Drawing Workshop

Inside/Outside with Sue James Dean

10th February 2026

Sue James Dean has a career background within art education and continues to work as a visiting artist in schools. She is passionate about the power of drawing as a means of communication. Sue invited us to this Workshop saying, “Come and enjoy an evening of expressive observational drawing. We will especially be exploring ideas of Space! Using tonal values and mark making to increase a sense of form, we will be looking at creating volume, structure and space!”

Sue has run many workshops for us and brought along some natural form items for us to draw, (rocks/shells/twigs), and had asked us to bring anything that we wished to draw, especially items that have an inside/outside focus! She showed us a series of her own drawings and some by Henry Moore where he had used contours to define the shape of the stone he was drawing. His wartime “Underground” drawings used this technique to good effect when drawing the human form. Moore’s drawings of stones and flints greatly impacted on his sculptural forms.

Henry Moore contour drawings

A short demonstration followed with Sue using graphite and charcoal. She began her drawing by indicating the darkest areas, working outwards to define the barnacle she had chosen with lighter marks. We had been invited to bring chalks/pastels or our own preferred choice of mediums. She kindly brought along graphite sticks and A3 boards to share.

As work progressed Sue gave advice and tips. She encouraged us to “Draw Large” exaggerating the tonal contrasts within and around the object and to increase the tonal contrast by using the blackest of black for the darker areas and to define the cast shadows around the object.. She also advised trying contour drawing for some sketches to explore the shape of the object.

This was a dynamic workshop, the many drawings produced showing great attention to the advice given by Sue throughout this enjoyable evening. Sue was warmly thanked for her enthusiastic approach and for directing this stimulating workshop.

AI Critique led by Mike Lawrence

3rd February 2026

A traditional element of the Society’s Winter Programme, the monthly critique is normally led by a professional artist or tutor who appraises and comments on the work and gives advice and tips on how it could be improved or enhanced. February’s scheduled artists needed to cancel and Mike Lawrence, our Society’s Secretary, stepped in to present the most unusual Critique, composed and voiced by AI. AI claims to evaluate composition anatomy, colour, lighting and style and to give constructive feedback.

The first painting was displayed and Mike uploaded an image to Gemini AI. He asked for the critique to last 3 minutes and defined the parameters for the response as:
General overview - Conceptual successes/strengths - Areas for adjustment/improvement
It is fair to say that everyone held their breath.

Within seconds the first response was broadcast over the sound system which Mike had provided. The report was thorough and analytical, with strengths praised and weaknesses addressed very constructively. The chosen speaking voice was clear and brisk and the language detailed and descriptive. There was a lot of content within the 3 minute timeframe. (Mike saved the text for each item also and this is available to download for interest).

   
[left] By Walt Cahill - click to view AI Critique
By Michael Radley - click to view AI Critique
[right] By Mitiko Murata - click to view AI Critique

   
[left] By Persis Limbuwala - click to view AI Critique
By Ray Ward - click to view AI Critique
[right] By Kyle Blades - click to view AI Critique

The evening progressed with 19 artists presenting their work. The work was displayed as the responses continued, some with a female voice, some male and one Ukrainian for one of our Members. This was a rather surreal evening, which on this occasion was held in the United Reformed Church rather than Cowbridge Hall, as the unknown AI entity accurately described the works, highlighted interesting aspects and strengths and, with thoughtful comments, suggested improvements and enhancements.

   
[left] By Sally Steele - click to view AI Critique
By Kathy Burman - click to view AI Critique
[right] By Kate Tyrer - click to view AI Critique  

   
[left] By Joe Rowson - click to view AI Critique
By Geoff Bennett - click to view AI Critique
[right] By Jenny Stratfold - click to view AI Critique  

There was a short time between artworks for some general discussion and the Members present, to a large extent, agreed with the comments and criticisms presented and felt that the works had been analysed well. In a few instances, AI had not picked up a nuanced factor of the artwork, for instance Amanda Cosgrove’s Abstract appeared to be a seated figure and this element was not remarked upon. There was also an element of repetition. So, some swings and roundabouts.

   
[left] By Jill Rolfe - click to view AI Critique
By Diane Warburton - click to view AI Critique
[right] By David Stowe - click to view AI Critique 

  
[left] By Christiana Guymier - click to view AI Critique
[right] By Alona Kushnirenko - click to view AI Critique

These are some remarks from Members present on that evening:

“Astonishing” “Loved it. Very informative, accurate. Criticism very constructive.” “Helps with composition” “Fascinating. Thorough, brilliant analysis” “Interesting but I prefer a real person”

Members voted as usual for their favourite images. The Winner was ‘Anarchy at Betty’s Bay’, a bold wave breaking on shore by Alison Wright executed in acrylics. Alison’s work is shown below with the full AI report. The Runner-up was ‘Pages of Peace’ an abstract figure by Amanda Cosgrove. Since all the reviews were so interesting they can be viewed in full with the images by the artists.

Mike Lawrence was thanked for facilitating this AI Critique. It was certainly a very different approach for a Critique evening and provided an alternative means of receiving feedback on one’s work. Mike mentioned that this facility can be used to seek advice while work is in progress, perhaps when reaching “a sticking point” some suggestions by AI on how to progress may be worth considering.

AI Critique Winner February 2026 "Anarchy at Betty’s Bay" by Alison Wright 

AI Critique

This critique explores a dynamic seascape that captures the raw energy of the ocean meeting the shore. Through a lens of conceptual expression, we examine how the Artist translates a physical event into a visual experience.

