BRIDGWATER’S Chandos Society of Artists has been adapting to the lockdown measures to ensure its 2020 programme can still go ahead.
They have however been forced to alter their plans - proposed visits to inspiring destinations including St Mary’s Church in Bridgwater, Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton and the seaside town of Watchet in West Somerset could not take place.
So instead the Society has opted to bring these destinations to the members virtually, setting up a photo resource on its website.
Ken Church of the Chandos Society of Artists said: “Local photographer Les Pickersgill started the ball rolling with his pictures of St Mary’s. Friends added more pictures offering a wide range of subjects including pictures from Spain to inspire members.
Picture by Les Pickersgill
“Each artist is being given a week’s exclusive page on our website. Next up will be drawings by Richard JG Field who is currently locked-down in the backwoods of the Philippines.”
The planned Spring Exhibition at Bridgwater Arts Centre is also now available to see online at chandosartistssociety.uk.
Some of the members explained what they have been working on during lockdown.
Picture by Ken Church
“I am continuing to prepare a picture for the Changing Places Exhibition being organised by Bridgwater and twinned town of Priverno. Clearly this will be postponed/cancelled as an exhibition but that’s no reason not to paint,” Mr Church said.
Jackie Curtis said: “I have been posting a virtual tour of my studio/gallery – a picture a day on Twitter (@jcurtisart).
“Also I’ve been looking very close to home for inspiration, for example painting a bumble bee in the garden.”
Pip Wilson explains that he has been using the time to learn to paint with watercolours, as well as practice with his new camera, while Jonet Middleton has been busy knitting stylish tea cosies.
Mr Church said the Society was keeping its monthly online challenge going where members submit artworks on a various theme, while there are still plans for the final exhibition of the year- titled 2020 Vision, to take place at Bridgwater Arts Centre in October.
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