Ellon & District Art Group

Our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning was, as always, an enjoyable event, where we socialise over home bakes and coffee, and sometimes do a little bit of art! As we now have five new members, it was an ideal time to get to know one another. This year, we also had an Art Book Stall which proved quite popular. We managed to raise over £230, a brilliant effort – thanks to everyone who contributed.

Looking forward to the new term which starts this week. Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to some members who are moving on, but are hopeful that we will see some new faces bringing new skills and perspectives; everyone has some artistic ability which meeting together and exchanging ideas encourages us to explore.

The six weeks of mixed summer weather have given us inspiration for our autumn projects. Some of us met up in Aden park during that time and though no-one sketched or painted, it was an enjoyable social time in a lovely setting.

Here’s one done earlier! Aden Park in Autumn

On a second outing, some members met to appreciate the wealth of art on offer in the beautiful setting of Aberdeen Art Gallery. One member was inspired to write the following verses about the trip:-

Impressions of Aberdeen Art Gallery by Barbara Cork

You’ll find pottery glass and textiles,
Each in its own different style
As well as a wide range of paintings,
Some poignant, some make you smile.

These paintings by great masters,
Created, designed to last,
Are an insight into our history,
Informing us of our past.

Portraits of high and mighty,
Men in flamboyant dress,
Standing tall, looking austere
In paintings designed to impress.

Victoria and Albert resplendent
Look down on their subjects below,
There’s a family group at a baptism
And folk flooded, with nowhere to go.

James McBey, inspired by the coast
Of Newburgh from whence he came,
Travelled afar to the Middle East
To develop his skill and fame.

There’s also the age of empowerment,
Women’s skills at long last accepted,
No longer named as ‘anonymous’
But recognised, valued, respected.

There are different aspects of Aberdeen
And the work force’s daily toil
In Aberdeen’s three renowned industries
Of granite, fishing and oil.

There is stormy weather in Iona,
Bright painted boats out at sea,
Tranquillity at Ailsa Craig,
I know where I’d rather be.

There is abstract art, not desired by all,
With its blobs of colour and lines,
That some find bizarre and non-sensical
While others see marvellous designs.

There are so many wonderful works to see
Of which you will never tire.
Whatever your taste in art work,
You’ll find something there to inspire.

Congratulations to group member, Barbara Cork who won a special voucher award sponsored by the Wallace Smith Gallery at this years New Pitsligo Visual Arts Exhibition for her painting ”Near Elgin”. She joins growing number of our members who have had success in this and other exhibitions.

We are blessed with an interesting variety of galleries in our area, and there is always somewhere to go for new ideas. Aberdeen Art Gallery is well worth a visit; both permanent and temporary exhibitions are always excellent, and there are also some interesting workshops to inspire.

Another art treat in store is the Gray’s School of Art Degree Show, which runs from June 10th – 17th. Go along to RGU and have a look at what young artists are doing: there is so much variety out there.

We have been back after the Easter break for two weeks now and are planning some summer activities. Several members are keen to get outside with sketch pads; down by the river, in the Castle Gardens, documenting social events like the annual Pedal Car Race – all are possibilities, and, with a bit of summer sunshine to encourage us, we plan to be out there getting inspiration.

Within the group there is a whole spectrum of artistic style and technique, and we all have our own project, which is how we have worked since the group was set up over thirty years ago. With the success of our Van Gogh project during Lockdown, we decided to try another group activity. On two occasions this term we attempted some life drawing, using members of the group as models. We discovered how difficult this is, but also how very absorbing. Whilst this isn’t everyones idea of fun, some maybe discovered a hidden talent and will take it further.

The new term begins on Thursday January 12th. Everyone is looking forward to meeting up again and starting new projects. The blank canvas is often a difficult stage: is this a good idea, where do I begin, am I going to make a mess of it – we have all been there! It’s good to meet up, be inspired by one another, and get going. There are already ideas for some group projects and visits, and with the expectation of an uninterrupted term at long last, we are hoping for some good results.