The Japanese Garden May 2023

On a glorious summer day 11 artists made their way by public transport and bicycle to the Japanese Garden in Regents Park. This is part of Queen Mary's Gardens and has amazing planting, a lake, flag irises in bloom, and a water fall. Many of us crossed the Japanese style bridge to the island and drew from there.

This was one of the first warm(ish) sunshine filled days of the year, so we were very lucky. There were goslings on a nearby lake who feature in the pics. Chris Baker wonders if anyone can identify the mystery duck in her painting.

We had lunch in the nearby Park cafe, where the service still causes a certain amount of confusion. But great to sit outside and compare notes.

The next outing will be to Thornhill Square, a delightful Islington Square. More details to follow.

So pics from:

Diane Umemoto

Peter Colley

Janet Perkins

Sue Loder

Sue Lees

Tricia Sharpe

Janet Payne

Diana Marshall

Ann Funston

Chris Baker

Maggie Pettigrew

Gill Steiner

The Japanese Garden, Regents Park on 23 May 2023

We last visited the Japanese Garden almost exactly two years ago, when some splendid work was done and can be seen on the blog. In the afternoon there was a tremendous downpour and unfortunately some artists got very wet on their way home. Please don't be put off, we are hoping for better weather this time.

The Japanese Garden is inside the Inner Circle in Queen Mary's Gardens and is adjacent to the Rose Garden. The postcode is NW1 4NU. There is a lake, a Japanese style bridge, a waterfall and of course lovely planting.

Meet at 11am just outside the Regents Bar and cafe, which is a very short walk from the Japanese Garden and is on the west side of the Inner Circle. We plan to have lunch there at about 1 pm. 

Janet's phone number for the day is 07815 772857. Pics afterwards to janetat48ock@hotmail.com for publication on the blog  

A map of the Park, which shows the possibilities, can be found here . Below are some nice photos courtesy of Sue Lees of Regents Park.

 

 

Tuesday 18 April: visit to Arlington Square, Islington

We unfortunately managed to pick the coldest day of the week, if not the month, for our April outing.  It was a deeply grey day, but it did not rain, so our dozen artists pursued their art with huge dedication in Arlington Square and the nearby Regent's Canal, before all survivors retired thankfully into The Hanbury pub at the corner of the Square.   Two hardy souls had been to the Canal where it was even colder. 

Arlington Square is one of the best planted and maintained public squares in London, having been rescued from its former incarnation as a place to buy a stolen bike and other things by a massive community effort.   Ten years or so ago local residents keen to create a garden of delight fundraised enthusiastically and having amongst them knowledgeable gardeners have filled the square with multiple types of camellia and magnolia and other superior shrubs, and vintage olive trees and palm trees.  The tulip beds were having their gorgeous moment, and attracted the attention of some of our artists.  We were too early for the many roses, but they will be lovely later in the season.  The garden looked immaculate, and the community maintenance effort is still continuing.  An example to residents everywhere of what can be done.  They have even been visited by the King while Prince of Wales!

Our next sketch date will be Tuesday 23 May when we will be going to Regent's Park, the Japanese garden area.  Details to follow.

Enjoy our images from Arlington Square and the Canal!

 Ann Funston

Gill Steiner

 Tricia Sharpe

 

Developed series of three by Audrey Rapier

 

 Janet Perkins

 

Avis Dennis

Janet Payne

 Peter Colley

Priscilla Worley

Sketch and Painting by Chris Baker

Sue Lees

Sue Loder

Diane Umemoto

And one extra drawing from our orchestral afternoon by Christine Khwaja

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pics from the Haydn Chamber Orchestra

On 1 April we were allowed to sketch at a rehearsal of the Haydn Chamber Orchestra in Christchurch Highbury.

This was a really splendid occasion with a guest violinist Hans Christian Aavik, an up and coming Estonian violinist. The orchestra was conducted by Andreas Kaljuste                 

We were very privileged to be there and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Our thanks to the orchestra and of course to Alison Glaister, who founded the orchestra and is a member of Islington Art Society. Alison facilitated this occasion for us.

Pictures below. I hope Haven't missed anybody out.

Avis Dennis

Sue Lees

Peter Colley

Penny Spelling

Diane Umemoto

Alison Gardiner

Alison Sandifer

Audrey Rapier

Janet Payne

Christian Cook