There are many reasons for becoming a member of an Art Group. It’s a great way to meet and make new friends, and at the same time enjoy painting some attractive, interesting and at times, thought-provoking images. Why we paint probably varies with each individual.
The group meet in the Village Hall in Holcombe, every Friday between 10am and 1pm, where they all work on their own piece of art. They use Acrylic paints both out of preference and practical reasons. They are advised by professional artist, their group mentor, Barry Wills, who advises and encourages them to push their work that little bit further, which allows them to develop and improve their standard of work. While they work creatively, conversation often ranges far and wide. At the same time they often find themselves very much “in the moment” which as we are told these days, is of great therapeutic benefit!
They have staged a number of impromptu “displays” to coincide with other events that have used the village hall. By staging a more formal exhibition in the museum, they are showing a wider audience what they do. Although several of them live in Holcombe there is no bar to anyone and several travel some distance to attend the Friday sessions.
If you’d like to join them do make contact, initially with Barry Wills – Tel 01761 753457. Or just go along on a Friday morning from 10am where you will be made very welcome.

Free entry to exhibition only

Anna has now lived in Wells for 22 years and has spent the past year working in watercolour. She paints landscapes and animals, especially horses, and also flowers, trees and cityscapes in Wells.

In summer she loves to drive into the countryside, park in front of a good view, and work from the scene in front of her, either inside the car if the weather is unhelpful, or preferably outside in the fresh air. She especially enjoys painting skies, for which watercolour is so suitable as she says that Its transparency is ideal for capturing light and colour, and the changing effects of sun and shadow.

She likes to start with a good drawing, by which she means a good composition, that is, an interesting arrangement of shapes and colours within the frame. She says she finds that accurate academic drawing gives her a firm foundation for her work, so she goes to weekly life drawing classes to keep her eye in. She also goes to watercolour classes given by a well-known local watercolourist, John Hunt (who is hoping to exhibit at the museum in 2027). Cards of Anna’s pictures will also available to buy.

Free entry to exhibition only

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