THE OMEGA ART SCHOOL ACADEMY EXHIBITORS
Erica Crystall
“ The Omega Art School course is a supportive and highly encouraging environment. Great lessons with a range of tutors have enabled me to try new things and continue developing as an artist. Don’t underestimate the mental break an art lesson provides in busy lives- it’s a chance to stop and have fun! ”
Steve Farnfield
”I used to go to evening classes many years ago - mainly life drawing. I started again with Omega Arts last year and wish I had done it sooner! I began with water colour seascapes and then went into charcoal and various other mediums - currently I am into lino cut. The tutors have a knack of focussing on strengths so my confidence has grown enormously. The structure of the courses is excellent - very professional with tutorials and frequent feedback.”
Karina Hill
“I joined OAS, nervous that I was not good enough to be in one of these art classes, but wanting to connect with local artists. I enrolled onto a one off workshop, and was so inspired I booked onto regular weekly classes. The support and guidance provided by the tutors has instilled such confidence and self-belief. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to try so many different mediums such as monoprint, linocut, stitch, making sketchbooks. From that nervous first day I am now exhibiting and renting a shared studio! Trust that small voice which says, “ I think I could do this.” Thank you Omega Art School for encouraging and facilitating my artistic and creative journey.”
Angus McDougall
"At Omega Art School I’ve learnt that the way to produce art is to start doing it. It's best to set off on the right foot and their tuition has really helped me there. I’m never quite sure how things will turn out but the results are usually pleasingly good."
Shelagh Moore
“When I was at school, I always came bottom in art. When I began to write, I became aware of the world of illustration and found it fascinating. The way a picture, especially a painted one, can enhance a story for young readers led me to join the Omega Art classes. I learned to mark make, use different methods and mediums to make art. My grandson became interested and now enjoys painting his watercolours and experimenting with colour. Together with grandpa we can do our artwork together which is always a pleasure. For a time you can be absorbed in a different world, away from the business of everyday life into the world of imagination or interpretation.”
Julie Pickering
“Having always had a love of art, and dabbled a little in watercolour in recent years I joined the Omega Art School in January 2022. My goals were to improve my skills, try some new mediums and meet new people. I expected to enjoy the drawing and painting however we have covered so much more and what has surprised me is how much I've come to love printmaking in all its forms and I've gone on to do other courses and workshops in linocut and screen printing over the past year. I've also really enjoyed the time we've spent looking at specific artists and attempting to emulate their work in class. The lessons are always sociable, fun and relaxed while also being instructive, explorative and encouraging, the tutors often pushing us gently out of our comfort zones. I feel my skills and my style are still evolving but I now feel more confident to try new things and look forward to seeing where this might take me.”
Louise Roulston
Jackie Sale
”Through this work I wanted to explore the juxtaposition of ‘certainty’ and ‘change’ in how we view the sea. There is certainty in the generality of the coastal landscape, and in the never-ending ebb and flow of the tide; in contrast, change is dictated by the weather, sun, and moonlight. Through this piece, I've explored the comfort that certainty brings alongside the excitement of change.
Claire Storey
“I live in Southsea and am constantly drawn to the sea. In my art I try to capture the light, and sense of peace. Weekends are spent in The New Forest or South Downs and holidays in Cornwall, walking the South West Coast path. These experiences are my main inspiration, the textures, colours and sheer beauty of nature are what make me happy and whilst painting I feel as though I am back there. Omega Art School has helped me realise my love for mixed media and given me the skills and confidence to progress further”.
Kate Storey
”I’m a Southsea based artist who enjoys experimenting with mixed media to achieve different marks and effects. I’m often inspired by everyday sights and experiences and try to incorporate my emotions and sense of wonder into my work through the use of bold colours and abstraction. I’m currently enrolled at Omega Art School to explore these ideas further and to get useful guidance on how to progress my work.”
Wendy Whittaker
“I’m interested in the fragments of life, the unfinished, the parts that we shed, to reveal what is underneath. The brief ‘Layers between’ which we worked towards, for this exhibition, sparked an interest in looking at clothing and accessories, how we wear them, and the role our clothes play in our day to day life. A layer between us and the outside world. I narrowed down my focus to the feet. Omega Art School has offered me a fantastic opportunity to work with experienced tutors, developing a wide range of skills and techniques. The tutors offer a supportive role, encouraging individuality and originality in our work, and giving personal feedback at regular stages to ensure progression. The school’s collaboration with Jack House Gallery is such a valuable opportunity to exhibit work as a group, in a professional and friendly environment.”
Instagram:@ wendywhitaker4