Kibworth Art Lovers – April 2025
“Oils feel precious,” was the response when artist Lesley Brooks was asked why some artists are wary of painting in oils during the latest meeting of the Kibworth Art Lovers. She then went on to demonstrate her own technique for mastering and enjoying this medium.
For her demonstration Lesley chose a Cornish landscape. As she worked, she explained the six points she considers when planning a painting. The starting point involves sketches which help her to relax and take some of the preciousness out of the medium. A good drawing aids composition and can be transferred to the canvas using a grid. The use of good quality materials and a limited palette are essentials. This is for both the tonal under-painting and the final over-painting when the colours and textures of the image emerge.
While products are available for cleaning brushes, this can be done by wiping the brush with a tissue and washing it in hot soapy water. Lastly, some fine-tuning may result from a thorough check for any distractions or imbalance in the painting.
Lesley is a member of the Leicester Society of Artists and a qualified teacher with experience in drawing and talking therapy. Her friendly, relaxed manner and assured means of communication, as she delivered a masterclass in oil-painting, were much appreciated by our members and visitors.
In our next meeting, on 29 April, artist, Paul Maslowski, will demonstrate Chinese Brush Painting. Visitors are always welcome. In the meantime, our members are preparing for our annual exhibition. This will be held at the Kibworth Community Hub on 31 May and 1 June.
Works by Hilary Willars are currently on display at the Kibworth MHBS. This will be followed by those of Helen Frost in May.
Jenny Riseborough
Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council
