Part of the Jazz Greats paintings by Sian Jeffreys at Jitterbug If you get chance pop into Jitterbug on Market Street in Ulverston its worth heading up to the top floor Art Gallery where Sian Jeffreys has a feature on her Jazz Great Paintings. Sian has a history of playing in Bands so music and musicians are close to her heart. The paintings reflect this love of music especially Jazz brought to life thoughtfully, on canvases using acrylic paints. The Gallery at Jitterbug presents a collection of Jazz Greats original paintings by local Artist, Sian Jeffreys. Including classical musicians such as Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Billie Holliday. The exhibition also show cases 21st Century jazz stars, Amy Winehouse and Jess Gillam. The Exhibition is open currently in time to get your Christmas present list sorted. Jitterbug and the Jitterbug Gallery are found at 46 Market Street Ulverston. The Jitterbug shop also stocks locally made artwork for sale by some of the members of Barrow Society of Artists, Rachel Beams and Amanda Hetherington and an array of unusual gift ideas. The Jitterbug Gallery also supports Barrow Society of Artists with a monthly guest Artists. Go and look and support small local businesses and Artists when you are composing your Christmas Gift Lists. Its very much appreciated and you get a unique thoughtful gift to give or to put on your own wish list! All the best Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Barrow Society of Artists will be in the Bridge on 15th November from 10am to 6pm. Hope to see you there for some early original Christmas gift ideas.

Cathy Holmes Pastel Workshop ​ Monday 3rd November 7pm to 9pm Hawcoat Memorial Hall ​ This November Cathy will be giving her third demo to BSA but this time she has put kits together for 14 people to paint along and try their hand at painting with pastels. It’s on a a first come first served basis so the first 14 to arrive will be given a paint along kit. There is room to watch for those who just want to see Cathy's demo. She hopes you enjoy her painting and techniques. Cathy Holmes is an appreciated member of Barrow Society of Artists Committee and can frequently be found at Events we arrange and attends the demonstrations we put on regularly. This year alone Cathy has participated in the Exhibition at the Dock Museum both as an Artist in Residence and Exhibiting her pastel work. She has also attended Art in the Park and Art Bazaar. Much thanks is directed towards Cathy Holmes for her input and dedication to Art. Cathy Holmes started painting about 15 years ago and is mainly self taught. After a pastel demo at Barrow Society of Artists she bought a set of pastels to try this medium herself and loved it. The vibrancy of the colour, the immediacy of the mark making and the forgiving nature if you make a mistake was the driver to Cathy developing her own artistic vision using this medium. I am sure you will agree with me they are vibrant haunting beautiful images that you just want to see more of. See below for an example of this Artists works. ​ She usually paints landscapes as the Lake District inspiration is close to home. Cathy frequently takes her own photographs for reference on walks in this Beautiful part of the world. Below is a pastel painting Cathy Created in a few hours on our 'Paintout at Piel' Event back in August. ​ Work by Cathy is exhibited at Home Images, Duke Street, Barrow in Furness. Cathy can also be directly contacted using the following email address : "Cathy" ​ ​ Cathy also has a Facebook page if you would like to follow her : Cathy Holmes - Lakeland Artist - (20+) Facebook Let us know if you are coming by emailing barrowsocietyofartists@outlook.com directly All the best Marina - Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Artistic Beginnings I met up with Jean Pritchard in her home art studio this week, where she produces her award winning Wildlife Art. The Artist also runs her busy zoom classes, from this home studio, that are zoomed around the world to eager students ready to learn Jean's unique painting techniques. Perfected over a lifelong practice of doing art. Jean told me her earliest memories of 'doing art' were from lessons given to her as a child by her Uncle and Godfather. He was well known Artist T. Leslie Hawkes - A watercolour artists so Jean's roots stem from watercolours. On Sunday morning classes in Dalton it was recognised she had a keen eye for detail. Jean has been a member of Barrow Society of Artists since she was 14. Her first memory of this was having a painting rejected for the exhibition at the time! It was a portrait she had drawn at school and her Uncle Leslie took her round the exhibition where there were portraits accepted to show her why, 'Mine wasn't accepted. I still remember it! It made me work harder to improve.' She said. She is still striving for that improvement with every painting she does, we may think everything is fantastic that Jean produces but she continually pushes herself to improve on her last painting- reaching fantastic levels in every painting she does. After taking 'O' Level and 'A' Level art she decided she wanted to go to Art College. She had to go through a years foundation course to get on the course she wanted which was 'Scientific and Technical Illustration' at Blackpool College of Art. She said " I loved this