UKCPS Spring Newsletter

The UK Coloured Pencil Society Newsletter No. 14 is now available in the members section at our website.

Winter 2014 Newsletter

The UKCPS Winter 2014 Newsletter is out now. Please check your email boxes or head over to the UKCPS website to download the pdf.

UKCPS Questionnaire

In the recent Talking Point, volume 13, you would have found a questionnaire asking for your thoughts on the UKCPS. A number of these have now been returned but we would love to hear from more of you. So, c'mon, get them filled in and returned - this is your chance to voice your opinions, thoughts and mutterings about the UKCPS. What would you like to see more of? Where do you think we could improve? What do we do well?

Don't miss your opportunity to get involved and have your say! It'll take you 5 minutes and the cost of a stamp but mean a lot more than that to the UKCPS.

New Editor over at Talking Point!

Hello all,

I would like to quickly introduce myself as the new Editor :)

I am putting together the next issue of TP. If any of you have anything you would like me to put into TP however small pleases can you let me have it ASAP. Even if it does not go in this issue it will go in further issues as I am stockpiling just incase!

*****MEMBERS GALLERY*******

Please send me your pictures in JPEG format. There is no theme this issue apart from introducing yourself and your art. So send in the image that best represents you and what you like to do. No nudity I am afraid though, even if life drawing. I don't wish to get into trouble by the magazine going on a top shelf ;)

*****CRITIQUE*****

Would anyone like their work critiqued by an established artist? Send in a picture of your work and it's description including what you have used and on what you drew it on. Also what you fought with or was successful on. And importantly about you.

******LETTERS TO BARB*****

Send in your letters to the chair please

****** WHATS ON*******

Please let me know what is going on in your area, maybe it's is an exhibition, craft fair, lessons or a group. Reference gathering opportunities are always useful as are competitions etc

If you can think of anything else please do let me know and forgive my spelling and grammatical errors I am typing this on my iPad in bed before I get up for my first art group/lesson this morning and If I don't turn the heating on early they shall all freeze!

Have a good day

Judith

Editor of TP

Online newsletters

Members of UKCPS (particularly those overseas), who have not been in reciept of the society newsletter this year can now obtain copies in .pdf format by going to the UKCPS website (www.ukcps.co.uk) and clicking on the 'Members Log-in' link. Log-in, or get your log-in password if you have never used the facility before.

Feedback on Talking Point

I asked Ann Holden, the Editor of Talking Point to let me know about the feedback she's had about the 'new look' for Talking Point following its despatch to all the members of UKCPS last week.

You can find what had to say below. If you'd like to let her have any feedback you can

• either leave a comment below
  
• or you can contact Ann by email by clicking here and finding her email address in the contacts part of the UKCPS website.

____________________________________

An image from Step 5 in "Journey's End" - a masterclass on working with Mylar
by Richard "Chumley" Childs UKCPS
an article in Talking Point (March 2009)

By now, almost every member should have received their copy of Talking Point. On this occasion I knew exactly when the copies had been mailed and it has been an eye-opener to find out how variable the delivery times have been – and this was only in the UK.

However, I have been much relieved by the response to the ‘new look’. The comments that have reached me have been unanimous in their approval of the overall appearance – ‘a proper magazine’, ‘professional publication’, and so on. The e-mail I particularly valued was one from the Society’s Founder, Bob Ebdon, saying (amongst other things) ‘Wow!!’

But, of course, the magazine would have been nothing without the people who contributed articles and news and I am very grateful to all of them.

In future issues, members have said they would like to see more pictures – and so would I! So please send me copies of pictures you’ve completed and are happy to be included.

If possible, add a few words about the picture (eg size, paper/support, media used, why you chose the subject, whether you’re happy with it, and so on). I’d also like to have pictures from newcomers to CP, not just from those who can draw water with their eyes closed!

I look forward to hearing from you

Ann Holden, Editor

Talking Point - March 2009

The March 2009 edition of the UKCPS newsletter Talking Point has been published and despatched to all members of the United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society (UKCPS).

Members need to watch out for the delivery of this one because it is special for three reasons:

• it contains the entry form for The 7th UKCPS 'World of Coloured Pencil' Exhibition 2009
• it contains the entry form for The 8th UKCPS Open International Exhibition 2009
• the newsletter has a new look and format!
  

The newsletter should now have been received by virtually all members living in the UK - mine arrived yesterday. Members living overseas should all be receiving it shortly.

