Mystery identity revealed

This portrait was completed by members of the public at the castle over the recent Heritage Weekend (with a little help from Tonbridge Art Group).

A photograph was blown up so that the pixels could be drawn out onto a larger scale as a matrix of squares, each of which was colour coded. There are 6400 squares in total in the image. Visitors to the castle were asked to fill in the squares, one by one, with the appropriate colour.

All they were told was that the picture would form a portrait of a famous person.  Only one member of Tonbridge Art Group knew the identity of that person, and it was well into the second day of the Heritage Weekend that suspicions were aroused as to who this might be.

Just in case you cannot guess who this may be - Tonbridge Art Group have identified the subject of the portrait.

The completed image can be viewed at the group's current art exhibition in the Tonbridge Castle Council Chamber until October 4 from 10am to 4pm (Sunday 10.30am to 4pm).

Admission free.

An exotic view on Tonbridge

This painting of Big Bridge was exhibited at Tonbridge Art Group's recent spring exhibition.
I found it somehow compelling as it has a kind of exotic feel to it, and slightly eastern look, due to the shapes of the trees and the foliage. In fact the spot down by the river is almost unrecognisable to me although clearly recognisable. I think that's what drew me to it.

Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Recognising Tonbridge detail

Painting by Tonbridge Artist Mike Insley

The young man, lazily laying on the grass and enjoying the summer sunshine during the Annual Cricket Week, is a detail in a painting by the Tonbridge artist Mike Insley. I have have often wondered what the three bottles, standing on a crisp white cloth, might contain - perhaps home-made wine or lemonade.

Mike, is well known in the town for heading up the Tonbridge Arts Festival Big Picture and for his involvement in the Tonbridge Art Group.  His painting can be viewed in the foyer of Angel Centre. It's worth going along to have a look and take in all the detail in the image.

Mike Insley (centre) - Unveiling The Big Picture - Tonbridge Arts Festival 2012

These are Mike's words on his painting that hangs in the Angel Centre:-

'This painting is based on a photograph of a cricket match at the Angel County Cricket Ground taken in 1903. The County Cricket Ground was situated on what is today the Angel complex, Sainsbury's and the carpark. It was the first headquarters for Kent cricket and it hosted an annual County Cricket Week in Tonbridge from 1869 to the beginning of the Second World War.

The picture draws heavily on the photograph, but I have made rather more of the figures and in some parts, where it is not clear to me what was going on, I have made some modifications. As well as being a sporting event, I imagined the week would have been quite a social occasion, a chance to renew old acquaintances, make new friends or just soak up the atmosphere.

I am greatly indebted to the unknown photographer.'

Tonbridge Art Group's 2012 Autumn Exhibition

Last Friday evening I was invited to the preview and opening of Tonbridge Art Group's Autumn Exhibition at the Castle Chamber. I always look forward to seeing the diverse range of Tonbridge artistic talent, and as usual the Art Group didn't disappoint with pieces in oils, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media.

Anne Hook Chairman with speaker Cllr Maria Heslop

Cllr Maria Heslop formally opened the exhibition with a passionate speech on the importance of art in society, and especially within our schools. After receiving a bouquet of flowers from Chairman Anne Hook she went on to choose this year's winner of the Brenda Hook Award.

The worthy winning artist Jenny Herbert was presented with a trophy by the late Brenda Hook's daughter Wendy. Jenny's painting 'A Night Out In Tenby' can be viewed until Friday October 5th at the exhibition.

It happened to be my favourite piece too, alongside a second of Jenny's paintings immortalising the afternoon when the Morris Men came to town, and what better place for it to be displayed than overlooking the Castle lawn where they danced.

Brenda Hook's Daughter Wendy with this year's winner Jenny Herbert

When the Morris Men came to Town - Jenny Herbert - Watercolour

African Setting - Valmae Irving

Autumn (detail)  -  Greta Quaglia  -  Acrylic

Schools Olympic Poster Competition

Well it's all about the Olympics and the flame in Tonbridge today, so what better opportunity to post some of the photographs I took of the Schools Olympic Poster Competition, which was part of our recent Arts Festival.

