Lady Elizabeth Kitson, a formidable character in a Rose Madder smock, has instructed Robin and I, no, told Robin and I, that we had to write the report of the Devon Workshop that took place at the end of June. Don’t jump to conclusions - we’re not an item! Robin was asked, as he is an old timer at this annual event, and I was asked because it was my first time. We had both travelled down from North Yorkshire to participate – in separate cars!! It gives us both much pleasure to write the report, as it was a thoroughly enjoyable five days - G

Robin

The chance to paint and draw live animal models – horses, ponies and a donkey on five consecutive days, is not the only benefit to be gained from attending the Devon workshop. Add the tuition help and demonstrations from the tutors (Malcolm Coward and Colin Allbrook were there for the whole week, while Susie Whitcombe, David Howell and Barry Peckham each came for a day) to make it so worthwhile whatever your experience and ability or age. The sculptors were especially well catered for, with almost one to one tuition from Gill Parker, Judy Boydt and Priscilla Hann, each of whom attended for most of the week.  I found it helpful to eavesdrop on the advice of neighbouring sculptors from this top class team of tutors. Gill telling a fellow student to stand on one leg and notice how the body compensates by leaning to maintain balance. Something one had never realised before, perhaps.

One learns as well from chatting to fellow students at lunch, coffee breaks or at the Barbecue on the Tuesday evening.

The week is organised and run with great efficiency by Wendy Howard and Elizabeth Kitson, who uses methods honed by years of running Pony Club activities to ‘keep us all up in the bridle’ “Now, it’s nearly time for lunch. I want you all sitting down in the barn in ten minutes at one o’clock prompt” (at least us oldies don’t now have to worry about brushing our hair – we haven’t any!)

It is all fun, but above all, the five days give you confidence to paint and draw from life and to forget about copying from photographs. Skill levels and age don’t matter. My thanks to those who’s hard work and patience make it happen – Robin F 

Glynis

 I would just like to add a few of my memories of the course to Robin’s.

Trooper Pippin, a bay Point to Point horse, had been ‘shipped in’ to pose for us took fright when he saw Violetta (the donkey) pulling her Victorian Carriage. He broke loose from his handler and proceeded around the field posing as Michael Lynne’s ‘Loose Horse’. I managed to catch him (imagine the Thelwell cartoon of the child dangling from the reins and you’ve got the picture) just as Susie Whitcombe descended in her aeroplane. He threw the towel in! Modelling was not for him. So he was put back into his loose box to snort loudly for the rest of the day. Violetta was oblivious to Trooper Pippin and Susie’s aeroplane. She posed in the hot sun and when bored turned to face her owner, jack-knifing the cart. Some interesting work was achieved that day. I watched with great interest as Judy Boyt turn a three-pronged armature from a single donkey’s head (I thought it was going to be Pegasus with a twist) to two moods of Violetta and can’t wait to see the finished result.  

Lady Elizabeth’s enthusiasm oozed. She was encouraging to all of the students and tutors. She provoked discussions and even arguments. We never did come to a conclusion as to whether it was easier to sculpt or paint. When she wasn’t busy organising with military precision, she was busy sketching. She is a remarkable lady with a good support team behind her (at least one marching step) lead by Wendy Howard.

The two farms we painted at were extremely hospitable. I was lucky enough to stay at the first venue, Lesley Bryants. The farmhouse was old and beautiful, full of character with feather mattresses on each of the beds. Each night I would snuggle into my preformed shape and by the end of the week I was rig welted in bed. Lesley offered to swap my painting of Violetta for a lamb. I explained that I only had a third of an acre of garden and as I’m vegetarian I didn’t have much use for mutton – I expect I could have used the wool to knit myself a hat for the chilly north. So I went home with a stags head peeping out of the rear window, my sun hat hanging on one of the antlers, when I was stuck in traffic on the dreaded M5 no doubt other drivers thought I was into Pagan rituals. Malcolm had gone home one year with two piglets and a cockerel due to one of Lesley’s swaps.

I have put my name down already for next year and have bought a new sun hat in preparation. For those of you who have never been it is a brilliant opportunity to work and play hard with a good crowd of like-minded people.   Great fun - G