I'll be posting more details about the exhibitions next Friday, 27th February. Details of entry to the open exhibition will also be published on the website on the same day.

If you're interested in becoming a member of the United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society you can find out more about how to join on the UKCPS website.

The TP Newsletter Editor, Ann Holden would be interested to hear from UKCPS members if you have any comments on the new look and format of Talking Point. You can find out how to contact her on the back page on Talking Point or here.

7th 'World of Coloured Pencil' Exhibition 2009

The Call for Entries for the 7th ‘ World of Coloured Pencil’ Exhibition 2009 has been published. The Exhibition will be held at The Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick from Sunday 31st May to Saturday 27th June 2009.

"Friend or Foe"
Karen Coulson Winner of the Derwent Award for "Best in Show" 2008

KEY POINTS:

• Entry to the exhibition is open to all UKCPS members.
• Mixed media with coloured pencil as the main medium
• Artwork submitted must be the original work of the submitting artist from concept, through design, to completion
• Entries accepted on first come basis and restricted to the first 24 received.
• Earliest sending in date 30th March 2009: Closing date 16th April 2009.
• Entry forms will be included with March issue of Talking Point and as a download from the relevant website page at the same time (first week of March).
• Exhibition runs from midday Sunday 31st May to Saturday 27th June and is open during normal Museum opening hours.

Purpose of the ‘ World of Coloured Pencil’ Exhibition 2009

This exhibition has different aims and different rules to those applicable to the Annual Open Exhibition. It aims to:

• show the wide range of abilities and ways of using coloured pencils that exist within the Society, so is open to UKCPS members only.
• cater for artists who combine coloured pencils with other media.

Beginners are specifically encouraged to enter and there is an award specifically for this group.

Awards

Artists whose work is accepted into the exhibition are eligible for consideration for the following awards. Awards are judged by Derwent after the pictures are hung.

1. Derwent Award for Best in Show (Prize donated by Derwent)
2. UKCPS Award for Reserve Best in Show (£150.00)
3. UKCPS Award for Runner Up (£50.00)
4. Leisure Painter Magazine Award for ‘The Best Newcomer to Coloured Pencil’ (two year magazine subscription) for those with up to 18 months experience. If you wish to be considered for this award please tick the box on the entry form.
5. The People’s Prize (Prize donated by Derwent) based on votes by those visiting the exhibition.
   

Prizes of art supplies are also awarded for Highly Commended work.

Special thanks are due to Derwent for sponsoring the exhibition and to Derwent and Leisure Painter for donating specific awards.

How to apply

This is a members only exhibition with entry being free to all full members. Only one entry per member is permitted. Pictures must not have been hung at any previous UKCPS Exhibitions.

part of the 2008 Exhibition

The available hanging space in the Cumberland Pencil Museum is restricted and only 24 pictures can be accommodated. Consequently the size of picture which can be submitted for this exhibition is also restricted. Pictures should not exceed 80cm, measured to the outside of the frame either horizontally or vertically.

The exhibition is NOT juried.

The way it works is as follows:

• the first 24 pictures to apply after 30 March 2009 will be accepted, based on the date postmark.
  
• As indicated above the March issue of Talking Point will include entry forms. This can also be downloaded from the relevant website page at the same time (first week of March).
  
• The closing date for entries will be 16 April 2009.
  
• Those who enter a work will be contacted and advised whether or not you have been successful by 30 April 2009.
  

Note that successful artists will be required to present their framed picture to ‘The Cumberland Pencil Museum’ before 3-00 pm on Saturday 30 May 2009 ready for hanging. UKPCS aims to arrange a network of members to deliver pictures. Pictures may alternatively be posted or sent by carrier directly to Derwent in Keswick (address details will be advised later). Pictures must be collected by the artist or his or her agent on Sunday 28 June 2009.

Conditions of Entry

The Society wishes to see work submitted that is essentially the original work of the submitting artist from concept, through design, to completion. In this way the exhibition will clearly demonstrate the compositional and drawing skills of all the artists, as well as their ability
to use colour from a pencil source.

Members who are interested are advised to read the Call for Entries carefully, paying particular attention to what it says in the "What is eligible work?" section and noting what is ineligible.

