Autumn 2008 Newsletter 9

Welcome to another series of my popular workshops for the petrified and the doubtful. This doesn't exclude the more experienced, as we all share our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and our difficulties in translating what we see onto paper.

Gradual changes have taken place over time and the workshops have developed and grown but the core principles are still the same. My firm belief is that everyone can draw and paint to some degree. Banish the fear, learn a few basics, and away you go! (That's where the workshop title came from) The biggest change yet is a move this Autumn to the Conference Centre at the China Clay Museum at Wheal Martyn, Carthew, St Austell. The centre has been specifically designed for seminars, training and education and is well situated on the road from St Austell to Stenalees (B3274) with free parking and use of all facilities including kitchen, and there is disabled access. The cafe is also available for lunches. There is a slight change in timings as we have to close at 4 p.m., but as we have usually run out of steam by then, it will not be a problem.

The Autumn Session starts on September 6th with a day devoted to Drawing in Many Modes. There will also be a Painting Day, but will painting with pencils also take place? Flowers, of course, are a must, and what colours there are in Autumn! Birds fly in for one workshop - big birds, little birds. Garden wildlife also makes an entrance. It seems timely when we reach December to play with fir cones and holly berries, snowflakes and stars. For full details of the programme see the next sheet. Other than the two days dedicated to Paint and Pencil, it has become so difficult to draw a line between pencils and paint, when it is possible to paint with pencils and draw with brushes. Each person will receive individual tuition and my attention for whatever medium they choose on any of the days, and when a point of interest arises the whole group will share it.

I look forward with great anticipation to the "new look" workshops, welcoming those of you who have been before (some since the beginning) and giving a special welcome to the brave newcomers! We are a small group and very friendly, and we all had to take the first vital step. Do come and join in. Full workshop details and booking form are overleaf. See you soon!

Julie Hockin August 2008