Next Art in the Park sketching date: Friday 21 August

We are going to make a repeat visit to the Kingsland Basin as we had an enjoyable session there on the “Haggerston Riviera” last summer. There will be a selection  of barges and bridges to sketch. The Kingsland Basin is just off  Kingsland Road and very near Haggerston station (overground, accessible from Highbury and Islington station). There are several cafés with views of the canal and the basin which means that we can draw inside if it is cold. They have large windows and there are many tables.

We suggest meeting at The Proud Archivist cafe (close to the entrance to the Kingsland Road) for coffee at 11 o’clock and we look forward to seeing many sketchers. Please bring your sketching stools so that you can sit where the view is best for you.

ART IN THE PARK DAY AT KINGS PLACE FRIDAY 17 JULY

Nine artists assembled on the canalside terrace at Kings Place to sketch the fine collection of barges moored opposite. We had a good day in many ways, as the weather was warm and dry, though windy. Unfortunately the views were less extensive than we had anticipated as parts of the terrace were off limits having been reserved for private parties, or for the Rotunda restaurant, but some interesting views could be seen from the cafe’s section of the frontage.   

The wind caused choppy water, which was a challenge taken up by some. Two of us stayed until 5 o'clock enjoying the vista and trying to finish our work. The cafe arrangements were fine, and we were also able to look at the Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait competition which was hung in the cavernous interior of the building.