Life, classes, exhibitions and the rest

Life

Hi folks, I have eventually got back into the swing of life, school runs and teaching my Watercolour classes this week and last....I can't say it's been easy, firstly there's been all the chocolates, nuts and alcohol to clear in one big fell swoop of gluttony, hard work that one! Then there's been the school run coupled with the fact that it's either been a) permanently night time, making getting the kids "up and out" erm, fractious, would be the polite way of describing it or b) below freezing prompting the Sandra and Frank de-icer/scraper dance! If you think this sounds humorous, it isn't. Remotely.

Classes

I started a new evening class this week at Rickleton Primary School which proved successful, although I did have some people who were returning from the last 10 week run, it's always a bit nerve racking wondering if anyone will turn up! However they did and I may have to start another evening class to accommodate both beginners and the more advanced

I have a class at Pennywell, which is ongoing through term time now rather than being 10 week sessions, where I teach both Watercolour and Acrylics. I have adapted the lessons from straight Watercolours because the class consists of people with learning difficulties and disabilities and I find they understand the concept of Acrylics better and I can adapt the subject matter more easily for those with restricted or shaky movement.

My "Mackem" pals at Herrington have managed to secure a grant for this year, I merged them along with my Sandhill possy and they all got along swimmingly! This was because there wasn't the demand for Watercolours at Sandhill, although I am looking to start an Acrylics class there in February.

Exhibitions

Well just the one actually! I will be showing my work at the Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre from the March 29th till April 25th. Unfortunately they haven't got the facilities for an Opening Evening (you could always drink to my health and success on the appropriate date!) but entrance to view is free, unless you want to go and feed the birdys!

And the rest...

I am hoping that by the next posting to have my web-site up and running and also to be adding hints and tips for watercolour painting. The picture shown is a Watercolour of the old South Pier Lighthouse in Sunderland, I used it in a recent class to demonstrate light, shade and graded washes.

Hope you like it,
Sandra.

Sandra's Scribbles

Okay folks, just trying to get my non-technical/computer savvy brain around doing a blog! I would say "get me, I've got a blog" if I felt confident that I could actually work it....time will tell.

I have to say, it probably doesn't help that I had a disgracefully good time at the Falcons rugby match yesterday, good company, good food ( well, Christmas choccies!) beer aplenty, and a nearly good score (we drew), therefore the little grey cells are probably struggling a tad!!

However, if you will bear with me, I will endeavour to ignore my husband's over the shoulder spelling and punctuation checks, those who know him will understand! To bring a witty, intelligent and informative insight into my life, work (Frank would dispute this as a fact!) and arts....or a bit of a ramble with a few facts and pictures thrown in!!

You will also be able to keep checking in to find out what courses I am running in 2009, and the dates of my next exhibition.

You never know, by the time of my next posting, I may even have found out how to change this typeface.....watch this space.

Sandra

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Short Arts, Sandra's short stories about life, art and everything.
It's a busy time of year, so I'm going to make this short and sweet...

Merry Christmas and a very happy 2009

Oh, and here's an image of one of this year's Christmas cards, Sycamore Gap, Hadrian's Wall. Hope you like it!