We had a lovely day including a sunny lunch break spent on the terrace overlooking Bournemouth gardens and listening to live rat pack classics from a singer on the bandstand. Here are a few of my favourite drawings from the day:
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Life Drawing with Trish Jubb
We had a lovely day including a sunny lunch break spent on the terrace overlooking Bournemouth gardens and listening to live rat pack classics from a singer on the bandstand. Here are a few of my favourite drawings from the day:
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Pride in Bournemouth - Lions Under the Hammer
The Gala auction is set to be an exciting event, with actor Martin Clunes, children’s TV presenter Chris Jarvis together with wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna. The auction is being led by celebrity auctioneer James Lewis.
Tickets for the auction are available from the BIC Pavilion from just £5.
Julia's House is dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions. The majority of the children they care for are unlikely to live beyond the age of 18.
The Julia's House Community Team consists of 80 Nurses and Carers who travel the county. The children's hospice provides life-changing support for families both in their own homes and in the hospice itself. In 2009 they provided 22,592 hours of care, an increase of 81% on the previous year’s total.
The Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity, devoted to conservation and animal welfare. They work to prevent the suffering of wild animals and protect threatened species in the wild. Working with local communities to help people and wildlife live together without conflict, Born Free believes wildlife belongs in the wild and works to phase out zoos. Born Free protects species including elephants, lions, gorillas, polar bears, tigers, wolves and many more in their natural habitat.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Life Drawing: Day-long workshop in Bournemouth!
Image from www.bizarrebytes.com |
I freely admit that it took me a minute or two to 'get over' seeing a naked man other than my husband, for the first time in about twenty-five years. But Trish didn't give me a chance to dwell on this - the early exercises we did were all cleverly designed to demolish fear - most especially, fear of failure.
Fear of failure is something that can prevent you from trying anything new, especially anything creative and new. That's a shame. With Trish's encouragement and lots of support from the rest of the group, I ignored the little voice inside my head saying things like "You can barely even draw the curtains - what makes you think you can draw a naked man?" and just got on with it.
This was my first attempt. I had exactly three minutes to get this:
Then, we had two minutes, and I came up with this:
Then, we had to draw with out non-dominant hand (i.e. my left) and, after a few moments, let it be joined by the other hand, using a different colour. So, I had two pencils on the page at the same time. It was insane! It was hysterical! It was so much fun! And it looked like this:
By this time, I had forgotten all about not being able to draw. My next attempt came out like this:
- which I don't mind telling you, I was rather pleased with.
Last but not least the model held a much longer pose, which I found quite testing. However, the greater amount of time was beneficial in that I was able to - with some more help from Trish - identify where I'd drawn things in a way that I didn't like, and learn ways in which to correct them. This was wonderful, because this was where the real learning began.
Life drawing, like any creative endeavour, is a skill - it has techniques that can be caught and practiced and improved upon. I got this:
Still very rough, but reasonably good on the perspective and the proportions. I'll be going back in a week's time for more!
If you'd like to have a day devoted to life drawing, remember the first Bournemouth Creative Break is now open to non-residents as well. So you don't have to stay overnight (though if you do need accommodation, that can easily be arranged.)
Saturday’s workshops will be from 10.00am (registration is at 9.15) to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm. The focus group runs between 4.30 and 5.30pm.
These workshops will be group working sessions with a nude model with the opportunity for one-to-one guidance from Trish Jubb. There will be comfort and refreshment breaks. A light lunch of sandwiches and fruit will be provided. No materials whatsoever will be needed - we will supply everything - making this day of workshops even better value!
To book a place please call the Arlington Hotel on 01202 552879 or look at their website.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Art Auction for African Famine Appeal
Monday, 25 July 2011
BC’s July Mini-Awards Night: Winner Announced
Trish Jubb, Johanna Lawrence & Laura Cousins |
Krista Green |
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Life Drawing Weekend in Bournemouth
The human figure has been the subject of drawings since prehistoric times. Though it may seem an advanced subject to the novice, life drawing is in fact suitable for everyone, even if all you can draw is a stick figure! For beginners, progress can be surprisingly fast.
Life drawing is the process of drawing the human figure from observation of a live, nude model, and is often said to be one of the best disciplines to acquire in order to improve one's drawing skills.
The weekend's courses will be run by acclaimed local artist Trish Jubb. Trish specialises in life drawing tuition and runs courses and workshops locally. She also exhibits her work and takes commissions.
This is your opportunity to:
- Spend a relaxing weekend with like-minded art enthusiasts (equally suitable for experienced artists, those keen to revive their drawing skills as well as those new to life drawing)
- Work with two experienced models (one on the Saturday and another on the Sunday)
- Enjoy the freedom and space to pursue your own style and work at your own pace.
The price of the weekend is only £199 per person (if you book before the 31st of August). This incredible price includes welcome drinks on the first evening, dinner, bed and breakfast at the Arlington Hotel for two nights, lunch on Saturday and Sunday as well as life drawing workshops on Saturday and Sunday.
Bournemouth Creative Breaks has been inspired by Bournemouth’s traditional identity as the place for rest and recuperation.
