ASOC Workgroups

PASTELS AND PENCILS

Mondays 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Convenor: Ian Bignall

ianjbignall@gmail.com

This group is ideal for those with some experience working with pastel, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, graphite and/or charcoal. Our common interest is the enthusiasm for working with different media and effects which can be achieved with underpainting, layering and using different coloured and textured supports and mediums. In addition to our weekly studio sessions, some members meet at other times to paint or sketch outdoors. Tips about mounting and framing, and where to source materials and subjects are shared. We are conscious of working in a safe environment only using non-toxic and low-dust materials and working in mainly a vertical format to minimise dust.

Vacancies: No

OCCASIONAL FIGURE DRAWING

Open to all ASOC members

Selected Mondays 1.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Convenor: Stephen Clively

stephen.clively@gmail.com

0488 994 130

The focus of this group is on figure drawing, primarily through mark-making and/or creating areas of tone. Media used may range from the traditional to the contemporary, such as iPad or tablets.  Participants can usually work seated or at a standing easel. Artists of all levels are welcome. Fees for each session are $6 (studio fee) plus a contribution of model costs ($13 to $24, depending on the number of participants). Note sessions will not run if there are fewer than five participants.

Please see the Calendar for the dates of our meetings.

Inquiries from life models are welcome.

Vacancies: Yes.

PORTRAIT AND LIFE DRAWING

Tuesdays 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Convenor: Stephen Clively

stephen.clively@gmail.com

0488 994 130

Artists of all levels are welcome. We alternate weekly between clothed and unclothed figures, with a choice of portrait or full-figure work in every session. Any odourless medium may be used. There is usually a choice to work seated or at a standing easel. There are opportunities to share our work and socialise, and we enjoy occasional group lunches and gallery visits outside of our session times.

In addition to the usual Studio fee, there is a model fee (currently $18 per week) that is usually collected in advance at the start of the term but other arrangements are possible.

Inquiries from life and portraiture models are welcome.

Vacancies: No

FUN WITH PRINTMAKING

Tuesdays 1.30 – 4.30 p.m.

Convenor: Simone Doherty

simonemdoherty@gmail.com

0418 234 954

Members experiment with a range of techniques, including lino and mono-printing, creative dry point etching and carving, using paper and other materials. We enjoy using the studio printing press. We anticipate exploring new types of printing as the group expands. Members of ASOC who are interested in seeing us in action, or even joining the group, are welcome to come along on a Tuesday afternoon. In addition to the usual Studio fee, there is a weekly fee for shared materials (currently $2 per week).

Vacancies: Yes

WAYS WITH WATERCOLOUR

Wednesdays 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Convenor: Josie White

josie.white.au@gmail.com

Painting in watercolour is relaxing and inspiring. The purpose of the workgroup is to share, enjoy and appreciate the diversity of each other’s talents and to learn from each other. We welcome artists working with different techniques from the traditional to the experimental. Members may work on their own projects or participate in various group exercises, which gives us the opportunity to share ideas and techniques, and to compare and discuss our results. Occasionally, professional artists are invited to demonstrate and advise members. We sometimes work en plein air, and we occasionally meet up at an exhibition.

Vacancies: Yes

CREATIVE DRAWING

Wednesdays 1.30 – 4.30 p.m.

Convenor: Tim Hardy

timahardy@hotmail.com

0427 369 117

This workgroup is for those who want to explore the potential of drawing as an art form through taking risks and experimenting. Drawing is the most powerful way of developing the ability to see; it encourages new ideas and expressiveness. Subjects for drawing are limitless and the group includes both studio and plein air artwork. Group members are encouraged to use a wide range of media for mark making including ink, pencil, pastel, charcoal and paints. Drawing skills and knowledge are shared with other members and to extend one’s abilities. Often the group takes on challenging drawing exercises.

Vacancies: No

ALL COMERS

Thursdays 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Convenor: Annette Rennie

mrennie@bigpond.net.au

6291 4212

The All Comers workgroup extends a friendly welcome to members of all abilities, from beginners to experienced. All media and subjects are covered in this workgroup, and assistance and constructive advice is freely available.

Vacancies – No

FLORA AND FAUNA

Thursdays 1.00 – 4.00 p.m.