course which was taught by practising illustrators which was brilliant." Working Life After qualifying Jean stopped around Blackpool and worked, for a year, for a small pottery company doing the gold lettering and design transfers for China Pots. The Artists parents, at this time, ran the local village petrol station in Askam so she returned to help her parents with their business while teaching watercolour classes in the evening which lead to her taking a City and Guilds Teaching Qualification. Owl and Moth Jean Married and started a family teaching part time but taking a break from her own painting for 10-12 years. Then the dawn of the internet brough to her attention what other artists were doing and found the National Wildlife Art Exhibition. She sent in an entry. Saying ' I hadn't a clue what it was about but thought I would try it. My painting of a Barn Owl was accepted and it sold! I was hooked back into painting.' Exhibitions' and Rewards Jean showed her work for a few years at the National Wildlife Art Exhibition then it evolved into the Exhibition of Wildlife Art on the Wirral which she has now shown at for several years. She also shows at the Southern Nature Art at Rookesbury Park and Marwell Art Exhibition at Marwell Zoo in Winchester. She has been a finalist in the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition and has won some awards at the Association of Animal Artists Exhibition. Raising funds through her paintings for animal charities has also been a feature of the Artists finely tuned works. A painting of two Snow Leopards was sent to Melbourne Zoo to auction for vital funds for an animal charity. Jean has admired over the years Artists, Robert Bateman, Raymond Harris-Ching and John Seerey- Lester. For her these are the real wildlife artists, the real deal and so inspiring. I think exhibitions give Jean the opportunity to meet up with other Wildlife Artists as this is an under- represented group for Exhibitions for artists in this area. But, you find Wildlife Artists are very passionate about their subjects and the representations they are creating. Below is a selection of Jean Pritchard's Wildlife Art for you to view. She stated she loves the big cats. Dedicating hours up on hours to perfecting each painting to represent her passion for photorealism with a twist of Jean's signature soft edges and creating focus on the facial details and interactions of the subject she is painting, capturing beautifully each animals nature as she creates depth by drawing them out of the canvas she is working on. Jean Prichard has also exhibited with Barrow Society of Artists at their annual exhibition on many occasions. She has also been a yearly feature artists for the Societies members monthly demonstrations. Life Drawing classes have taken off under Jean's careful direction too and the Society is very thankful to Jean for running these classes for members and members of the public who are interested in brushing up on their quick observational skills in self directing, untaught classes. Painting Process Jean works primarily in oils now as she feels this medium helps her achieve her vision. She uses oil in a very watercolour way and has developed her own technique from her watercolour days. 'The light is what I love to try and emulate and if I can, pulling the subject out of my canvas makes me happy!' Says Jean. Jean also does a lot of pet portraits and she feels this has given her a good grounding to paint wildlife subjects. Her commission list is 2 years long which she says, 'Blows me away!' Zoom Classes Jean does not do face to face classes anymore. Because of covid she started to teach on Zoom and has kept going. 'I teach people from all over the world' she says and I (Marina) can vouch for the success of these zoom classes and the fantastic community Jean has built with a following of both professional artists, amateur artists and beginners in a good friendly atmosphere focused on the detailed Zoom Classes Jean produces. You can do these classes live or on catch up at your own pace. The Zoom Classes have been running for over four years now and I can also vouch that they are informative, each painting covers something different and many that paint along under Jean's detailed instruction have been on the classes since Jean started them or the Artists came across them. Jean uses the reference photos she uses for her own work to do these classes and does not hide anything about her painting process, materials used, or the knowledge she has gained from being in the art world for over 40 years. Its fascinating to watch your own and other peoples art improve with Jean's guidance. Many use the paintings produced in Exhibitions or to sell, some just use the classes for personal pleasure, there is definitely therapy in picking up a paintbrush and producing good works. Jean said 'As I hate technology I had to teach myself how to use zoom, cameras, lights, streaming programmes etc. Youtube is brilliant for this! I really love painting. I want to see my subject come to life from a blank canvas.' and I think you will all agree she can certainly put that life into the wildlife she paints so magnificently. Contact Jean directly with enquiries about her zoom classes or Art by visiting her website The Art of Jean Pritchard - Home where you can see more of her fantastic work. or visit her facebook