I was very privileged to be asked to be one of the judges, and it was incredibly difficult to decide on winning entries in each of the categories. All the posters were fantastic and illustrated how creative children can be with the idea of Olympic competition and achievement.

Medal Winners with members of Tonbridge Art Group

Infant Medal Winner

Art Group's Cultural Olympiade

 

Today I strolled through the glorious sunshine to Tonbridge Castle to view the exhibition which is at present showing in The Council Chamber. 

It's Tonbridge Art Group's 'Cultural Olympiade' this year and during their Spring Exhibition visitors are invited to vote for their gold, silver and bronze medal winners.

There is an interesting variety of paintings and crafts, and a section hung with sports related art, which will be on show until April 1. Entry is free and the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Olympic Values III - Mike Insley - Acrylic

Anne Lovejoy - Ceramic

Olympic Values I - Mike Insley - Oil

The Chequers Inn Tonbridge - Mary Fowdrey - Oil

Tonbridge Art Group's Cornish Trip

Tonbridge Art Group are travelling to the beautiful Cornish coast in July, and heading to St Ives with its tiny winding streets, fascinating shops and picturesque cottages which retain all the traditional charm of the historic fishing town, and there are a few spaces left on the trip for non-art members..

St Ives Harbour

This is the perfect trip for the group to make as St Ives is synonymous with art.  Since the end of the nineteenth century it has supported a thriving art community, and artists have been attracted to the town for generations because of the special quality of light that makes it a unique experience for painting.

The Art Group will be travelling in comfort by executive coach to The Tregenna Castle Hotel which overlooks the stunning St Ives Bay coastline, where they will be able to enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts or simply relax in the sub tropical gardens or wander the woodland walks at their will.

The Tate St Ives

They'll be optional excursions to The Tate Gallery, The Barbara Hepworth Museum and the beautiful Minack Theatre.

Barbara Hepworth

Minack Theatre

The group will leave Tonbridge on Sunday July 1 and return on Friday July 6.  It's £514 per person for 5 nights at half-board ... breakfast and a three course evening dinner.

If you wish to join the trip please contact Mike Insley on 01732 355573

TONBRIDGE ART GROUP AUTUMN EXHIBITION

Winner of The Brenda Hook Award - Point of Perspective (acrylic) by Val Sprott

Tonbridge Castle and Council Chambers

Last Friday evening I was invited to the preview and opening of Tonbridge Art Group's Autumn Exhibition at Castle Chambers.  The Indian Summer gave us a beautiful warm evening, and guests spilled outside under the sandstone castle enjoying a glass of wine, and a chat about the works on show which included paintings in oils, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media reflecting the diverse range of local talents.

Mayor Brian Luker

The private view was well attended and welcomed  Mayor of TMBC, Councillor Brian Luker,  accompanied by his wife, who opened the exhibition.  He spoke encouragingly about the value that a local exhibition brings to the community, and was highly impressed with the quality of the art on display. As part of his duties the Mayor chose his favourite work of art to be presented with the yearly Brenda Hook Award.   He remarked that it had been a difficult decision, but he had noticed one painting that took his eye immediately he had entered the exhibition, and maybe that was the one to go with.  The winner was ‘Point of Perspective’ (acrylic) painted by Val Sprott and she was presented the award by the late Brenda Hook’s daughter, Wendy.

Surprised winner Val Sprott

Wendy presents the cup in memory of her mother

 'Excellent exhibition', 'Great to see our local talent', 'Interesting and varied work' were some of the comments of the evening.  If you wish to know more about Tonbridge Art Group log on to www.tonbridgeartgroup.pbwiki.com or email tonbridge-artgroup@tiscali.co.uk