Exhibition Demonstrations 2026

During the Exhibition we have demonstrations by some of our talented members artists. These and are not to be missed.

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Thursday 25th June AM - Ginny Page

How to draw and paint realistic water droplets (using various mediums)

Using inspiration from the highly skilled Dutch and Flemish floral painters of the 17th century, Ginny will be showing you how to draw and paint realistic water drops using simple instructions using few materials.

You are invited to try your hand at drawing or painting the illusion of a water drop using reference photos. Working on tinted paper or prepared panels using both graphite and white pencil, gouache, and oil paint.

Take a visit to the National Gallery (Room 28 Level 2) and gather inspiration from amongst others, Jan Van Huysum, Rachel Ruysch and Ambrosius Bosschaert to see their masterful rendering of water droplets!

 

Thursday 25th June PM - Kayla Marell

Painting the Bathroom

How to paint porcelain, keeping whites vibrant and bringing a little magic into everything — even a sink.

 

Friday 26th June AM - Caroline de Peyrecave

Empowering Her: Empowering US

Caroline will lead a series of relaxed portrait workshops for women. No artistic experience is required. These sessions are not about learning to draw, but about slowing down, feeling seen, and creating space for reflection through gentle creative engagement.

Participants will either work in pairs, taking turns to draw one another, or draw a small personal object they bring with them. In the portrait sessions, the focus is on looking with care and attention rather than accuracy, allowing connection and confidence to build naturally. In the object-based sessions, slow observation becomes a way of reflecting on identity, memory, and the quieter aspects of personal experience.

The workshops are calm, inclusive, and non-judgemental, offering a supportive space for women and men to pause, connect, and engage creatively without pressure or expectation.

 

Friday 26th June PM - Sera Knight

Quick loose watercolours

A series of small, spontaneous watercolour studies painted in around half an hour or less. Moving between dancers, flowers, street scenes, musicians and landscapes, these works focus on instinct rather than perfection. They’re about energy, movement and the freedom of letting the brush lead. Not masterpieces in the traditional sense, but lively snapshots that celebrate the joy of painting without overthinking.

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Friday 25th June PM - Cathy Read

Expressive Architecture - Painting Foundations with a Flourish

Clean white lines define architectural details against the organic beauty of watercolour paint set free. Witness the process of structural reality being transformed into expressive art. 

Cathy Read’s demonstration reveals how she translates the essence of familiar buildings, bridges, and urban landscapes into dynamic paintings using watercolour, acrylic ink, and masking fluid techniques. A simple image evolves, using layers of transparent colour and texture. The masking fluid preserves crucial architectural details yet allowing paint to pool, bleed, and create atmospheric effects. 

Balance is captured by disciplined architectural forms against the unpredictable magic of mixed media. Read will share her unique process while working on multiple images to reveal paintings that honour both the structure and spirit of the built environment.

 

Saturday 27th June AM - Justine Thorpe

Approach to Abstraction

How to combine land and seascapes in an abstract form. Exploring using oils and other mediums in new way. 

 

Saturday 27th June PM - Gail Reid

Sharing a simple approach for capturing a quick likeness, and the essence of a sitter, using the most basic materials.

Gail will introduce her materials, followed by a series of 20 minute portrait sketches from life, explaining the process throughout. 

There will be a small number of slots for sitters with the option of the portraits being available to take away at the end of the day. An optional donation to this year's charity would be very welcome.