2015

DECEMBER 2015

Christmas Tree Festival 2nd December-6th December
The society supported the Christmas Tree Festival in aid of Bedford Hospitals Charity held at St Paul’s Church, Bedford this week. The theme was The Joy of Music and a very enjoyable morning was spent by BAS members painting the decorations. Our thanks go to Celia Maddison for her hospitality. The tree was raffled and the lucky winner is Gill Clinch.
Kathy Wright


Demonstration by Sonja Bacchus 4 December 2015
Sonja, giving us a demonstration in the style of an old master, gave us a wonderfully entertaining and informative evening. She ‘underpainted’ – like the old masters – and ‘overpainted’ in oils, leaving an elegant and accomplished still life. How she managed to both paint a finished picture and at the same time pass on so much depth of knowledge beats me! She had a captivated audience who enjoyed every moment.
Pauline Brown


Autumn Exhibition 30th November-4th December
The society held its Autumn Exhibition at Borough Hall, Bedford. The event was opened by The Mayor of Bedford, Mr Dave Hodgson and sponsored by Charles Little (Keens Shay Keens).
In all over eighty original works by twenty two artists filled the light filled gallery and were much admired by those who visited. They ranged widely in both topic and medium as the photos show. Although visitor numbers were lower than hoped for some artists were rewarded by sales.
Best picture was awarded to Celia Maddison for The Saddle Mender with Kathy Wright’s Autumn in Bedford a close second. Interestingly both are water colour pictures.
There was much interest shown in activities within the society especially this year’s programme and it is likely we will increase membership through the exhibition.
A big thank you to everyone involved.
Kathy Wright



NOVEMBER 2015

Demonstration by Kate Wyatt on 6 November 2015
Kate Wyatt spoke of her love of wildlife – in particular hares. She used delicate and subdued colours in her watercolour washes, catching the attitudes and momentary movements of these charming animals. Her finished work was a great example of the less-is-more method of painting.
Pauline Brown


Bedford Art Society’s take on Bedford…
In search of a project that would help to bring members together, the Society asked Bedford Hospitals Charity if they would accept an artwork. We got a very positive response and we were asked to create something depicting Bedford and its River.
Members came up with many suggestions and there was soon a large collection of beautiful little pictures from over twenty artists. At least one picture was selected from each artist and arranged on a background of an outline of the river in Bedford.
The collage was presented at the end of November and was enthusiastically received.
A letter of thanks from Stephen Conroy, Chief Executive, says "The mural is excellent, and captures the very essence of Bedford, depicting an eclectic mix of old and new mixed with traditional views of the river and local buildings."
The picture with presentation plaque is on the wall of the corridor near Cygnet Wing and can be viewed by all who pass by.
Jean Paterson