A GROUP of 16 artists from the Alton Art Society enjoyed the final painting day of the year at Wyards Farm on the outskirts of the town.

Ann and Bill Monk’s stunning farm is an artist’s paradise, with stables, sculptures, a pond, beautiful trees and gardens. And the weather was perfect, with sunshine and clouds but no rain. There was, however, a breeze, so artists had to anchor their paper down.

This was an ideal workshop to experience mixed media, watercolours, acrylics and pastels. All of these materials can be combined for satisfying results.

Rick Holmes, well known for his art in pastels and acrylics, gave a demonstration to members on how to approach their chosen subject in the space of a six-hour day. At the end of the session, the artists’ works of varying subjects were displayed on Rick’s easel for a critique (Fake or Fortune).

Many had produced successful works in the short time available to them. It was also an opportunity for members to meet and get to know each other. There may be a few of these paintings in the Art Society’s October exhibition at the Assembly Rooms from October 7-15, which is open daily from 10am-5pm.

The society begins it winter programme of demonstrations on Saturday, September 17, with Norman Rossiter giving a presentation on the use of pen and ink as a medium at Alton Assembly Rooms, from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Visitors are welcome at the cost of £3 per person.