page using the link https://www.facebook.com/jeanpritchardartist Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Rachel Beams is this months Guest Artist at the Jitterbug Gallery in Market St Ulverston. The Artist has produced affordable art using mainly Acrylic Paint on surfaces such as slate and small boards. Creating vibrant little collectibles for Original Art Lovers. The Guest Artist is exhibiting at Jitterbug until The end of this month. Rachel Beams Rachel's work is inspired by the beauty and magic of nature. She writes, "My love of painting began in childhood with my dad, and after his passing I returned to the brush as a way of honouring those memories. Today, I paint mainly in acrylics, capturing landscapes, wildlife, and whimsical scenes—often beneath the glow of a full moon. Each piece is created with love, reverence for the natural world, and a little sparkle of magic." Jitterbug can be found on Market Street in Ulverston The Art Gallery is on the third floor of Jitterbug. A shop filled with delightful gift ideas! And it would be lovely if you could call in and support Rachel Breams and the other Barrow Society of Artists members who regularly exhibit there. Sian Jeffreys and Jack Webster will be Guest Artists at Jitterbug in November and December. Work above by Sian Jeffreys and Jack Webster at The Jitterbug Gallery Rachel Beams also sells mugs, calendars and other artwork use the links below https://rachelbeamsart.etsy.com https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMx8N17VZ/ Direct contact details for Rachel: rachelindevon@msn.com Phone O7549953304 Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Demonstration and talk by Sam Harrison on Monday 6th October for members and potential members of Barrow Society of Artists. Wind Power - Mixed media Abstract Art by Sam Harrison Sam Harrison is a favourite artists of many, her bold Abstract Art creations are exhibited widely. This is the first demonstration she has undertaken for Barrow Society of Artists and promises to put members in the picture of Sam's process of creating eye catching Abstract Art. Growing up in the Lake District Sam felt connected to the beauty of the Cumbrian Landscape. Her goal was to capture its unique character through expressive abstract paintings that are inspired by the colours, shapes and textures she experienced. The Demonstration by Sam aims to take you through a brief introduction to herself and her background and motivation to create. Then go through the 3 key stages of her creation process. Working outside to gather information about the location Developing her sketches further in the studio Starting to translate this into a series of studio paintings Sam is not aiming to show you a finished painting but rather to take you on a journey of insight into her thought processes and inspiration. Which I think you will agree is fascinating when you see the eye catching work Sam has produced. The titles of Sam's work are as astonishing as her actual abstract work promising adventures within the works: 'Old Ship Mates', 'Levens Hall', 'Crossing the Bay', 'Chase the singing wind’, 'A Song of Grasses Played by the Wind'. Sam's work can be seen at her website click on the link: Sam Harrison Art Instagram @samharrisonartist Facebook@samharrisonart Email direct sam@samharrisonart.co.uk Sam's field-working on the Paintout at Piel organised by Barrow Society of Artists This is a demo I am looking forward to! I have seen Sam creating when she exhibits and attends the Barrow Society of Artists Exhibitions and actively participates as an Artists in Residence. Its a good date for your diary and I hope to see you there, I am sure you will not be disappointed but enthralled. All the best Marina

A date for your diary. 1st September at 7pm. Watching the Drama Unfold- Watercolour painting by Greg Howard The next demonstration at Barrow Society of Artists is by Greg Howard. I am looking forward to this enthusiastic Watercolour Artist demonstrating his technique; the title 'A Rainy Day in the Lakes' sounds promising. The meeting is at Hawcoat Memorial Hall starting at 7pm for members and potential members. Greg writes, 'Watercolour can be a bit chocolate boxy sometimes however when you let go of some of the more traditional approaches and start to explore it’s true potential it can be used to produce dramatic paintings full of mood & atmosphere. In this demonstration Greg will be painting a well-known Lake District location and will share a few of the techniques he employs to effectively portray the landscape and our famous Lake District weather.' To view some of the latest examples of Greg’s work visit: https://greghoward.gallery/online-art-gallery/spotlight-gallery/ Greg has provided countless demos & workshops for art societies up and down the U.K over the last 15 years and regularly writes for Leisure Painter & The Artist magazine. He also hosts his own in-person workshops which regularly sell out and has numerous online courses & workshops available.' Above is a selection of his range of work for an insight into the work Greg produces. He also offers tuition for anyone interested in developing their Watercolour painting. His unique selling point is recreating the emotion of the places he visits trying to capture the memory in how he felt about what he sees. To find out more about the tuition Greg offers visit: https://greghoward.gallery/#tuition Website: https://greghoward.gallery A further selection of works focused on atmosphere in the weather in the Landscapes we know and love by Greg Howard follow - [p.s. Want to take your watercolour landscape & seascape painting to the next level?I can help you with that! Click here for info on my Watercolour MASTERY Membership!] As always hope to see you there for this demonstration. Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Piel Looks Good in Paint What a wonderful day we had exploring this little Island on a beautiful day. After a short trip on the Ferry to Piel the Artists went their separate ways to find their painting spot for the day. I love when Artists have free range because the subjects they choose to paint and the diverse ways they choose to paint is fantastic to see. I didn't get chance to photograph everyone's work so apologies to those who I missed. The overall response was really positive with people often visiting this magical little Island for the first time. Many asked for a return visit! Which we will definitely do next year. I think you will agree the results were fabulous. Thanks Thanks go to Aaron (The King of Piel) and Artists Hannah Willetts for hosting the event on the Island and providing refreshments in the Ship Inn on a very busy day. Also to Karen Bibby and her husband for providing food. And of course to the Peil Ferry Men who got us all onto the Island in the first place, what a lovely journey. Big thanks to Local Guide John Murphy who gave a fascinating talk on the History of Piel Island, its unique geological development and the Flaura and Fauna that this Island has in abundance. What's on in September Septembers Looks to be a busy month for Barrow Society of Artists too: Starting from the 1st of September with a demonstration by Greg Howard. Followed by a couple of Pop up events one in Barrow, Art Bazaar and one in Ulverston, Art in the Park. The popular life drawing class also returns this month. For an insight into September and times and places go to the Events Page at Barrowsocietyofartists.com. I will provide further information in a blog on Monday about Greg Howard's watercolour demonstration because you are in for a treat. Hope to see you there! All the best Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

This month has been all about creativity and trying something new! We began with 'Not Such a Still Life' at Hawcoat Memorial Hall where members meet up once a month for a demo, talk or workshop. Not Such a Still Life 'Not Such a Still Life' is an interactive workshop created by Programme Organiser Steve Cook: Its a lot of fun and resulted in some fantastic work being produced by the Artists who attended. Tables were loaded with items members had brought that they thought may make an interesting drawing or painting - Subjects to draw ranged from an antique telephone, daleks, Captain Jack Sparrow, cleaning gear, an apple, wilting sunflowers, poppies in a vase, battered boots and a live model curtesy of me in the first half and Steve Cook in the second half. I think you will agree with me the results were fantastic! It was a great night for creativity. And something we plan to do again next year! Paintout on Piel The second creative adventure we had was 'Paintout on Piel'. I will do a separate blog on this as there was a lot to see and do. Look out for this blog in a few days and if you came see if you can spot your work. If anyone has a favourite painting or photograph of Piel send it to my email Barrowsocietyofartists@outlook.com and I will include it in the blog which I intend to publish next Friday. Demo for September The Next Demo for Members or people thinking of becoming Members of Barrow Society of Artists is a Watercolour Demonstration by Greg Howard you can find his work at his web site Greg Howard Fine Art Studio. The date for your Diary for the Demo is Monday 1st September at 7pm. See our Events page for more info. All the best Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artist

No tickets needed just turn up - its a meet up! ​ Grab your gear and come and create with us. ​ There is something special about a group of Artists meeting up in a beautiful location. This magical Island of the North West Coast of England is one of the most inspirational places. ​ Order of the Day: ​ 11am to 12 arrive on Piel by Piel Ferry: ​For daily information from the Ferry's Facebook page Explore, Paint and Draw! ​ Refreshments available at the Ship Inn where you can meet the King of Piel. Menu and info on the link: Ship Inn, Piel Island ​ Meet up at 2.30 outside the Ship Inn. ​ Talk by Local Guide John Murphy ​ Ferry Back to Roa Island -------------------------------------- The day time views include an Ancient Castle, Sea Views, Seals, Lake District Mountains Landscapes and on this weekend Tall Ships Visiting the Barrow in Furness Festival of the Sea. ​ If you have never been to Piel this is the perfect opportunity to plan that visit and make this the day you do! You will not be disappointed. For the adventurous you can bring a tent and camp overnight on Piel. (See Ship Inn website link above). The night sky is as stunning as the daytime views. ​ As it's the school holidays accompanied well behaved children are welcome. The safety of the children is the responsibility of the accompanying adult.

