The fourth annual exhibition of the Bitterne Park Parish Community Painting Group takes place at the Church of the Ascensionfrom August 17–25, and the exhibition forms part of Hampshire Open Studios – whereby artists open their homes and studios to showcase their work. Dave Hewett gives the background.
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This year marks our fourth annual exhibition of member's works and the first time that we have opened up to visitors from further afield through the popular "Hampshire Open Studios" publicity booklet.

2013 Exhibition

As before, our bank of reference photographs has been well used as a basis for members' works. Old favourites from a trip down-under (Oz and NZ) still inspire, and popular new images from Guernsey (boats, ports, forts and fishing), the formal gardens of Gregg's School in spring, and yet more flower snaps have been well used. Given our location, the lure of Riverside compositions remains strong. Following a cold snap in the weather several members had a go at snow scenes for the first time. Look out too for the results of a 'tri-colour only' exercise based on some horses in a winter field.

We looked at the work of James Dickson Innes (Welsh mountains) and saw how his paintings (as an early post–impressionist) might help us to 'free up' our own rather 'controlled' painting technique. In particular the drawing and composition of his 'Waterfall' and his bold use of colour gave us plenty of food for thought.

Most paintings adhere to the traditional figurative treatment of subjects but there were some interesting departures from the norm. Look for the imaginative triptych of Guernsey seaport, the abstracted motor vehicles, the variations on Bullfighters, the search for Shergar as well as other hidden gems.

Do sign our visitors' book and let us know what you thought of the works on show and how we might improve in the future. And please don't leave without looking at our windows, described as "the finest series of modern stained glass in the country forming an unusually harmonious, narrative, whole." Or visiting our café for a drink or light refreshments.

About our Group

Founded and led by church members our meetings are just another modern way of 'doing church', living out our faith, of caring and sharing for each other in the community, through a shared passion for painting pictures.

Whilst we try to learn and understand the conventions and techniques of picture making that have evolved throughout history we acknowledge too, that for many, there is a therapeutic or spiritual dimension to the process of capturing an image or feeling in paint on paper or canvas. We do not 'preach' to members, our membership is open to people of any faith or none, but based as we are in a 'reordered' church building with dedicated worship areas, we do offer the service of quiet prayer (accompanied or otherwise) if members should like this opportunity. In most other respects we operate like any other painting club, sharing our know-how and striving to improve our technique in picture making through experience and practice.

We aim to keep fee levels as low as possible – basically to cover the room hire charges, some basic resources for beginners and the cost of putting on an annual exhibition. Members will often donate the proceeds from sale of their paintings to the church.

We meet in two groups once a week (Tuesdays for the day group and Thursday for the evening group).

We welcome people of all abilities. Members can choose their own topics/subjects or use any reference material, including books that we have available.

We will offer some help / guidance to help get you started and further support/advice in the future as you need it.

If you would like to know more, contact Dave Hewett, 023 8055 4097

Dave Hewett

Church – Community Painting Group Exhibition – August 2013
August 17th – 25th
Church of the Ascension,
1 Thorold Road, Bitterne Park, SO18 1HZ

To find more Hampshire Open Studios in Southampton, click here.