ogue of works by current members of
CARDIFF DRAWING GROUP
Cardiff Drawing Group was formed in 2002 on the initiative of Chris Glynn — now head of Illustration at Cardiff Metropolitan University — together with, among others, Sue Shield and Dale Evans. The group expanded over the following decade with an informal ‘We draw, we drink, that’s it’ approach and it is now established as a network of around thirty individuals During that time members have maintained a program of drawing events, get-togethers, and more recently, exhibitions. Our drawing events are open to all, and are organised by members in turn with everyone aiming to host or organise something at least once a year. Participation in certain activities, such as CDG exhibitions, requires membership which is currently a nominal five pounds per annum. Further information on the groups’ recent activities, including images and information about our events, can be found on on our new blog, developed and maintained by member Linda Evans, at http://www.cardiffdrawinggroup.co.uk. Introduction
All images and text © individual CDG artists.
CARDIFF DRAWING GROUP
their responses to that question. It has been an interesting exercise to articulate what lies behind an activity that can be so instinctive and every-day that we often take it for granted. It has been illuminating to receive and discuss members’ answers and to consider them in relation to the drawings they are
Cardiff Drawing Group was formed in 2002 on the initiative of
presenting here.
Chris Glynn — now head of Illustration at Cardiff Metropolitan University — together with, among others, Sue Shields and Dale
Further information on the groups’ recent activities, including
Evans. The group expanded over the following decade with an
images and information about our events and exhibitions, can be
informal ‘We draw, we drink, that’s it’ approach and it is now
found on our blog at www.cardiffdrawinggroup.co.uk.
established as a network of around thirty individuals. Participation in certain activities, such the CDG exhibitions, Since that time the group has maintained a programme of
requires membership; the fee is currently a nominal five pounds
regular drawing events, get-togethers, and more recently,
per annum.
exhibitions. Our drawing events are open to all, and are usually organised by different members, with everyone aiming to host or organise an activity or gallery visit at least once a year. As with all groups, individuals contribute and organise according to their work and life commitments, but the chance to meet and draw in the company of others is always appreciated, even if only for the odd hour here or there. This catalogue has been produced to coincide with the exhibition WE DRAW at Butetown History and Art Centre, Cardiff (November 2013 – January 2014) consisting of work submitted by members and selected by non-member artists Frances Woodley, Maggie James and Heather Parnell. The exhibition represents something of the range of drawing practices, subjects and styles within the group but it cannot address the question recently posed by one of the newest members — ‘Why do you draw?’. So whilst this catalogue complements the exhibition, its main purpose is to represent the wider membership through
Jan Bennett, October 2013
JACQUELINE ALKEMA
I draw because it is an integral part of my art practice. I even draw from my own paintings sometimes to see if I can solve certain problems or discover new angles or insights to a particular subject matter. Being part of CDG gives me the opportunity to draw more, as normally I don't make preparatory drawings for my paintings. My paintings are the product of a thought process leading to a visualization of an inner state. The female figure with at times awkward poses is a predominant feature in my work. Childhood memories and emotional experiences are recurring themes. I was born in Holland in 1948 and after leaving school lived in Switzerland for a number of years. I moved to the UK in 1969 and to Wales in 1979. I studied at Cardiff College of Art and Design for a B.A in Fine Art (1988) I have exhibited widely in South and North Wales and have work in private collections in Wales, France, the Netherlands and Germany. I am a member of the 'Contemporary Art Society of Wales' and the 'Welsh Group' Enterment 1 2013 Pencil and graphite 40 cm x 38 cm
www.jacquelinealkema.co.uk
JAN BENNETT
Other than for the challenge, I draw because I enjoy being completely absorbed in producing a combination of what I see and think about and am intrigued by. I have become aware that when I draw I ‘zone out’ into something like a daydream, where what matters is keeping the pencil in contact with the surface of the paper or board and keeping it moving. I tend to use continuous line and make carefully shaded drawings. Drawing makes me look and think and learn, and being part of CDG has enriched my understanding and experience of seeing and doing drawing. Born in Birmingham, I came to Cardiff to study Zoology, and Untitled (Red 2) 2013 Crayon 60 cm x 80 cm
then worked, settled and married here. More recently I have studied art at postgraduate level at Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC).
MAGGIE DAVIES
I draw because I enjoy it, because it is both relaxing and challenging. I draw because it gives me pleasure; it allows me to spend time in quiet contemplation of my subject. Sometimes I draw expressively and sometimes realistically, depending on my mood. Finding the CDG has given me the chance to share this with other like minded people, to make new friends, to encounter fresh ideas and working practices. Drawing is a way of getting more out of seeing.
