Well, this has become a mini-series of posts. I will keep adding as I find more things to do up here. However, I found this little hidden gem called the Phoenix Art club in the village of Cleator Moor, and it was absolutely wonderful to take part in. I’m going to share with you my personal review and experience.
What?
In the centre of the town, twice a week a group of creative individuals meet up at the Phoenix Art club, and share skills, chat and perform art-like activities, such as drawing or painting. I was introduced to this little gem by someone from work who goes. (Classic office chit-chat of course).
My experience
At the Phoenix Art club, everyone there is so friendly and eager to help you start on your art journey. The little gallery was decorated with their own work, and showed various art skills and styles.
The people there were so kind, and eager to help me settle down, and made me feel comfortable to ask questions. I spent this session picking their brains, and attempting my own art interests.
What to expect
The group sometimes hold workshops with local famous artists, where members can learn from the talented individuals about their own techniques, that give them that creative edge.
All the people I met that day, had different skills and each was just as impressive as the other. Some people would sew and knit and do other fabric creations, others would use canvas and different types of paints or pencils and pens to create the work. Everyone had their own passion within art and showed their knowledge in their niche area. It was all incredible to take in, and as someone who is not as creatively minded, it was insightful to learn more about art. They go into great depth that I definitely didn’t learn in school, and they made it fun, safe and a positive experience for myself.
When to meet
They meet twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday, between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, in Cleator Moor. Thursday they tend to focus on fabrics, and crafts whereas Tuesday is more of the art and paint discussions/sessions.
You don’t even need to have art experience. It’s a lovely way to just learn a new hobby, with no pressure for it to develop. It’s also a great way to socialise and widen your circle of friends. All they suggest is that you come with an idea of what you would like to learn/ develop or experience. I’m interested in being able to understand the ability to free draw with a pencil, so I attempted practising that. Further down I will show you my attempt of a drawing in that session, thanks to their guidance and tips.
Do you need to bring anything?
You don’t need to have any equipment, as you can try out some of the things they have a the club. Once you have found something to pursue further, they can inform you of where to find affordable equipment. This will allow you to continue your hobby outside of the sessions.
The sessions are priced at £5, or if you see yourself coming more frequently, they do have memberships. They have this Facebook and Instagram page where you can contact them for more information.
My attempt
I’m not so gifted in the subject of art and drawing, so I asked them for their advice and tips for drawing free hand.
- Draw upside down – They had me copy a picture in a art tutorial book, and they told me to have it upside down, and for to draw it upside down as well. (I was confused too, but very willing to try it out)
- Concentrate on the gaps/white spaces not the actual object – I was drawing a person, so instead of focusing on the shape of that person’s body, I focussed on the shape of the white spaces and gaps. (I’ll admit made it easier)
- Don’t turn it the right way up UNTIL you have finished. (Makes it harder to do alterations)
- Practise = Improvement
It was a 2-hour session, and the time flew by. With me asking my questions, them sharing their stories and experiences and tips, it felt so short. Also, I drew my attempt using the tips above and that’s it here.
From my personal perspective, I think that’s amazing, because you can’t normally tell what I am drawing. This was a wonderful experience, and I encourage you to go try it out, and see what it’s like for yourself. If you’re reading this and don’t live near Cleator Moor, don’t worry it’s not the only art group in the country, Google will have some ideas.
Moral of my story:
- Try out the new hobby– You might find a new circle of friends and a great hobby
- Embrace the experience– What do you have to lose?
