We have seen the end of another productive term at Rings Road Art Studio and looking back at the work students have produced in the last 8 – 16 weeks, its going to be another amazing end of year show. I’m sure there is enough work coming out of Philip Davey’s class alone that would fill up the entire upstairs space! Im at the studio most Fridays whilst Philip’s class is on, trying to catch up on emails – but really thinking of all the paintings I could be producing. Its really distracting sharing an office with a freakin painter!. This year Philip is encouraging students to produce art that feels true to them whilst constantly addressing the challenges of the painting itself through its composition; its colour; tone and texture. For those who have been at the studio you may have seen the mini exhibition by Jennifer Clark and her lovely composite paintings of interiors, well done and looking forward to seeing the next series.

This term in our Life and General drawing classes its all about the close observation of tonal values and planned drawings that are worked on in 2-3 sessions. The beautiful little study of a girl by Brendon Henry which reminds me of early Picasso meets Ricky Swallow and Mei’s peaceful portrait- reminiscent of Whistlers mother are examples of this. Brendon and Mei like most students at Rings Road are developing their personal style of painting and drawing which I believe comes mostly by working from direct observation.

And now to our wonderful painters both in our teenage and adults groups who have been very busy, some with completing their master reproduction which was a extension to 1st terms introduction to painting techniques from 16th Century Renaissance to 20th century Impressionist. These projects I believe are an important facet of art making especially for beginners as it teaches us not only traditional techniques such as blending; glazing; fat on lean and sfumato, it gives us an insight on how artists constructed a composition, understood tonal values and created artwork that is perfectly balanced in colour and tone.

Its important to go back to move forward, to know the rules to then break them, and how far back you go… well that depends on the artist and where you are.

Last month we were extremely fortunate to have artist Eolo Paul Bottaro come to the studio and demonstrate the process of Buon Fresco painting, one of the oldest forms of painting. It was great to see some of our teenage students present because in these modern times it would never be taught in schools. The students found the workshop extremely informative and inspirational, so much that one went out on a pigment hunt. Thank you and we look forward to more workshops with Eolo Paul Bottaro.

And now PRINTMAKING!!, we currently have half a press which we will be fully restored and have working by the beginning of next term. Thank you to Mrs Poppi O’Connor for organising this for the school and for her endless support. We will be introducing Printmaking to most of our drawing and painting classes next term from teenagers to adults and then running an 8 week Printmaking courses from October..

Next term we plan to extend our teaching to accommodate Junior levels (8- 14yrs old) as a pathway to our teenage folio prep classes. I would like to welcome Artist and teacher Amelie Scalercio to Rings Road Art Studio who will be teaching these classes. I worked with Amelie 5 years ago and found her to be an extremely passionate and committed teacher and a very skilful artist. Class details will be made available on the site soon.

Over this term break Rings Road Art Studio has turned into a energetic sculpture studio with 9 students sculpting a face from life. We are currently in our 3rd Day and by Wednesday students will learn to make a mould and then prepare their sculpture to be glazed and fired. Regular updates are on our blog and Facebook page..