AN ART group’s winning paintings gained the approval of the public at its recent Spring exhibition.
Prizes at the Woodley And Earley Arts Group exhibition were awarded to two artists.
The exhibition was open to the public, with visitors invited to nominate their favourite picture for the Favourite Painting prize.
Winning most votes for this award, was Majestic, created by Ian Bond.
Featuring the head of a lion, it caught the attention of viewers, gaining their approval and winning the artist a voucher to spend on art materials.
It was produced in soft coloured pencil.
“Ian often works in this medium,” said the group’s treasure and exhibition organiser, Pat Birt.
“Last year he produced a picture depicting cats’ eyes, which was very striking.
This piece, Majestic, was also very popular, and sold very quickly.”
The other winning painting, which also gained its artist vouchers to buy arts materials, was called Welsh Barn.
It was painted by Joanne Weller.
“Joanne is new to the society, but she has evidently had quite a lot of experience,” said Ms Birt.
“Her watercolour was chosen by the society chair Martin Rolfe, to receive The Bryan King Award for best picture by a first time exhibitor.”
Around 500 people visited the gallery.
Ms Birt said: “We were delighted with the public’s response.
“We only exhibited over two days, and the weather wasn’t wonderful on the Friday, but it didn’t stop people coming.
“Footfall was even better on the Saturday.
“The artists were very pleased, especially as 17 of the pieces were sold.”
Around 40 artists in the group, some of whom are semi-professional, meet on the last Thursday of the month, at the Oakwood Centre, Oakley.
“Around eight times per year, visiting artists share their work and techniques with us,” explained Ms Birt.
“Our next visitor will be Sue Gillmore Powell, who will be demonstrating how to create a forest scene in pastels at our May meeting.”
During the winter months, between September and April, the group also holds Winter workshops at Pearson Hall, Woodley.
“These take place on Saturdays, usually from 10am through to 4pm.
“We’re a small independent group with around 50 members on our books,” said Ms Birt.
“We always welcome new people to join us, members and non members, at our workshops and meetings.”
The group’s next meeting takes place at the Oakwood Centre, on Thursday, May 25, at 7pm.
Entry is £6 for visitors, and free for subscription members.
For more information about the group, visit: www.weag.art
