SELF taught artist, Steve Hall, demonstrated two pictures to Lansdown Art Club this month.

His first was a view of the Thames - Severn canal, lightly drawn before he added colour in his own particular style.

The second was boats on an inlet.

Using a maximum of three brushes, he transformed the paper with bold movements, explaining his method of working top to bottom and light to dark.

He gave an informative and at times amusing commentary as he worked, showing an empathy with those of us who do not have his confidence.

Trees, branches, masts and rigging were achieved with light, definite strokes using a fine brush after the main picture was produced with his large brushes.

He confessed to disliking what he called gimmicks but admitted to finding one quite useful.

While paint is still wet, a sharp, pointed knife could scratch the paint off to produce small, light reflecting or white branches and very small sailing masts.

The sales table was again well stocked and the 'Picture of the Month' was won by Marjorie Cunningham.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 12, at 7.30pm in Sainsbury’s cafe when we are having a 'Members Evening' when we take our own subject matter and choice of medium, to draw and paint with our colleagues.

The next talk and demonstration will be on Tuesday, June 9, when we have Kate Smith with 'Painting in acrylics using the three primary colours'.

This will also be at 7.30pm in Sainsbury’s cafe.

As always, new members and visitors are very welcome.