- No experience necessary
- No equipment required (we will provide all the basic materials)
- No partner needed – come alone or bring your friends. There’s no supplement for single bedrooms!
The programme for the weekend:
Friday 30 September 2011
Make your way to the Arlington Hotel in Bournemouth. Settle in to the hotel and perhaps take a short stroll to the sea before the planned events commence. The weekend proper starts at 6.00pm with a glass of wine and an opportunity to meet the workshop tutor Trish Jubb, Bournemouth Creative Breaks organiser Laura Cousins and the other participants. Then over dinner you’ll have the chance to get to know each other better and discuss your expectations for the weekend. Trish’s work will be on display in the hotel and after dinner join Trish and Laura in the hotel bar for an introduction to Trish’s particular style and approach with some simple creative activities.
Saturday 1st October 2011
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast (and perhaps a quick walk along the seafront or through the gardens). Saturday’s workshops will be from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm. These workshops will be group working sessions with a nude male model with the opportunity for one-to-one guidance from Trish Jubb. There will be comfort and refreshment breaks. A light lunch of sandwiches and fruit will be provided. At the end of the afternoon you will have time to have a rest, or go for a walk. Meet up with everyone back at the hotel for dinner at 7.00pm.
Sunday 2nd October 2011
After breakfast Sunday’s workshop will be from 10.00am to 1.00pm. The workshop will be a group working session with a nude female model. Afterwards there will be a hot lunch in the dining room. Over coffee or tea there will be a closing session with an opportunity to review the work of the weekend, to discuss any outstanding questions and to share feedback. The weekend’s scheduled events will finish at around 3.30pm-4.00pm.
Friday, 10 June 2011
Children's Film Tackles Divorce
A Dorset filmmaker is producing an animated film to help children embroiled in divorce.
Dean Evans of Retro Films directed the short film and draws parallels with experiencing creative blocks and the stung feeling of abandon that children often experience during separation from parents.
Disenchanted tells the story of a creative young boy who stops uses his imagination in the event of his parent’s divorce.
The original screenplay written by Dean Evans and Sarah Peace, has already garnered the attention of industry organisations that have come on board such as Open Society and Christchurch’s Regent Cinema, where the film will be premiered on July 2, 2011.
Further screenings will take place at the Forest Arts Centre and The Arts University College in the following summer months.
The film will use a combination of live action sequences and traditional stop motion photography to bring to life mythical characters from the story, who haunt the young lead.
10-year-old Adam Robert Nightingale from Weymouth was spotted during a TV presenting gig and has been cast in the lead role. He said, “The story is amazing and I can really relate to my character, Sam.” Adam will be supported in the role by Elizabeth Platt and former CBBC presenter, Michael Absalom, who plays his estranged father.
The National Child Development agency have surveyed the implications of family break up and revealed that divorce is still highly damaging to children, despite it being more acceptable.
Director Dean Evans said; “This film will colourfully narrate a poignant issue that is in the spirit of our time by addressing an issue many can associate with.”
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Bournemouth Creative Breaks Blog: The First Bournemouth Creative Breaks Weekend
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Dorset's Green Fortnight Returns
Bournemouth and Poole’s Big Green Fortnight returns to Dorset this weekend। Following last year’s success, the festival is set to more diverse with a wider range of events and activates on offer.
Organizers of the festival are keen to showcase how living within our means brings better health, encourages closer communities and is fun and cost effective. This is certainly a positive shift from materialism and the increased spending that often comes with the summer.
Bournemouth Arts is most excited about the Big Green Film Festival, which will showcase a selection of exciting films and animations being screened at various locations during the fortnight. Key screenings are from the Arts University College and Broadstone Film who are all presenting films centered on a ‘green’ theme.
A cycle powered cinema will show ‘In Transition’ which will be followed by a discussion and talk where audiences will experience the practicality of running a film projector by pedaling! This particular event runs once only on the 26th May. Admission is free but registration is required. Contact Amy Gallacher for booking on 01202 633398, or by email on
a.gallacher@poole.gov.uk.
Other highlights of the Film Festival include screenings at the Lighthouse, showing:
· Wall-e (Saturday 21st May)
· Home (Saturday 21st May)
· Our Daily Bread (Saturday 21st May)
· The Pipe (Tuesday 31st May)
Other activities include a Talk by Geoff Jones from Dorset Humanists on Eco Living and building an Eco home. Other highlights include a Fashion Show (Eco Fashion Experience), The Green Unity Fair, Fun 5k Walk/Run, Exercise days for holiday makers and endless runs of activities for children.
The Big Green Fortnight runs from Friday 20th May - Sunday 5th June 2011. Visit http://www.bournemouth2026.org.uk/bgf/ for further information.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Bournemouth Creatives New Mini Fund
Monday, 2 May 2011
Building Sand Castles with your Inner Child
It's often argued that to be creative, one must approach new tasks or situations with the attitudes one observes in young children - curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to make what an adult would brand as 'mistakes', when trying to build, design, investigate or create things.
Think, for example, of building a sand castle. Bournemouth, with its acres and acres of fine golden sand, is of course the most wonderful place to build sandcastles (NOTE TO SELF: Sand Castle Workshop Weekend for a future Bournemouth Creative Break ..? Yess!)