Welsh Girl 2011 Pastel 42 cm x 30 cm
LESLEY DEARN
The excitement of drawing for me lies in the honesty, the ‘naked truth’, the trace that drawing leaves of how I’ve thought and thought again. I love the physical, the action of drawing out a line, how pace affects the mark, and mark reflects the mood. Simple, complex, instant and absorbing. My current work is divided between paintings inspired by the local coastline, exploring atmosphere and mood, and more recently the rediscovery of the human form, principally through drawing. I enjoy delivering regular workshops in drawing and painting. Judith 2013 Charcoal and graphite on paper 55 cm x 75 cm
www.lesleydearn.co.uk
DALE EVANS
For me, drawing is a way of looking: of checking something out. If I can’t see it I can’t draw it and equally, through drawing I see my subjects more clearly. I find drawing hard work — when I really look, there is so much to see. I feel my eyes opening wide then wider still and feel my brain straining at the unaccustomed exercise of sifting to find my image. I am an artist based in Cathays, Cardiff with a background in science and art, and for many years I worked as a botanical and natural history illustrator. These subjects and environmental themes are still the main sources of inspiration for my artworks. Rock Pattern Lavernock 2012 Pencil on paper 54 cm x 73 cm
This is one of a set of drawings inspired by the rich geology at Lavernock.
HUGH EVANS
Drawing: challenging, compulsive, therapeutic, enlightening. Practice brings skill; tentative strokes become confident marks often stripping out non-essential elements. It is sometimes the means simply to observe and understand what you are seeing. A moment in time – life is a balance sheet, a storyline that changes and exists only in the moment, visually and atmospherically. Scenes and expressions flash by; capturing one single moment is storytelling. Drawing in a group is enlightening. Nothing is right or wrong. As individuals we bring different aspects to the same thing, continually learning.
Portrait of Yann 2013 Coloured pencil 12.5 cm x 10 cm
LINDA EVANS
I draw for many different reasons ‌ to practice the skill, to convey information, to make working sketches or technical diagrams, to prepare for a painting or a graphics project. But mostly, I draw for the challenge, to explain to myself what I'm thinking, seeing, feeling, inventing, remembering. If others look at my drawings I hope that they see what I've seen. I enjoy physical drawing, being energetic with marks, love experimentation and variation - however I adore graph paper, grids, tabular data, repeating patterns and digital technology. Drawing in the company of others puts me under pressure to think then act; it gives me inspiration, focus, energy and power.
Turn Around 2013 Pencil on paper 53 cm x 53 cm
HEATHER TREHARNE JONES
I love to draw and it connects me with the beauty and mystery in this world. Born in South Wales, I studied sculpture at the University of New South Wales, Australia and was appointed inaugural artist in residence at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden NSW in 2007. Since returning to Wales, I have exhibited drawings at Arts Central, Barry and St Donat’s Art Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan.
St Mary’s Well Bay 2013 Pencil on paper 33 cm x 34 cm
KAY KEOGH
In portraiture I’ve always told myself that I should try and draw what I see and not allow myself to draw what I know; this has taught me to concentrate and really look hard. But then again it’s difficult to close my mind as to what I know, as drawing what I see improves my knowledge and adds to what I know. The more I draw, the more I see, the more I know, the more I like drawing! kaykeogh@live.com
Fridge Drawing 2010 Conté on paper 48 cm x 48 cm
STEPHANIE LOWDER
Drawing makes me see things in different ways, makes me marvel and yet frustrates me at the same time. Drawing is immediate; a mark is made in an instant, in a nanosecond of time that can never be recaptured. Anyone can draw. If you can scribble or doodle then you can draw, if you find it difficult just shut your eyes, relax and give it a go. As an artist I love having new challenges and take delight in trying to find inspiration in previously untapped sources. The investigation process is as much a part of the work as the finished artwork. Fortunately for me CDG are very creative in offering such challenges.
Umbrellas 2012 Pastel on paper 30 cm x 20 cm
RICHARD O’CONNELL
To draw is to see and understand. There is a pictorial logic to the whole process. It is a question of disciplining oneself and concentrating all the time. I like drawing low down — a child’s eye level is ideal. Faces and figures fascinate me — all are different. I have always kept a sketch book for drawing away from the studio situation. I draw in cafes, concerts halls and almost anywhere. I studied at art schools in Swansea, Norwich and The Ruskin School of Drawing based in the Ashmolean Museum. Then, teaching at schools and colleges in Norfolk, Oxford, Chelmsford and Cardiff. For the last ten years I have been self-employed as an artist working on commissions and fine art exhibitions. For more information view my website: www.richardoconnellart.co.uk
Portrait of Pip 2013 Pencil, crayons 82 cm x 50 cm
SHIRLEY ANNE OWEN
I draw because it has been a natural activity for me to do all my life. As part of my art practice, I draw to gather information, to make finished works and also as part of mixed media paintings. The mark making is a very important part of my work. After attending Cardiff and Newport Art Colleges in the sixties, I worked as a Medical Artist and then in a Personnel Department. A long break followed due to family commitments, though I continued to draw. My full time Art Practice began in 1996.