Download Call for Entries and full rules

Previous "World of Coloured Pencil" exhibitions

You can see the some of the work accepted into previous ‘ World of Coloured Pencil’ Exhibitions on the website. These are the links to:

• 6th Annual "World of Coloured Pencil" Exhibition June 2008
• 5th Annual "World of Coloured Pencil" Exhibition June 2007
• 4th Annual "World of Coloured Pencil" Exhibition June 2006

Membership of UKCPS

If you're interested in entering but are not a member of UKCPS consult the membership section of the UKCPS website to find out how you can become a member.

Links:

• UKCPS Exhibitions
• UKCPS - 7th 'World of Coloured Pencil' Exhibition 2009
  
• UKCPS Membership
  
• Venue: The Cumberland Pencil Museum, Keswick, CA12 5NG
• How to get to the museum
  
• Sponsors: Derwent and Leisure Painter

8th UKCPS Annual International Open Exhibition 2009 - key dates

This is an early alert about the key dates for the 8th UKCPS Annual International Open Exhibition which comprises 100% pure coloured pencil art.

Another picture from the UKCPS Annual Exhibition 2008 at Bristol
copyright Felicity Grace and used with kind permission

The formal Call for Entries, with full details including notice of changes to the conditions of entry previously announced, will be published in March 2009 - in Talking Point (the UKCPS newsletter sent to all members), on the UKCPS website and on this blog.

However, for those of you who plan ahead and are beginning to mark up next year's calendars and diaries with important dates, here are the key dates you need to make a note of if you're thinking about entering next year's exhibition.

• Exhibition dates: Monday 21st September to Saturday 3rd October 2009
  
• Closing date for entry: Wednesday June 24th 2009
  
• Handing in day: Sunday 20th September 2009
  

In 2009, the exhibition will be held at the gallery of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, 4 Brook Street, Birmingham B3 1SA. The number of entries selected and hung in 2008 was limited by the size of the gallery in Bristol. However, the Executive have fortunately anticipated the growing enthusiasm for coloured pencils and in 2009 the annual open exhibition will be held in a much larger gallery.

As usual, there will be a number of awards and prizes (details to be announced with the formal Call for Entries), however UKCPS is pleased to acknowledge and announce that the major sponsor for next year's exhibition will be Derwent.

Just to recap, there will be an announcement on this blog when the formal Call for Entries is available on the website. Details will also be sent separately to all members.

In the meantime, if you have any queries you should contact Pat Heffer, the Exhibitions Secretary. Pat's contact details are available on the website (Click the 'email' next to the Exhibition Secretary title to get the email address).

7th Annual Open International Exhibition 2008 and AGM

UKCPSA Private View Invitation
'Black Watch' by Carol Bramley, Coloured Pencil 23 x 16cm

Yesterday, the 7th UKCPS Annual Open Exhibition opened at the New Gallery of the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol,

This year the Exhibition attracted a total of 152 entries from 74 people in 11 different countries! This is a huge increase on previous years. The number of entries was up 30% while the number of people entering increased by a massive 42%! However, it's also very pleasing to record that the the standard of entries received has also been very high as already indicated by Pat Heffer, Exhibition Director, in September's Talking Point.

The three jurors who selected which works would be hung in this year's exhibition were:

• Janie Gildow, the well-known American CP artist and author of two instruction books,
  
• Hannelore Warning, Group Product Manager, Art & Graphic for Faber Castell - this year's sponsors
• and Neil Murison, Curator of the New Gallery at the Royal West of England Academy.
  

Private View and Prizewinners

Members will be aware from the website, the September edition of Talking Point and the Private View invitation that you will have recently received (see top) that you were all invited to attend the Private View tomorrow afternoon (5th October) between 2pm to 5pm.

Final decisions about the complete list of prizewinners are being made tomorrow morning and then the prizewinners will be announced:

• at the Private View on Sunday 5th October
• in a post on this blog on Monday morning.
  

The website is also being updated with images of the work being hung and will feature the prizewinners after they are announced. I'll let you know on this blog when the new page is published.

UKCPS very much appreciates the support it has received from this year's three excellent jurors and Faber Castell, the sponsors of this year's exhibition and the manufacturers of Polychromos artists´ colour pencils and Albrecht Durer artists´ watercolour pencils.

Gallery opening and sales

The exhibition runs until Tuesday 28th October. It's open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am - 5.30pm. On Sunday it's open in the afternoon from 2.00-5.00pm. Last admission is half an hour before closing.