Convenor: Gillian Bellas

gcbellassw@iinet.net.au

6288 5041

The Flora and Fauna workgroup is for anyone who likes to draw/paint any form of animal or plant life in whatever style is chosen; realistic, abstract, botanical, or futuristic. All types of media, with the exception of toxic solvents, are explored by members of the group. Table easels may be used, but due to space restrictions, we do not use standing easels. Group members are happy to assist with feedback, advice and encouragement. We are a sociable group and enjoy a lot of laughs.

Vacancies: Yes

EXPRESSIVE DRAWING

Thursdays 5.30 -8.30 p.m.

Convenor: Jann Ollerenshaw

jann1@grapevine.com.au

0428 547 502

Being able to draw well is a fundamental skill for all artists.  Drawing enhances the ability to see and is a  powerful means of expression. Spontaneity and directness are encouraged in the act of drawing.  All of these aspects of drawing are experienced in this workgroup through members sharing expertise and undertaking drawing exercises. As a result of the regular practice of drawing, members develop their understanding of its potential and experience its joys. The group welcomes anyone, no matter their level of drawing ability.

Vacancies: Yes

ASOC CONTEMPORARY

Fridays 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Convenor: Lynn Nicholas

lynnnic62@icloud.com

0423 626 162

The ASOC Contemporary Group is an enthusiastic, friendly and supportive group.  We enjoy exploring a wide range of techniques using various media with a view to mutual artistic development. We have held many successful exhibitions over the years and enjoy having this common focus to bring our individual skills and talents together. We all choose our own subject matter but swap ideas and feedback. Sometimes we sketch outdoors for extra inspiration or invite a tutor for the day. Our members are very generous with sharing their knowledge and expertise and will often give a demonstration. We inspire and encourage one another.

Vacancies: No

SATURDAY OILS

Saturdays 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Convenor: Trish Dillon

bmeehan@grapevine.com.au

Saturday Oils is for all members interested in painting in oils. Beginners to experienced painters are welcome. Friendly support is available from other group members. Some plein air excursions may be undertaken with the agreement of the workgroup. We meet each Saturday morning when the ASOC Studio is available.

Vacancies: No

SATURDAY AFTERNOON ALLSORTS

Saturdays 1.30 – 4.30 p.m.

Convenor: Shakir Rahman

shakirrahman19@yahoo.com

This group welcomes all members of all skill levels. It is aimed at artists who have limited free time and will appreciate the time, space and support from fellow artists to follow their artistic passions. We meet in the ASOC Studio when it is available (fortunately this is most weeks). This is a very flexible group, so bring along whatever medium suits you, and work on whatever subject you like!

Vacancies – No

OPEN STUDIO ON SUNDAYS

Sundays 1.00 – 4.30 p.m.

Convenor: Dee Copeland

copelands7@hotmail.com

0417 656 173

This workgroup is ideal for members who cannot attend workgroups during the week. The main objective of the group is to engage with members of like-mind in a casual, relaxed and amicable atmosphere, that lends itself to having fun whilst developing artistic growth and expertise. The aim is to encourage and enhance the creative development and artistic ability of members using all painting art forms of their choice; such as oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels and pencils and to apply safe work practices. This group meets on Sunday afternoons, alternating between the Studio and plein air outings, weather permitting, around Canberra and its regions. Occasional attendance is welcome. Please see the Calendar for the dates and venues for the plein air sessions.

Vacancies: Yes

ASOC DIGITAL ART GROUP

Convenor: Judy Hutchinson
hutchinsonj1954@gmail.com

0402 886 520

The Digital Group provides a forum for members interested in using digital media to create a diverse range of art. The focus of the workgroup is a collaborative exploration of various digital tools, for example Procreate and other Apps for tablets/phones and PC/Mac tools such as Blender (3D) and Photoshop. At each session members are able to discuss and display their current works, and seek tips, advice and guidance on techniques from other members. Occasionally, members may be invited to prepare a short demonstration of a technique. This group meets on a casual basis, with a fee per session. Please see the Calendar for the dates of our meetings.

Vacancies: Yes – please contact the Convenor if you would like to attend any of our sessions.