So, imagine if, as a child, you'd been put off the natural urge to discover and create, to learn about your medium, if you'd stopped when your first tower had collapsed under the weight of the shells and seaweed you'd decorated it with. You might banish the simple joy of working with sand and water, and found objects, that so captivates children and adults alike all year round on the beaches near here.
Yes, it's sad to see a sandcastle vanish underneath the waves of the encroaching tide. But surely there's a greater sadness, if you're permanently discouraged from trying to create another castle the next day before lunch. Children aren't precious about sand castles - in fact, it's normally the done thing for a young child to destroy a sandcastle, in my experience! - and if grownups could somehow retain - or, regain - that sense of freedom, then creativity would surely flow out like .. well, water across a beach.
As my friend Lorrie Whittington said in her blog Illusio Creative:
Does that sound like you?
It's not always easy as an adult to begin to think of one's self as an artist, a 'creative', someone who can and will "do" art of some kind or another. The idea behind what we're trying to achieve here at Bournemouth Creative Breaks is to provide the materials, some (very!) gentle guidance and the atmosphere in which you feel safe and comfortable enough to try something a little bit different from, say, building a sand castle. We've got music-making, art and writing workshops going on all weekend in the hotel where you'll be staying. Plus, the beach is five minutes away. Bring a bucket and spade.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Bournemouth to host the first Six Feet Under convention
The first ever Six Feet Under convention will be in Bournemouth from 12-14 August, 2011. The idea came to Brian Jenner while walking through the town’s Wimborne Road cemetery.
“I was reminded of an episode where one of the characters jogs through a graveyard.” says Brian. “I was struck by the beauty of the place. It occurred to me, we could put on the equivalent of a Star Trek convention for fans of Six Feet Under. Bournemouth has a reputation for funeral homes, spirituality and hedonism, anyone who loved Six Feet Under will be familiar with the mix.”
Six Feet Under ran for five series between 2001-2005. The episodes are now being re-aired on Sky Atlantic. The show has over half-a-million fans on Facebook and Brian Jenner is aiming to attract them from all over Europe.
“We want to put the ‘fun’ into funereal. There are loads of issues around death that people rarely discuss, like how you would like to be buried? Do you need to be embalmed? Or, how do you organise a funeral service? Normally these decisions are left to relatives who have to guess what their loved ones would want. This weekend will be a chance for people to become better informed about dying. When you get over the uncomfortableness of the subject matter, there’s really lots to laugh about.”
The convention has already signed up an embalmer from Salisbury, the former Daily Telegraph obituary editor, a soul midwife, the author of the Good Funeral Guide and experts in green funerals.
Brian adds: “Every year there are dozens of wedding fairs around the country, so the general public can see what’s available for a wedding, but there are very few opportunities for people to find out about the variety of services on offer for funerals. Maybe this event will mark the birth of the ‘Funeral Fair’.”
For more details go to http://www.sixfeetunderconvention.co.uk or contact Brian Jenner 01202 551257
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Welcome to Bournemouth Arts Blog!
See one artist's work in progress as she creates her Tolkien inspired Lion in the public lounge of the Hotel Miramar - Silmiramarillion - a blog by Elanor McBay
Find out more about the event here - The Lions are coming to Bournemouth!
Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
This architecturally beautiful house turned museum holds a fascinating collection of art and sculpture assembled by the husband and wife Victorian collectors Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes. The collection is of international status and reflects the Victorian fascination with world cultures. One of the other most interesting features of the collection is the quantity of beautiful paintings both depicting women and by women.
The Museum also has regular exhibitions. The current exhibition Food for Thought investigates some of the sensory pleasures and pains of our relationship with food. It features some fascinating archive footage on loan from the Imperial War Museum alongside a selection of art from the collection and some contemporary art and inspiring sculpture.
You can still catch Food for Thought until the 30th of April.
Find out more at the Gallery's own website - Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Moscow Ballet - La Classique, Coppelia
The ballet is showing at the Pavillion theatre on the 18th of March only.
To find out more see - BIC Event Details
Westbourne Orchestral Society
Will be performing a programme of British music locally on the 19th and 26th March.
The programme includes music by Britten, Mendelssohn and Holst.
See their webpage for further information and online ticket sales.
Fancy knitting a cauliflower or crocheting a couple or carrots?
Blooming Marvellous project members are busy knitting and crocheting for a community knitted project that began in October 2010 and will come together to create a knitted and crocheted 3D garden exhibition in Bournemouth Central Library for 4 weeks in May 2011.
This project received funding from Bournemouth Libraries, Bournemouth Arts Development and the National Lottery/Arts Council. The exhibition will travel to other libraries in Bournemouth - plans so far are Charminster, Kinson and we hope to have West Howe, Strouden and Westbourne libraries involved too.
Find out more at the Blooming Marvelous Blog
Colourscapes
Is an exhibition of new works by Bournemouth based artist Clive Hagon. He describes the series as a selection of genre defining holistic paintings. The exhibition runs from 26th March until the 21st of April at the Moontree Gallery in Boscombe.