As we enter into our 4th year I thought it was time Groupe Chroma had it's own blog site. We are well established here in the village of Labatut-Riviere right in the heart of Gascony where inspiration abounds for the aspiring artist, debutant or professional.
When I set up this group it was very much an experiment on my part as I had never taught art before. It has been a great learning curve and the surprising thing is - I LOVE IT. Most of our members are English, but we do have a small number of French members and I hope to welcome more French as time goes on. Language is not a problem - we manage to communicate reasonably well with one another and have created our own warm and friendly ambiance.
At the moment we meet every other Thursday at 2.20 pm until 5.00 pm in La Maison des Associations on Rue Eglise where there is ample parking. Half way through the session we break for coffee and biscuits - or cake if I've had time to bake one.
Groupe Chroma got its name from the painting medium I have used for many years now, which I consider to be 'magic' - CHROMACOLOUR. This wonderful paint can be used any way you want it - watercolour, acrylic, pen and ink - it's amazing. However, it's a UK based company which makes for difficulties when you live in downtown south-west France. A lot of our members do use Chromacolour, but some stick to regular watercolour medium and we have found a good and inexpensive supply of acrylics locally in a nearby market town.
Having spent three years painting watercolours, this year I decided to spread the wings of the group and we are now adding acrylics and pastels - there's nothing better than variety to spice up the artistic life. These are three very different mediums and I think it's safe to say that we are all enjoying them greatly as we explore what we can do with them.
What subjects do we paint? These too are varied from landscapes to flowers, still life to portraits and anything else that takes our fancy. I'm always open to ideas from the members. I am also available to give advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis for those who need it, either at the end of each session or privately in my studio.
EXHIBITIONS / EXPOS : The group exhibits at the annual talent revival exhibition in Labatut-Riviere every April, but we are hopeful of holding our own exhibition sometime later on in the year - watch this space.
SOCIALLY: A picnic or summer barbecue and an annual Christmas Dinner make very pleasant breaks throughout the year. At the Christmas event we have a gold star prize-giving for the group member who has accumulated the most silver stars during the course of the year.
When I set up this group it was very much an experiment on my part as I had never taught art before. It has been a great learning curve and the surprising thing is - I LOVE IT. Most of our members are English, but we do have a small number of French members and I hope to welcome more French as time goes on. Language is not a problem - we manage to communicate reasonably well with one another and have created our own warm and friendly ambiance.
At the moment we meet every other Thursday at 2.20 pm until 5.00 pm in La Maison des Associations on Rue Eglise where there is ample parking. Half way through the session we break for coffee and biscuits - or cake if I've had time to bake one.
Groupe Chroma got its name from the painting medium I have used for many years now, which I consider to be 'magic' - CHROMACOLOUR. This wonderful paint can be used any way you want it - watercolour, acrylic, pen and ink - it's amazing. However, it's a UK based company which makes for difficulties when you live in downtown south-west France. A lot of our members do use Chromacolour, but some stick to regular watercolour medium and we have found a good and inexpensive supply of acrylics locally in a nearby market town.
Having spent three years painting watercolours, this year I decided to spread the wings of the group and we are now adding acrylics and pastels - there's nothing better than variety to spice up the artistic life. These are three very different mediums and I think it's safe to say that we are all enjoying them greatly as we explore what we can do with them.
What subjects do we paint? These too are varied from landscapes to flowers, still life to portraits and anything else that takes our fancy. I'm always open to ideas from the members. I am also available to give advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis for those who need it, either at the end of each session or privately in my studio.
EXHIBITIONS / EXPOS : The group exhibits at the annual talent revival exhibition in Labatut-Riviere every April, but we are hopeful of holding our own exhibition sometime later on in the year - watch this space.
SOCIALLY: A picnic or summer barbecue and an annual Christmas Dinner make very pleasant breaks throughout the year. At the Christmas event we have a gold star prize-giving for the group member who has accumulated the most silver stars during the course of the year.