Most works in the exhibition are for sale. The RWA are approved by the Arts Council England to run the scheme called Own Art which helps people to make the purchase of art more affordable. See this page for more information.

Getting to the Gallery

The exhibition is in the New Gallery of the Royal West of England Academy, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX.

Click here for directions to Royal West of England Academy. It is expected that parking will not be a problem as there is free on street parking in the streets around the Academy. People coming by train are warned that the station is quite a distance from the Academy.

Annual General Meeting

Just a reminder to all UKCPS members that, as previously notified, they are all invited to the AGM which is being held tomorrow Sunday 5th October in the New Gallery of the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol starting at 10.00am.

Please refer to the Chairman's article in the last edition of Talking Point which refers to some of the matters which will be discussed tomorrow.

Please note that it's expected that there will be at least an hour's break between the AGM and the start of the Private View when the winners will be announced.

Note: The Royal West of England Academy is one of only five Royal Academies of Art in the UK. It is a registered charity which has been self-supporting for over 150 years and possesses an outstanding Grade II* listed building, galleries and permanent fine art collection

Links:

• UKCPS website - Exhibition page
  
• RWA - New Gallery details
• Faber Castell International website
• Janie Gildow
  

Janie Gildow

The UKCPS is delighted to announce that we have managed to get Janie Gildow, CPSA, to be part of our Jury for the 7th Annual Open Exhibition, sponsored by Faber Castell, in October 2008. Full details of the exhibition submission procedures will be available with the March edition of Talking Point, but for now we can reveal that Janie will be one of the panel of three jurors who will decide on which pictures get accepted into the exhibition.

Janie will be well known to most of us through her books - "Coloured Pencil Solutions" (with Barbara Benedetti Newton) and "Coloured Pencil Explorations". On her website she gives some clues as to what she might be looking for in a picture when she says:

"Good art is a result of careful planning, creative expression, strong composition, excellent craftsmanship, and a confident and complete exploration of the medium."

So - time to get the pencils out again! The deadline for submissions will be July 9th, and some other important dates can be seen on our Calendar page. Full details will be coming soon.

Newsletter and Exhibition Comments

The latest edition of "Talking Point", which should be dropping through your letter boxes as I type, is the usual "exhibition special" at this time of year, letting all members who were unable to visit the exhibition see what they missed. Following that theme, I thought you might like to see some of the comments recorded in the "Comments Book" during the exhibition, which was described by the Gallery Owners as being worthy of a London Gallery:

"Amazing use of pencils - incredible!
Awe inspiring detail and patience and incredible pieces of work
Many hours of hard work with excellent results
Lovely exhibition
An Inspirational exhibition
An extraordinary display of talent
What wonderful work - loved them all
Fantastic exhibition
Beautiful work
Inspirational - provided us with a lot of discussion
Extraordinary high standard of work with CP
Lovely work throughout
Enjoyed every picture
Inspiring and extremely skilful
Very varied exhibition
What versatility
Beautiful - such precise work
Absolutely delightful - good variety and wonderful skills
Very good - liked the more painterly ones
Very good - much better than I could do!
Impressive and interesting
Fantastic achievements with such a simple object - a pencil!
There is only one word - Impossible!
Absolutely superb collection
Excellent collection showing what can be achieved with coloured pencils
Truly Inspiring
Fantastic works of art
Wonderful! Very inspiring
I never knew colour pencils could produce such excellent pictures
Masterly!"


I think they liked us.

We hope you like your Legion Paper samples of Stonehenge - and look forward to seeing 500 pictures on black paper in our next exhibition! Please also read and reply to the letter that was enclosed - we really do need help on the executive.

Milestone passed

Just a reminder of the very first issue of our newsletter, "Talking Point", issued July 2001. I printed about 50 copies of that myself on my HP deskjet, with the front page picture by Hilary Buckley, and the lead article reading "Welcome - to the Society of your dreams!". It is beginning to look like those dreams are more than being fulfilled - thanks to the membership surge at the NEC, our membership has well passed the 500 mark. For the first time ever, over 560 people will receive copies of the latest "Talking Point" due out in December. Congratulations to all who have made this possible. Based on population size, we are now "bigger" than the CPSA!

Of course, with size, comes problems, and our members will be aware of many requests for help from the AGM last October. A letter setting out what we are asking for in more detail will be inserted with the newsletter - along with a small gift to make the request more palatable.