Osgar 2013 Graphite powder and charcoal pencil on paper 75 cm x 90 cm
SUE PATON
I've been a member of Cardiff Drawing Group for several years and always enjoy the meetings, events and exhibitions. We purposefully limit our activities to the act of drawing and have occasionally tried to push the boundaries of perception of what a drawing can be, resulting is some very exciting and original work. The themes of our projects always inspire me and I have produced some of my most interesting work with the group. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, working mainly in paint, printmaking, photography, artists’ books and object making. I am inspired by landscape, the natural world, local mythology and history. REMEMBER TRWERYN 2010 Print on wood blocks, after traditional children's toy
ANNA POLYA
To me, drawing is as natural as breathing or walking. All children draw; it is a pity that some of us stop, as it is everyone’s birthright. A drawing creates a unique memory of a place, time or person. It is a precious moment punctuating our lives. BA (Hons) in Art Practice University of Glamorgan 2012. Third prize at the Rhondda Heritage Park Open Exhibition in 2008. My interest in dance led to a collaboration with Earthfall Dance Company in 2012, with exhibitions at Chapter Arts and the Riverside Theatre, Newport. Currently exhibiting at the Mindfullness and Wellbeing Centre, Caerphilly.
Traces left by dancers II 2013 Charcoal and ink in resin 60 cm x 40 cm
SUE ROBERTS
I draw every day; it is part of my practise as an artist. I use it to improve skills, and keep my eye in, to explore my thoughts and feelings either with a doodle or a full drawing. I do not usually draw from life or a model. I draw what is in my mind. It is a way of interpreting a 3D world in two dimensions, drawing by moving around something is very satisfying. I am not an illustrator and do not look for an exact replication of what I see but it is the action of mark making and putting those marks together to create an image that means something to me. The action of making in 3d is what I do; expressing my thoughts and feelings about the things that are important to me. I start mainly with the action of drawing. I do not use a model or draw from life. I draw what is in my head. I use clay or plaster to describe the piece I am making and if successful I will turn it into bronze or cast it in iron. The marks I make on a drawing I see in the 3d piece using texture and surface. The tactility of the work is a large part of what I strive to achieve. www.suerobertsartist.co.uk www.sueroberts.carbonmade.com
Caught in the rain 2013 Ink 95 cm x 60 cm
SUE SHIELDS
I draw because it makes me feel happy and furious because what I am about to do is not nearly as good as what I have just done! I am a member of CDG because I enjoy being with people who share an interest in drawing. I have a passion for the drawings of people like Edward Burra,, George Grosz, Eric Ravilious, Clive Hicks Jenkins, Milton Glaser and so on and so on …… I trained as an illustrator and have loved working to a brief all my life. I secretly think that if I set my own brief I will come up with something stupendous. But I actually find it’s harder to do anything at all without a request from a client — or failing that, an exhibition visited or one coming up for CDG, to motivate me. I think I'm applied, not fine!
Life Session 2011 Brush drawing with watercolour 44 cm x 32 cm
LORNA STEPHENSON
For as long as I can remember, I have drawn and earliest influences were the illustrations by Ernest Shepard and Edward Ardizzone that featured so heavily in books I read as a child. Later I studied illustration in Bristol, where one of my principal tutors was the late Peter Reddick, whose wonderful work continues to be an inspiration. Although I particularly enjoy working in pen and ink I have recently begun to play with pastels again, which is proving to be an exciting and enjoyable adventure. Drawing can tend to be a solitary pastime so to be linked, via CDG, with others who share my passions is a real joy.
February Sunset, Whitmore Bay 2013 Pastel 52 cm x 42 cm
AIMEE TAYLOR
Since discovering my ability to draw as a teenager, I find I could never be without it. I enjoy drawing with a variety of mediums and experimenting with how things can be approached. For example, working with not only traditional mediums such as pastels, pencils, inks but experimenting with mark making and drawing with things such as masking tape and candle wax, printing drawn line with oil pastels or adding coloured elements digitally to my drawings. I enjoy the colour and brightness of these results, how vivid a drawing can be made in comparison to an ordinary grayscale image.
Guardian Snowflakes 2012 Masking tape and candle wax drawing, acrylic paints. 40 cm x 30 cm
MARGED SIĂ‚N WILLIAMS
I've been drawing nearly all my life — it's my way of feeling connected with the world around me and with my emotional and often my subconscious self. I like to draw spontaneously and with a whole range of media on many different surfaces including very porous materials such as teabag paper and bread. I studied at Cardiff School of Art and Design where I specialised in painting for a BA in Fine Art and later in photography and sculpture installation for a Masters degree. Concern for environmental and species damage which developed over my time at Art College has been a major underlying theme in my work for over ten years now.
Calm in the Eye of the Storm 2013 Coloured pencil on tinted paper 53 cm x 53 cm