Celebrating Patsy Derry is celebrating a third year of selection for the Lake Artists Society Exhibition at Grasmere which begins on the 2nd August 2025, and runs until 10th September. Roosebeck Dusk - Painting by Patsy Derry selected for the Lake Artists Society Summer Exhibition 2025 The Artist Patsy describes herself as an artist based in the beautiful landscape of the English Lake District, which is often the focus of her work, where she explores capturing the light on different landscapes. Recently she has been residing near Cumbria’s beautiful coastline, which has informed new work, but still her focus is on finding the light . Patsy studied Art at Manchester Metropolitan University as part of a Bachelor of Education Degree. This training led to over 30 years of teaching art to children, young people and adults. Currently workshops with art groups across the county are where you will find Patsy sharing her love of Art and art techniques and materials. She can be contacted at her website by using this link - Patsy Derry Following in this blog are photographs of the versatility of techniques and materials Patsy uses in her work. References to other artists can be recognised in her paintings, including Gustav Klimt, Hokusai, the Pre Raphaelites and others. The Works Acrylic Paintings by Patsy Derry Pencil Drawings by Patsy Derry Lino Prints by Patsy Derry Ink Work and Workshops & Demos Patsy has run workshops and demos for Barrow Society of Artists including an Ink & Bleach workshop, A coloured pencil workshop and this year an acrylic painting demo: The Acrylic painting shown above was developed in the demo from a photograph of barley growing in a field near where she lives. Her love of materials and technique is evident in the workshops run by Patsy not just at Barrow Society of Artists but also at Ambleside, Cartmel, Arnside and Rampside Art Groups. Contact Patsy directly if you would like to arrange a workshop lead by this seasoned professional artist who has an ongoing passion to create fantastic new art work, and experiment with materials. Patsy has also supported Barrow Society of Artists by being Artist in Residence at this years Exhibition. Good Things come in Threes This is the third Exhibition that Patsy Derry has entered work into and been accepted this year: Barrow Society of Artists, Ambleside & District Art Society and the Lake Artists Society. I personally wish good luck to Patsy in the latest exhibition where her work will be exhibited alongside a few other Barrow Society of Artists Members. Grasmere is a charming place to visit and the Exhibition is found in Grasmere Village Hall, LA22 9TA - The Village Hall is transformed into an Art Gallery to showcase the Lake Artists Summer Exhibition and definitely worth a visit! Patsy Derry also has a Facebook page if you would like to follow her. https://www.facebook.com/patsy.derry Or Web page contact: https://patsyderry.wordpress.com/ Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

Members Notice And an Invite to Potential Members Monday 4th August at 7pm, Barrow Society of Artists are holding a "Not Such a Still Life Event" at the Hawcoat Memorial Hall. The Event was created by Steve Cook our Programme Organiser and was great fun last year when we did it! Its an interactive workshop so bring your painting and drawing gear. Interactive Fun Bring your gear and something that will fit on a table to draw and/or paint. The Idea is to get painting and drawing things that you don't usually. So the twist is you do not get to draw what you bring to go on a table. Its like speed dating but producing art instead of dates! And its a whole lot of fun. At the beginning of the night the objects to draw are placed on tables then at timed intervals we move tables. Its a fantastic exercise in observation and coming out of your tried and tested comfort zone. The results can be amazing. Coffee, Tea and Biscuits The coffee break will as usual be half way through the night if your not to engrossed in creating. It would be great to see you there. We also have some prizes! Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists