April 5th: Pen & Wash with Lorri lambert $5 (plus normal hall fee) $20 non members
Archival pens supplied. BYO watercolours and paper A5 or A4 (can be supplied if needed)
May (no workshop due to Kerryn Finch Sat 6th)
Kerryn Finch Workshop:Expressive Still Life
Sat 6th May 10am—3pm
$60 members $80 guests
Kerryn loves painting still-life , but with some quirks and things not typically seen in traditional still-life painting.
Her style has developed over time, and Kerryn describes it as being a bit like her own language. She paints the things that have meaning to her, whether that’s a packet of chips, or a CD cover or some flowers from her garden, it’s her unique view of the world.
Life memberships were presented to Joan Mellahn, Helen McKerrow and Judy Brawn for their long term commitment to the group, their support of local artists and promotion of the group by continued involvement in the broader community. Judy has also been President for 11 years.
The group is once again meeting at Woorinen South Community Hall each Wednesday morning. If you need a lift, let us know there is always someone heading out from Swan Hill.
Our AGM was held on 17th January at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, followed by a General Meeting. Norma Anderson has taken on President, and Lorri Lambert remains in the role of Secretary and acting Treasurer. We currently have 17 members.
General Business from the meeting:
Twilight Arts Market This will be held at the Town Hall on Saturday 25th February. Members agreed to have a 2m x 4m stall at the cost of $90. This is an opportunity to promote the group. The market runs from 4pm – 8pm with further details to be obtained by Lorri and members advised regarding delivery and pick up of items. Norma has offered to collect display stands from Judy for the event and will check with her regarding the banner. Once more details are obtained Lorri will consult with Helen and Norma to plan how the site will be set up to best highlight the artworks and display other items.
Workshop Survey Results
The survey showed that members are happy with the current format of First Wednesday workshops and special guests for one or two days on weekends.
Pastels, Oils and Pen and Wash were the top three selected medium.
Portraits, Life drawing/painting and colour mixing were the top three in skill development.
Jon Lam, Di Giddings, Jan Lawler and Kerryn Finch were the top four tutors in the survey.
Newly suggested tutors include Bethany McKay (Dandy Lion studio tutor), Glenda Cornell and Basil Hall.
Workshop planning group will include Lorri, Norma and Nancy with Maxine and Sue to be asked if they wish to participate.
Thanks Helen McKerrow thanked Norma for organising our annual Christmas functions and for always providing beautiful decorations for the event. This was supported by a round of applause.
Swan Hill Show: MASH will continue to support with a donation and assistance in hanging works.
Motel Group: Thank you to the Tuesday group for arranging a gift as thanks to Justin and Jean.
Lake Boga Annual Art Show February 23-25 Joy advised the group that entries are still open and that it is a great community event and an opportunity to sell some work. Lorri to post an update on Facebook to remind members. Entry forms will be taken to art group on Wednesday.
Insurance Some discussion was held about our insurance and what it covers. Lorri explained that it is called Market Stall Insurance but also covers us for $20m public liability insurance. This covers us against accidents at any event we participate in anywhere in Australia. *Lorri looked up policy to confirm following the meeting.
Membership The question was raised why we have not continued the $10 reimbursement at the Christmas event. Lorri explained that the funds were needed for insurance and also used to purchase materials and support workshops. Effectively we were only charging $15 membership if we continued the reimbursement. Members agreed that the annual fee is still very reasonable at $25.
Life Memberships Presented to Joan Mellahn and Helen McKerrow for their support of MASH, local artists; often representing MASH in other forums and promoting the Arts in the region. Lorri will present Life Membership to Judy Brawn for 11 years as President and her support for the Arts in our community.
Monthly Cuppa/get together It was agreed to continue these in 2023 as they are a great way to keep the group connected. There was discussion around venues and it was agreed to meet at the same venue this year to make it easier to remember. The group agreed to meet at Modern natural (opposite the town hall) as it is roomy, has plenty of parking and usually not busy so we can hear each other. Norma will contact the café and the first one will be February 24th 10.30am.
Survey for Art Gallery Redevelopment Members were asked to complete the survey being conducted to gather ideas for the redevelopment of the Regional Art Gallery. Lorri completed the survey online and hard copies were made available.
9×5 Exhibition again in 2023 This will be held in April this year and some members took boards and signed up. More boards will be made available for those who wish to participate.
Lorri will provide feedback to the organising Committee of the exhibition regarding the obscurity of the Auction site and difficulty for some to locate and navigate. Being inside the real estate agent website made it unclear as to the real purpose of the fundraiser. Also it was questioned that the platform was used by some artists to self promote and concerns that this was not appropriate for a fundraiser.
Moving House Joan Mellahn advised the group she has moved to Logan Lodge and as a result will have paintings and art materials that can not be housed. Family are assisting in sorting and Joy has offered to photograph Joan’s paintings. Members agreed to assist Joan in selling paintings at an afternoon (date to be announced) where funds will be donated to a charity of Joan’s choice.
