Brunei Gallery Empire of the Sikhs 4th September

The exhibition was attended initially by 7 of us, but lack of stools drove Janet B to BM, Michelle left early and Janet K made a sketch,  but had to leave early.

Firstly, Carole chose a painting which was 'very colourful and complex' so she chose to do in black and white.



Here's Najlaa's study on blue paper:



An armlet for the Koh-I-Noor Diamond (a rock crystal was the replacement jewel)
and a pair of golden Earrings of the Maharani Katur.

Then Joyce chose a quick study of people going about their everyday activities:



Judith made a study of Old Lahor (from a painting) in terracotta and ochres with white highlights.



Mine was a Sikh Turban Helmet which was decorated & forged to accommodate a turban & topknot. There was a protective woven mesh in a zig-zag pattern.



Janet K decided to study a Kashmir shawl c 1835 - very elaborate weaving which took years to complete.

Sketching at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 
Tuesday 7th August

It was a very hot day - tempting to stand under the children's fountains ti year my mind!

Janet K positioned herself on a deck, in the shade looking across to Zaha Hadid's  Swimming Pool.
Here's her sketch:

Carole found an empty deckchair to sketch:



Judith did a plant study on dark Ingres paper using white fine line & black infill.



Then a striking study of the weathervanes along the river path.




 














I found a shady bench near the 'Orbit' and decided on a partial view of the structure.
The strong shadows 'drew' my attention - but unfortunately, after 30 minutes, they had all subtly changed. After an hour all were transformed! Alas, l had no rubber to make amends.
Here's the result of chasing the shadows! 

Sketch Meeting at National History Museum 

Tuesday 8th May

We were scattered about in the museum from 1.30pm, meeting in the cafe at 3.30 pm.

1st to show work was Janet K. She was on the upper floor doing a study of a peacock, with a lovely long tail, a type of pheasant (?) and a quick study of a white hen.

Next was Judith, who had done a double page study of the metal handrail at the stairs.

Najlaa was outside - a lovely sunny day for it. 
Her study was of the main building and some trees at the pathway.

My sketch was of Southern Seabirds - petrel and shearwaters in my view - albatross out of sight! They were displayed in several flying positions.

Janet B did two studies; a narwhal and white sided dolphin.

Sketching at Victoria & Albert Museum 1st May

Sketch meet at Victoria & Albert Museum Tuesday 1st May

The meeting place was the Ceramics gallery 6th Floor.

Najlaa was on 2nd floor studying patterns on sideboard tablecloths.

then Judith was in Sculpture on the ground floor, doing two studies of Rodin's hand.

Janet 'K' was working in a gallery devoted to work by Carolein Smit - her choice was 'Medusa's Head'. Highly detailed and sometimes macabre pieces are worth a visit.

https://www.vam.ac.uk/event/1Dx6RrEx/myth-and-mortality-the-fairy-tale-world-of-carolein-smit

Then Carol was studying a Marcello Fantoni piece in coloured glass, 

and Ian Godfrey's stoneware piece: 'Grey Fox Box' a mystical world set on a box. 

My study was of 'Dark Trivalve' a stoneware piece by Hanina Cassell 1975. Hand carved and based on Islamic and African influence.

Lastly, Joyce did several studies of stoneware by Kakurezaki Ryuichi, Anthony Hepburn, and Ruth Duckworth and was returning a study of Roger Law's design 'Anger' executed by Janice Tchalenko

          

Extra-mural activity was Judith's sketch - whilst on holiday in Ireland - of her husband sporting a new leather cap, studying his mobile.