune in to view or catch up later to watch the recording, to inspire your own practice using the session’s techniques, processes and outcomes.  But as always, I love to hear from you all on the group Facebook page, with your positive interactions, ideas and posting of your own outcomes to the sessions.

I look forward to catching up with you very shortly
See you soon
Gary x

Join us twice a month for creative sessions, delivered online by a range of exciting artists. Keeping creativity as accessible as possible – either join us live or watch back in your own time.

No experience needed, new members welcome at any time. Free spaces available for Somerset residents – donations welcome.

First and third Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm on Facebook Live. Plus recordings.
Contact Emily for more information and bookings: admin@somersetartworks.org.uk
www.somersetartworks.org.uk

With thanks to funding support in 2025 from Somerset Community Foundation and Arts Council England

*the SAW team is hoping we get to see little Poppet on screen!