Hang your work on the wall. Find a neutral coloured wall (white or grey) and hang your work at the height where the middle of your piece will be parallel to where your camera is pointing – either on a tripod or sitting on a hard surface, such as a shelf or table.
2. Light your work. If shooting indoors, make sure you shoot in a room with plenty of windows and natural light. Avoid direct sunlight on your artwork as this may create glare and affect the colours of your photograph. You can light your work with lamps. For 2D works, all you need is two lights. (Preferably using Daylight bulbs). Place the lights halfway between the camera and your work on the wall at a 45-degree angle pointing towards the wall (this angle will help eliminate any glare you might get from the lights). If you are still experiencing glares from the lights – you can diffuse the lights with white sheets in front of them. See image for camera placement.
3. Once your artwork is hung on the wall and lit with lamps, double check that the camera is set to where the lens lines up with the middle of the painting. The artwork should take up the majority of the frame in your picture. The ISO and aperture of your camera are very important to get clear, crisp and bright images of your artwork. In this case, since we want very crisp images, we want a low ISO. Studio shots will generally be shot at ISO 100. The f-stop of the aperture of your camera adjusts how much light is let through the lens by making the opening bigger or smaller. The higher the number, the less light is being passed through. With a DSLR the ideal range for shooting artworks is between f-8 and f-11. Set your camera’s timer to four or five seconds so that pressing the shutter button doesn’t create a shake in your image.
#NOTE Look up specific instructions for your Camera or Smart Phone for step 3
Pauls workshops have become very popular across the state and beyond. Loosen up and experiment with expressive watercolour and charcoal techniques to create unique portraits. Bring your own photos and materials. Portraits can be human or animal. (list to be provided when you book).
Wednesday 4 June, 10am @ Woorinen South Community Hall
FREE member workshop
Demonstration of several types of printmaking followed by YOU having a go at one. Demo includes: Gelli plate printing (gelatine plates) Relief (using easy cut) Collograph (collage printing) Etching using acetate Monoprint methods BYO Acrylics, wooden spoon, cartridge or watercolour paper. MASH supplying ink and rollers Non members $20 Please contact Lorri 0467 879 261
What a lovely morning we spent with the beautiful and learned Margaret Lewis learning to be brave and experiment with interesting brush techniques and colours. We are hoping to invite Marg back later in the year to explore landscapes. Here are some of our experiments!
Come along to a great social get together for all MASH members from both groups. 10.30am, Friday 25th February @ Modern Natural Café, McCallum St Swan Hill. Please let Norma or Sue know if you are coming.
21st Birthday Update
The exhibition dates are set and the finer details of how best to celebrate are still being thrashed out.
We are planning an opening on the Friday night and a COVID safe dinner with finger food on Saturday. Entry forms are now finalised, and we will arrange a day for works to be photographed if artists need help. Lorri has prepared notes to help you write a short biography and artist statement to accompany your work. Forms available soon.
Important dates
Friday 30 September 2022: Entries close
Friday 25 November: Official opening of Exhibition
Saturday 26 November: 6.30pm Artists and guests’ dinner
Sunday 30 January 2023 Last day of exhibition
Weekly Art Groups
Weekly painting days are in full swing again with everyone starting on new work and some completing their boards for the 9×5 Exhibition and charity auction. Don’t forget they need to be either given to Sue or Lorri by the end of February or taken to the Gallery by 5th March.
Tuesdays 9.30 – to 12 @ Murray River Motel
Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30 @ Woorinen South Community Hall.
The MASH community were saddened to hear that our member and friend Merrilyn lost her husband, Bill to cancer recently. We send our most sincere sympathy to Merrilyn and her family.
Monthly Workshops – March to June, 2022
30th March: Watercolours with Marg Lewis (member tutor)
23rd & 24th April: Glass Art and Mosaics in Moulamein*
4th May: Clay workshop with Nancy (membertutor)
1st June: Mono Printing using Gelli plates and other fun stuff with Lorri (member tutorsample image right)
Saturday 25th June: Expressive Portraits with Paul Oswin*
Saturday 10th September: Landscapes with Jon Lam*
All workshops are held at the Woorinen South Community Hall unless otherwise stated. # COVID safe rules apply.Please supply own materials where possible. Sanitiser is available to clean any shared resources.
Exhibitions & Competitions
The Mallee Through My Eyes
Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum. Opens Friday 18th February. Did anyone enter? Send the Secretary some photos, especially if you are a winner!
Winners will be announced at the opening.
People’s choice award will be announced 4 pm Sunday 20th February.
Entries to be collected Sunday night at 4pm.
Notions of Care until 27th March at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. This exhibition explores the ways in which art and nurture are interlinked, through the works of Arini Byng, Snapcat, Polly Stanton, Kate Tucker and Katie West. The exhibition asks questions about the ways that art can care for both viewers and artists. Notions of care are unfolded, cultivated, and enforced.
