Club Meeting, Vice Chairs Challenge 3 - Tuesday 12th April 2022.
One of the duties that the clubs’ Vice Chair, Peter Downs LRPS, has to undertake during his tenure is to offer three
challenges to club members and on Tuesday 12th April, he presented and commented upon his third and final task
of the season entitled ‘Just a Square.’ Continuing on with the theme of square images, he provided us with another
opportunity to produce something new or try techniques that we would not normally use. The criteria this time was
to produce four previously unseen images in a set sized square format, these can be of any subject or genre and to
be presented in either colour or monochrome. This was not a competition but an exercise to think outside the box
and create something that we can enjoy and share with others. Peter wanted to encourage every club member to
join in and added an incentive of a chocolate bar to anyone who took part.
Ten club members accepted his challenge and the evening opened with a selection of images by Sue Dawson which
included an artistic view of a Magnolia in soft grey-green pastels, and a diagonal study of Blackthorn blossom. John
Thompson followed on with his slant on the challenge; oblong images set in a square frame, which included a sunlit
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris and Blyth’s Highlight Lighthouse. Dave Bisset’s entry included abstract versions of the
Lightning Clock at Royal Quays and the Woodhorn’s Cutter blades and was followed by Glyn Trueman’s contribution
which included a mesmerising abstract in vibrant red circles and interesting door furniture of St Oswald’s Church
at Heavenfield.
Images from Roseanne Robinson were next and these entries included a striking swirling abstract of a puffin statue
at Newbiggin and a clever illusional image of raindrops on a bench. Davy Bolam followed the criteria to the letter,
producing images that he liked and could share with others which included a subtle graphic version of fallen trees
and stunning transient wall art delicately spray-painted on rough-textured walls. Next on was Paul Appleby with a
minimalist but detailed image of a bulls’ eye which reflected farm buildings and a graphic monochrome image of an
abandoned hotel highlighting blocks, diagonals and vertical lines.
Next to show their entry was Pat Wood whose images concentrated on the resulting aftermath of Storm Arwen on
Lemmington Wood, illustrating the tragic destruction of the countryside, and a view of Lynemouth power station.
This contrasted with Ursula Pierces Camellia studies, using experimental applications, to create abstract versions
of the flower and a side-lit still life study of fruit. Following on with the theme of nature Karin Jackson's images
included defined textured bark patterns which contrasted with a delicate but soft study of the Mallow flower.
Finally, Peter came up with his four images that highlighted his love of abstract or digital art. These included
Woodhorn Museum depicted in almost neon colours, and a pastel creation of Bothal woods. The evening had
encouraged discussion on the size of framing, layout and position of the subject within the frame, and the use
of coloured borders and whether they enhanced or detracted from the subject. It was agreed that whatever
one's opinion happens to be, in the context of the challenge, the style chosen by the author was correct as
there is no right or wrong way to present one's work when not constrained by competition rules.
Peter concluded the evening by thanking all who had taken part and announced his plans for the next seasons
challenges, after which refreshments were served.
Steph.
challenges to club members and on Tuesday 12th April, he presented and commented upon his third and final task
of the season entitled ‘Just a Square.’ Continuing on with the theme of square images, he provided us with another
opportunity to produce something new or try techniques that we would not normally use. The criteria this time was
to produce four previously unseen images in a set sized square format, these can be of any subject or genre and to
be presented in either colour or monochrome. This was not a competition but an exercise to think outside the box
and create something that we can enjoy and share with others. Peter wanted to encourage every club member to
join in and added an incentive of a chocolate bar to anyone who took part.
Ten club members accepted his challenge and the evening opened with a selection of images by Sue Dawson which
included an artistic view of a Magnolia in soft grey-green pastels, and a diagonal study of Blackthorn blossom. John
Thompson followed on with his slant on the challenge; oblong images set in a square frame, which included a sunlit
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris and Blyth’s Highlight Lighthouse. Dave Bisset’s entry included abstract versions of the
Lightning Clock at Royal Quays and the Woodhorn’s Cutter blades and was followed by Glyn Trueman’s contribution
which included a mesmerising abstract in vibrant red circles and interesting door furniture of St Oswald’s Church
at Heavenfield.
Images from Roseanne Robinson were next and these entries included a striking swirling abstract of a puffin statue
at Newbiggin and a clever illusional image of raindrops on a bench. Davy Bolam followed the criteria to the letter,
producing images that he liked and could share with others which included a subtle graphic version of fallen trees
and stunning transient wall art delicately spray-painted on rough-textured walls. Next on was Paul Appleby with a
minimalist but detailed image of a bulls’ eye which reflected farm buildings and a graphic monochrome image of an
abandoned hotel highlighting blocks, diagonals and vertical lines.
Next to show their entry was Pat Wood whose images concentrated on the resulting aftermath of Storm Arwen on
Lemmington Wood, illustrating the tragic destruction of the countryside, and a view of Lynemouth power station.
This contrasted with Ursula Pierces Camellia studies, using experimental applications, to create abstract versions
of the flower and a side-lit still life study of fruit. Following on with the theme of nature Karin Jackson's images
included defined textured bark patterns which contrasted with a delicate but soft study of the Mallow flower.
Finally, Peter came up with his four images that highlighted his love of abstract or digital art. These included
Woodhorn Museum depicted in almost neon colours, and a pastel creation of Bothal woods. The evening had
encouraged discussion on the size of framing, layout and position of the subject within the frame, and the use
of coloured borders and whether they enhanced or detracted from the subject. It was agreed that whatever
one's opinion happens to be, in the context of the challenge, the style chosen by the author was correct as
there is no right or wrong way to present one's work when not constrained by competition rules.
Peter concluded the evening by thanking all who had taken part and announced his plans for the next seasons
challenges, after which refreshments were served.
Steph.