Happy New Year! Welcoming 2026 with Barrow Society of Artists

As the calendar turns to a new year, it brings fresh opportunities for Artists to explore, learn, and connect through engaging events. This year’s programme kicks off with a special session led by Graham Twyford, our esteemed Art Advisor. Known for his insightful perspectives and deep knowledge of the art world and techniques used to create fantastic art, Graham will guide us through an enriching experience focusing on painting buildings.

Drawing and Painting Buildings- A Demonstration in Oils and Acrylics, by Graham Twyford.

Working on a study of grand architecture I will try and show methods of depicting buildings. How to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and gradually bring out the volumes, proportions and details.

I will show how effects of light falling on a subject can greatly add atmosphere and the illusion of depth.

There will be instruction on perspective and how visual memory and imagination can transform a subject into a painting!

Graham Twyford's demonstration on the 5th of January starts the 2026 Programme of Events for Barrow Society of Artists! It starts at 7pm at Hawcoat Memorial Hall. Members can renew their membership at the same time as watching this inspiring demonstration

Here is a link to our programme of Events for 2026 - Events

Demos from 2025

A New Year, A New Programme of Events

Starting the year with a fresh programme of events offers a chance to engage with new ideas and meet like-minded individuals. This year’s line-up is designed to cater to a wide range of interests, with a focus on art appreciation, creative workshops, and expert talks. The first event, featuring Graham Twyford, sets the tone for what promises to be an inspiring series of Events.

Life Drawing is also starting the New Year Programme with the first date for your diary of Friday 16th January at 7pm!

We hope to see you there!

Reflections on the Last Year

Last year we held 12 Demonstrations and talks, we hosted Life Drawing Classes. We attended and participated in Local Art Events. We held an Exhibition at the Dock Museum. A Paintout at Piel meeting was created for Plein Air Painting enthusiasts which proved successful and inspiring. Members have exhibited their work widely and some members participated in the Mural created by AtMa in Barrow town Centre.

We welcomed many new members who are as passionate about art as we are. We now have monthly guest Artists from the Society exhibiting at Jitterbug in Ulverston. We developed our website and grew our Facebook following. Below is a selection of photos from the last year 2025. I hope you enjoy them.

More Reflections on last year to follow in the Next Blog.

Join Us for a Year of Discovery

Starting this years programme of Events with an event led by Graham Twyford is a chance to enrich your understanding of art and connect with a community of enthusiasts. Whether you are new to art or looking to deepen your knowledge, this programme offers something valuable for everyone.

There is a team working hard behind the scenes to enrich our society members experiences. They work voluntarily giving their expert advice and guidance freely to enhance the Societies activities and Events. Thanks for everyone's hard work last year goes to Committee Members: Faiqa Aslam, Ron and Judith Caunt, Steve Cook, Tracy Garnett, Amanda Hetherington, Cathy Holmes, Barbra Trescatheric and Jean Pritchard for running the Life Drawing Classes, and Graham Twyford for continuing as our Art Advisor with his expertise and knowledge.

We look forward to Welcoming New and Old members for 2026! Fees of £20 for the year are now due and can be paid at the meeting or by bank transfer just ask for details.

All the best

Marina

Chair of Barrow Society of Artists