9×5 Exhibition and Online Auction, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, 1st April – 15th May
Completed artworks and your profile need to be handed to Sue or Lorri by the end of February or delivered to the Gallery by 5th March. Please put your name on the back of the artwork, complete the form provided or email the responses to carusoproduce@bigpond.com Artworks will be on display at the Gallery and images and profiles will be on the auction website, address not yet given.
Kerang Rotary Art Show, Easter 2022
Entries are now open. Entry forms have been emailed to all on our list. Judge: Jon Lam.
Print & Drawing Acquisitive Awards 2022The awards promote excellence in Australian prints and drawings; present an exhibition of contemporary Australian prints and drawings, and continue to build a high quality collection for Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. Entry forms available from Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.
Small Regional Galleries – well worth a visit
Moulamein Art Gallery
Open Thursday & Friday 10-4pm. There is a great selection of local art, crafts, gifts & produce for you to purchase. Plus good coffee, tea & cakes. Grab a couple of friends and take a drive.
Cohuna Art/Craft Gallery
Gallery Hours: Fridays 10am – noon and 1.30 -3.30pm Plus Saturdays 10am – noon.
Open 10am – 4pm most days. Phone 03 5020 0200 before taking a trip to check opening times. Opening of the new Balranald Creative & Learning Centre building was celebrated recently. It is located on the grounds of the Balranald Art Gallery. It was a wonderful day of celebrations which also included celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Balranald Community Arts & Crafts and the 140th Birthday of the Original Masonic Hall.
February: Finally back together after the summer break! No workshops but it was wonderful catching up with everyone. Had an AGM and set some ideas for the year. Also instigated a last Friday of the month catch up cuppa date to enable the two groups to get together. Tuesday at the Motel has a cap of 6 but we can still have up to 20 at the Woorinen Hall. Then another lockdown on 12th Feb!
March: Funky Trees with Merrilyn Kemp. We had a lot of fun painting these and the workshop consultation lasted weeks with the final one completed in June 🙂
April: Paverpol with Helen Mac. PaverPol is a fun 3D sculpture using wire frame and then covering in fabric dipped in special hardening cement like stuff! (very technical description)
May: Collage on one day ( a diy) session
May: Clay heads with Di Giddings. It was lovely to be able to have former member Di back for a visit and to run another clay workshop for us. Some really interesting results. Check out Kylie’s wonderful patina finish.
June: Another snap lockdown slowed us down a bit but we kept working on our funky trees!
I just had to add Reike’s fantastic pyrography! Also check out Sue’s lovely maggies (these are featured as our current image on the Facebook group).
Coming up July 7th: Abstract Trees and Rocks with Merrilyn Kemp (see next post for) Please post your latest work or email Lorri your images if you don’t know how!
Hi all Just a reminder that Lorri will be away from 28th Feb until 15th April. Norma is currently looking after Petty Cash & morning tea supplies.Please make sure you book in for these two great workshops! Call Judy if you have any other questions!!
March 4: Clay heads and objects with Di Giddings.
$20 per person (members) Non members $25
10am—4pm @ Woorinen South Community Hall, McCalman Street (behind pre school)
Please contact Helen McKerrow if you are coming. M: 0422 636 597. Email: ggmck4@bigpond.com
You will need a base for your sculpted head. A nice fat piece of dowell screwed into a rectangular or square base works well. The one in the images is approx 16cm high and on a base of approx 15cm x 20cm. You can make it smaller. Once the head is dry you can remove it & reuse your stand.
Alternately you could bring a piece of board and make a mask or something similar.
April 1st (nothing arranged for first Wednesday – any volunteers to run a foolish workshop?
Something really fun or a bit crazy would be great considering its April Fool’s Day!
Paul Oswin : Expressive Watercolour human and animal portraits
Sat 25th & Sun 26thApril 10am—4pm
Woorinen South Community Hall, McCalman Street (behind pre school)
Please book with Judy Brawn. M: 0448 918 771 E: brawnjudy@gmail.com
$90 for members $120 for non members (remember membership is just $25 per year!)
Paul’s workshops are fun and instructive. Alternative uses for watercolours are explored in an explosion of colour!With Paul’s workshop you can break from the traditions of painting and develop an expressive skill set that will help develop more visual movement in your wet medium painting. Paul’s aim in painting is to marry strong compositional methods with expressive qualities. He also develops rich textural elements by re-working finished painting with markers, pens and pencils.
Paul demonstrates his painting methods in a series of simple steps that participants can easily follow along. Participants can also take home an information sheet that outlines these steps for future reference as well. Gain some new tips and tricks that will help your own artistic journey in a relaxed and creative environment. This workshop is suitable for both the beginner and experienced painter alike. https://www.pauloswinart.com/
Materials:
Watercolour paints and/or inks
Black drawing ink or ink pens
Masking fluid
Watercolour paper
Masking tape
Water containers
Pics of Person Bird or Animal for Reference
Optional materials:
IPad/ phone
White gel pens
Paper towel
Waterproof fineliners
Pipettes
Salt
Dip pens (often used for calligraphy)
Paint markers (these are markers that have paint in them. Ie. Posca)
Mallee Artists Swan Hill Inc. 