The Pilot by Norman Wilkinson. Oil on Canvas. Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
Interior With Japanese Print by Samuel John Peploe 1915
Somnia by Kaja Norum. The Royal Society of Portrait Painters Drawing Prize 2026 Revealing the Human.1st Prize winner. Charcoal and pencil on toned paper.
On 17 October we took a Skills coach to the city of Hull. First we visited the Ferens Art Gallery with its permanent collection including majestic paintings of marine scenes, reflecting the city’s past. It was also the beginning of the 2026 Open Art Exhibition and Young Artist Open Exhibition.
We then moved on to Hull University and the Brynmor Jones Library. Home of an impressive permanent collection, featuring several works by the Bloomsbury group. As if this wasn’t enough, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition was on display ‘Revealing the Human’. The standard of these portraits was truly astonishing. A real shot of inspiration…
On 6 November Derby Sketching Club celebrity Peter Valentine gave us a demonstration of his approach to portrait painting. Peter is a retired teacher and a professional artist with decades of experience.
Always generous with his knowledge, always entertaining, Peter,explained how he goes about getting a likeness and how to avoid common pitfalls when working in oils. He brought in numerous illustrations and examples of his work for us to look through in the break. Peter worked against the clock during his talk to produce a portrait of Colin.
Lots of good advice to take away with us at the end of the night. Thank you Peter. A legend.
Home, Health and Hope is the theme of the current exhibition gracing the walls of Level 2 Royal Derby Hospital and Queens Hospital, Burton on Trent.
The exhibition showcases work by local artists and creative NHS staff members with the objective to create an ‘uplifting, comforting and welcoming environment’ for patients and staff. On display are pictures by Derby Sketching Club;s very own Tony Hall, Felicity Jackson, David Walton and Nicola Mann. Elsewhere the corridors feature work by our longest serving club member Ann Eames and former club Chairman Andrew Macara.
If you get the chance, why not go and take a look? There’s some fantastic work on display and you don’t even need an appointment!
On 6 November Derby Sketching Club celebrity Peter Valentine gave us a demonstration of his approach to portrait painting. Peter is a retired teacher and a professional artist with decades of experience.
