A brand-new art group is starting up in Scotby, but this is one with a difference. Led by talented Cumbrian artist and experienced tutor Alex Jakob-Whitworth, it aims to develop your skills through experimentation along with Alex’s tried and tested techniques.
Alex says: “As children, we happily make marks on paper and don’t stress about the results or what others think. Then we grow up and our inner critic takes over. We take a new piece of paper and demand of ourselves a masterpiece every time, with all the attendant angst when it doesn’t come off. My belief is that if we can rid ourselves of this self-imposed judgement, we can learn more freely, find our own creative voice and, importantly, enjoy ourselves!”
The group is designed to accommodate both more experienced artists and complete beginners. Alex continues: “I so often hear folks saying they can’t draw or paint, but that simply isn’t true, and I can prove it! Everyone can – everyone has it in them to be creative with paper and paint and their ability simply has to be directed and encouraged.”
Last year Alex collaborated with the Wordsworth Trust on the project ‘Being Dorothy’, creating writing and artwork that reflects the life of Dorothy Wordsworth. For part of that project, she recreated Dorothy’s hike up Scafell Pike 200 years to the day after the diarist herself, but unfortunately with much less favourable weather. However, the paintings that evolved from the experience are an evocative depiction of the Lake District fells in inclement weather! Several of these have been exhibited at the Pastel Society at the Mall Galleries in London.
The art class meets in Scotby Village Hall on Thursdays from 10-12 and costs £12 per session or £40 for four. All materials are supplied for the first few weeks if required, enabling beginners to find their feet.
Contact Alex for more information on 07891 921416 or email alex@charcoalhorse.co.uk
Visit Alex’s website at www.alexjakobwhitworth.co.uk or she can be found on Facebook, to view her gallery of work.
