For my first blog I thought I would write about a North East Landscape Artist Lockdown.
Early last year I was based in a small studio on North Shields Fish Quay, running art classes three or four times a week for a small but dedicated band of local artists.
The room faced south over the river so we could see the river traffic passing by, hear the hustle and bustle of people in the street below and (particularly on a hot day) smell the fish from the shop below, atmospheric just about sums it up!
And then it stopped
North East Landscape Artist – Covid19
Due to COVID I had to close the studio on 20th March 2020. Apart from the immediate end to my business, I was devastated by the loss of the art community that had built up around the classes over a number of years.
In an attempt to keep everyone in touch, I started a Whatsapp group. “A49ers” This instantly proved popular.
After a few days a couple of people started asking if there was a way to keep the classes going through Whatsapp and A49 Online was born.
Care and Support
Over the past months, I have been overwhelmed by the care and support from the group. Not only have they produced over 1500 pieces of art between them, in response to the weekly challenges I set, but there is a real feeling of encouragement and interest in each other’s creative progress.
North East Landscape Artist Lockdown – Further Offshoots
Other offshoots have occured, at Christmas I collated a video showcasing everyone’s favourite artwork as a virtual exhibition. Following this in February 2021 I held a silent auction of some of the demonstration pieces with 30% of sales going to The Bay Foodbank in North Shields; we were able to make a donation of £825 which I hope will make some difference.
I have now moved premises to the Linskill Centre in order to provide a bigger teaching space for the classes. This of course will be for when we are able to reopen and look forward to welcoming A49ers both old and new for more artiness, coffee and biscuits.
In the meantime please do connect with me on Instagram and feel free to get in touch if you would like any information.