A CRITIQUE evening was held for members of Keighley Art Club in which constructive comments were given.

Three paintings each were discussed. Some of the useful points raised will follow in this article, and will hopefully help other people who paint. A cross-section of the paintings were posted onto the club’s Facebook page.

A black and white monochrome was first. A suggestion that a small section in red might enhance the scene further. A solitary blue tit filled a page and was considered creative, out of the ordinary, catching the eye and demanding attention.

Another bird scene reminded one member of a Chinese painting. Another member said it lacked definition. The separation between sky and ground was too weak and shadows were needed on the feathers.

An unusual flower creation was made by stippling blossom with the end of a toilet roll dipped into paint.

One person volunteered information about their own work, which was different. She decided to add highlights where the sun shone through trees. The team felt that the sides of the canvas should have been painted and not left white.

A water-based oil in the style of Vitriano was passed around. It seems that if applied too thickly, the paint might flake off, but the artwork had clear varnish applied. One landscape had a distant figure attached. The result was to add scale to the scene.

Four people had defined their work with pen and ink and watercolour. This began a discussion on whether the ink drawing should be made before or after painting. All opinions differed but one point was that blurred ink can sometimes add an unusual effect, which can be attractive, but that would be with water-soluble ink pens.

One person was asked why part of their sky was green. However, this shows creativity in artwork. The subject matter of one picture was Shipley Park, and this was shown to be impressive and enhanced with a fine nib.

Further subjects were trees, snow scenes, seascapes, and a pastel-commissioned portrait. They all showed an increasing skill level for all people, with promising works that followed practical sessions at meetings and elsewhere. Other helpful comments included that a tree was too central.

Collages were shown which had both hand and machine-stitching, and perfectly-matched accessories. We were told that the abstract-style patterns were original creations.

Post-critique, we don’t expect the members to change their work. As recommended by Nigel Overton, a past demonstrator, the individual should present creativity in their own way.

Keighley Art Club’s programme for 2019, has been completed by Jeanette Bray, and printed by Rod Tickner. The programme will also appear on our Facebook page.

We meet on Wednesdays at Keighley Healthy Living, Scott Street, behind Keighley Library, from 6.45pm to 8.45pm. New members are accepted at any level. Call into any Art Club session or call 01535 669914 during the evenings.

Art students, teachers, retired people, hobbyists, people wanting to escape work, are all welcome, especially to our demonstrations, where they can question professionals.