Twenty one members visited Rochester Cathedral to sit and draw at the Fenland black oak table, a piece of fossilised wood over 5000 years old. It was a deep, brownish-black colour and highly polished, placed in the central nave of the cathedral. The section we used was covered in waterproof material, so thankfully we didn’t have to worry about making a mess on it, which would have been disastrous!

We all had a fantastic day sketching and colouring with dry media as painting wasn’t allowed at the table, and having a good natter of course. Luckily we weren’t outside as at one point the heavens literally opened, with torrential rain causing flooding in the streets outside. Adult and child visitors to the cathedral came to look at our pictures and to have a chat, which was lovely. It was a very memorable day for the art group and thank you to everyone who gave a donation to cathedral funds, we raised £123.

Read about the Fenland black oak table here…www.rochestercathedral.org/fenland-black-oak-table

Most members sketched the view to the front or side of them, whilst others photographed parts of the cathedral inside and out, then used the photos on their phones or iPads as reference.

Some members created pictures to their own theme.

In the aisles either side of the nave was an exhibition called ‘Threads Through Creation’, twelve huge embroidered panels depicting the story of the creation and the Garden of Eden. They’re by Jacqui Parkinson and will be at the cathedral until next Sunday, 3rd September. We all had a look and were very impressed by the size, colour and detail of all the panels.

More info here…www.rochestercathedral.org/articles/2023/6/5/creating-the-world-in-eight-million-stitches

Here’s a few more photos of inside the cathedral and outside in the garth (garden).

Thank you to everyone who came along, it was a special day to be involved with.

The next session is on Wednesday 13th September at Chalk Parish Hall from 7-9pm.

Beatrix Potter’s little story books are still popular today, even 80 years after her death. Beautifully illustrated with detailed, delicate watercolours, they transport you into a world of animals, good and rather naughty, and their adventures.

9 members came on the evening and one lady who will hopefully become a new member. Tracy brought in all 23 little books, to help members with pictures to use for sketching and painting.

Here are all our pictures, either sketches or in watercolour or acrylic, including 2 stones Sue painted for her grandchildren to find in a nature trail in her garden…what a brilliant idea! Most pictures are on the Beatrix Potter animal theme, with one of Beatrix herself, one of Hill Top Farm, in Near Sawrey in the Lake District, and one picture inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Well done everyone, you were very creative!

Our next session will be on Saturday 26th August from 10am-3pm inside Rochester Cathedral. Final details will be sent in an email nearer the time.

Wednesday 9th – 7-9pm – Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter’s delightful books have enchanted children and adults alike since her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, was published in 1902. Use her artwork to inspire your drawing or painting of a little animal, or if you have a pet, use them as your character. If that idea isn’t for you, paint her home, Hill Top Farm, in Near Sawrey in the Lake District, or one of the many other farms which she bought and gifted to the National Trust on her death in 1943.

Lots more info here… www.beatrixpottersociety.org.uk

Saturday 26th – from 10am-3pm – at the Fenland black oak table inside Rochester Cathedral

We return to Rochester Cathedral as Kay has gained permission for us to sit at the Fenland black oak table inside the cathedral. It’s currently in the central nave and hopefully still will be when we visit.

It will be a ‘dry’ session as no painting or water for brushes is allowed, for obvious reasons!

Bring a sketchbook or whatever you want to draw on and use normal graphite pencils, coloured pencils, water soluble pencils or Inktense pencils or blocks (to then paint at home). There are other dry mediums to use to get creative so bring them along too. The idea is that we sit at the table all day to sketch our surroundings, so please don’t wander off for ages because if we all did that there would be no one left at the table! If you want a different view then swap chairs with someone.

Please don’t arrive too early because the cathedral doesn’t open until 10am. The café in the crypt should be open on the day but bring a packed lunch if you prefer. I’m not sure if we can eat and drink at the table so expect an email a few days before the session with final details.

We’re not being charged to use the table but there will be a collection for cathedral funds during the day.

Twenty one members have put their names down for the day which is a fabulous number. If you want to come along, or now can’t make the day, please email Tracy asap. It looks to be a unique and interesting session for our art group.

Details of the table are here… www.rochestercathedral.org/fenland-black-oak-table