Join one of our friendly groups!

The Portrait Group
by Gwen Batiste

Join this friendly group and paint from life in any medium. Models provided. Beginners welcome.

Phone Agata Lelek: 9503 8054
or Christopher Teo: 9562 5667

Expert tuition by Agata Lelek is available every second week at extra cost

Waverley Outdoor Workshop (In the Heidelberg tradition)

Join other painters and sketchers at interesting and challenging venues. All day sessions: stay all day. BYO lunch, drinks and equipment. Friends welcome. 

For further details phone Tony Phillips: 9560 8579

A "Williamstown" day in the life of the outdoor painting group
by Tony Phillips

Plein air painting is always stimulating, especially in a unique and picturesque location like Williamstown. We set out on an August day illuminated with that beautiful clear white winter light which gives such clarity.

There were beautiful views wherever you looked: many boats navigating the waters and the perennially superb views across Hobson’s Bay which always attract the artist.
Outdoor workshops are, of course, at the mercy of the weather and this day was no exception: warm enough but windy too—definitely not easel weather!

In the town, interesting buildings and fascinating streetscapes lay in every direction, beckoning us. Williamstown is a simply stunning subject for the artist.

When newcomers arrived to settle in Victoria, the intention was that Williamstown would be of first importance. It was, after all, given the name of the reigning King. The village up the river was only named after the Prime Minister! (Melbourne, in case you were wondering!).

Some years ago, a drive to Williamstown would involve a short voyage. You drove the family to the river, and when your time came, you drove onto the old chain ferry which clanked and rattled its way across the water while you took in the view. Today, whilst the drive over the bridge is still spectacular, you simply don’t have the time or space to enjoy the scenery.

However, one thing you can see from the bridge is a large French Empire—style building close to the river. It is now part of the Science Museum, and if you are an industrial archaeologist or an artist, inside is one of the most challenging interiors you will find anywhere.

Williamstown holds a significant place for art in Australia. The work that immediately springs to mind is that of ‘Angry Penguin’ John Perceval (1923—2000) whose wonderful work can be hung alongside great art from anywhere and any time. Perceval had two major productive periods in Williamstown—in 1956/57 and 1967. He loved—and perfectly expressed—the vitality and pulse of life of this artistic ’jewel’.
 

Develop your drawing skills with expert tutor Carol Boothman. Live models provided. Beginners welcome.

The model is very shy - if you click on her, she will fly away

Pottery and Craft Group:

This friendly group meets once month to do pottery and other crafts – silk painting, sculpture etc.

Phone Helen Kelly: 9561 7089

 Alison Simpson writes:

As promised (to myself) now I have a bit more time I have been going to Open Studio at Mount St (Wednesday evenings 7.00pm – 9.00pm).  It is a very quiet and pleasant evening and the two hours fly by.  Everyone takes his or her own work and materials in any medium.  Many of the class do works on paper and as they work on a smaller scale sit round the large table. 

However, there are easels and wheely work tables available to use and there is plenty of room to spread out.  I take pastels and am working on a full sheet at the moment.  There is a great atmosphere of helpfulness and encouragement evident among the Open Studio folks.  And a great deal of talent as these photos show.  Hope to see you there sometime – just give Alison Simpson a ring: 9874 4589

  Mount St Neighborhood House, 8 Mount St. Glen Waverley (park in Panoramic Drive)

Work in any medium in congenial company. Bring all your own materials – upright easels provided. No tutor. Explore new ideas – lots of fun!

Phone Alison Simpson: 9874 4589

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Children’s Classes (Primary School Age):

Under the expert guidance of Inga the children learn about art while having fun.

 Wednesday is the day when the younger (much younger) members meet to pursue their artistic interests.  The place is the Waverley Community Centre, 5 Fleet St, Mount Waverley.

 I needed some photos to complete some photo display boards that I have been putting together to promote the various classes and groups of Waverley Arts Society, so I found my way to Fleet St. last Wednesday afternoon.  What a lovely community house it is; beautifully restored, and giving out a relaxed and creative atmosphere. 

Inga Harper is the teacher of this group, comprising ten primary age girls (what’s up, boys?) She leads them through all kinds of different projects, using a wide range of mediums and techniques, and giving them constant attention and advice.

 Today’s project is using oil pastels and ink.  Tropical fish are drawn and colored on large piece of white paper, and when completed a wash of blue ink is painted over the top. Obviously the ink will not take over the oil pastel, leaving them standing out in relief.  I could not stay for the ink part, which was going to be the best part!  However, Pam, who called in later, told me that the finished art works were quite stupendous.

 Some finished paintings on the wall were various interpretations of items used in a day in the garden.  They were extremely fresh and colorful.  One student was working on a plaster hand, coloring and decorating it.  She was catching up on a previous project as she had been on holiday when everyone else was doing it!

 We will look forward to seeing some of this classes work at the Annual Exhibition, Focus on Arts, in a couple of weeks.  Hope that some of the tropical fish paintings will be on display.

 Alison Simpson

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DARE

Dare is for artists who wish to explore a non traditional approach to their craft. 

At present, some artists are exploring their styles while others are expanding their ideas with the help and encouragement of fellow members.  One member is using Liquin gel to enhance the flow and thickness of oil paint.  Another is experimenting with sand and glue.  The glue is poured thickly onto the surface in a semi controlled way -invariably, the glue gets the final say, which adds to the excitement of the work.  The surface is then painted.  Yet another enthusiastic member  is combining geometric shapes with abstract objects. 

Everyone is very open and free with their comments and help. We are a very happy group and can't wait until our monthly meetings.  Please feel to join us and see if this is for you. 

The next DARE painting day is at Bellfield House, 8 Mount St Glen Waverley from 10am to 4 pm on October 7th.

Crit nights:  
7:30 p.m, First Monday, August, Sept. and Nov. at the Highway Gallery.
Cost $2  Tea & Coffee provided.

Any queries to Celia Gant 9544 9962.

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