Fro the last two Wednesdays, I’ve held my arty evenings in the studio. The first was a great success. Despite the awkwardness of people meeting for the first time, everyone settled down to make art and chat and were happy with what they produced.

Six friends joined me that first Wednesday. One was the mother of one of the artists, so not doing any art herself. A wide variety of mediums were used: pastel, brush and ink, watercolour, pencil, Copic markers and oils. Subjects included landscape, people, fish and feathers. Most of the artists worked at the folding table we’d set up, so I was the only one using an easel.

I managed to get over an hour’s painting done, which was less than what I’d hoped but more than I expected, when there were introductions to make and friends to catch up with. Afterwards I was all inspired, and took a long time to get to sleep.

The following Wednesday everyone was to busy to come or away on holidays, so I painted alone. I was determined to do it even if nobody joined me, and I was glad I did because the progress I made was good. But I don’t think I’ll be alone every time. Those who came the first week had such a good time they want to come again, and they’ve attracted the interest of a few more friends, too. I won’t really know if the idea has legs until school holidays are over and people get into a more ‘normal’ routine.