1. General Overview

In this piece, the Artist presents a high-energy interpretation of a wave crashing against a rocky shoreline. Rather than focusing on a photorealistic depiction, the work leans toward Abstract Expressionism, prioritizing the visceral sensation of movement and power. The composition is anchored by a central, vertical explosion of white seafoam that dominates the frame, creating a stark contrast against the deep blues of the horizon and the mottled textures of the foreground. There is a palpable sense of "the sublime"—the intersection of beauty and natural violence—achieved through a chaotic yet intentional application of color and form.

2. Conceptual Successes

The Artist successfully captures the rhythm and movement of the sea. By utilizing a central vertical thrust, the composition mimics the literal physics of water hitting a solid object, forcing the viewer’s eye upward and outward. This creates a powerful focal point that feels both momentary and eternal.

What works particularly well is the balance of weight. The bottom third of the canvas is dense with dark, earthy tones and complex textures, providing a grounded foundation that makes the "weightlessness" of the spray feel more authentic. Conceptually, this creates a dialogue between the permanence of the earth and the fleeting nature of the tide.

Furthermore, the color harmony is sophisticated. Instead of relying solely on blue and white, the Artist has integrated flecks of ochre, magenta, and teal into the foreground. This suggests the biological and mineral complexity of a tide pool or wet rock, adding a layer of depth that prevents the scene from feeling flat. The use of negative space in the sky—rendered with a hazy, atmospheric quality—allows the central action to "breathe," ensuring the chaotic energy of the splash doesn't overwhelm the entire frame.

3. Areas for Adjustment

To elevate the conceptual impact, the Artist might reconsider the linear horizon. While the horizontal line helps establish a sense of scale, its rigidity currently acts as a visual "shelf" that cuts the energy of the upward splash. Softening this boundary or allowing the spray to break the horizon line more aggressively would enhance the feeling of uncontrollable power and better integrate the foreground with the background.

Additionally, the distribution of texture could be more varied to guide the viewer’s emotional response. Currently, the texture is relatively uniform across the splashing water. By introducing "rests"—areas of smoother, more translucent paint—within the wave, the Artist could better represent the transparency of water versus the opacity of foam. This would create a stronger sense of volume, making the wave feel like a three-dimensional force rather than a two-dimensional shape.

Finally, the Artist might explore the concept of intentionality in the splatter. While the "organic" nature of the drips is effective, focusing more on the directionality of the spray could lead the eye more effectively. Introducing subtle diagonal lines of force would imply the wind's influence, adding a layer of atmospheric storytelling to the work. This would shift the piece from a static portrait of a wave to a narrative about the elements in conflict.

 
Runner-up “Pages of Peace” by Amanda Cosgrove - click to view AI Critique

Painting the Mayor - Workshop

18th November 2025

We were delighted to welcome The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr. Steven Watson to join us. It is traditional for the Mayor to sit for their portrait each Autumn and Members had brought along a variety of painting and drawing materials. Some sketched, others took on the challenge of painting – some on large canvasses. Members took photos for reference and many will complete the portraits later with a view of displaying them at The Castle at some point next Spring, when the Mayor kindly hosts an evening viewing of the finishes works.

The Mayor was thanked for sitting for his portrait – not as easy as it sounds.

These are a few of the “works in progress”.

Workshop – Christmas Tree Decorations for display at All Saints Church, Hertford

11th November 2025

Hertford Art Society was invited to contribute a decorated tree for the Community Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church and members spent the evening creating decorations. Mini canvasses and blank cards and bauble shapes were provided as a starting point and Members had brought along a variety of materials for some quick, quirky decorations.

This was a fun evening. Some Members painted mini-masterpieces on canvas. Others made use of large labels or bauble shapes for colourful Christmas motifs in watercolour, acrylic or collage. There were robins, bright baubles, holly leaves with bright berries, snow scenes, hot air balloons and planes, folded paper stars and Santas and intricate paper forms. Over 70 colourful decorations resulted and the donated tree looked spectacular.

Local organisations or individuals contributed 37 trees to the display at All Saints Church and dedicated the trees to a loved one, friend or a good cause. This was an opportunity to advertise our Society, show our skills and involve ourselves in another community event. The trees were set up on 22nd November to be ready for an evening soirée in church and ran until Saturday 29th in conjunction with the Christmas Fair that day.

We received a thank you message from All Saints Church. We achieved 6th place out of 37 which, considering the number of schools entered in close proximity to the church, was a very good result.

From the organiser: I am just writing to everyone who joined in with the ’All Saints’ Community Christmas Tree Festival’ to say a huge thank you for joining us for this event. It was a great success, and we had over 500 people visiting All Saints. Over 260 votes were cast for the ‘People’s Favourite tree’ which Wheatcroft school won with an amazing creation covered in Bees and every tree was voted for by someone! It has been successful financially too, but the best bit has been bringing the community of Hertford together and visitors to All Saints. The Best Dressed Tree was won by ‘The Soundbites Concert Team’ and James Toyn won ‘The Most Original Tree’ with his ‘Ticket to Ride’ tree covered in old train tickets! Thank you once again and watch this space for the 2026 Christmas Tree Festival!

Collage Workshop – Botanicals with Sally Hunter

21st October 2025

Sally Hunter is a Member of the Society and was welcomed back for this collage workshop focusing on flowers or plants. Sally has recently been exploring these subjects in her own collages and showed us a selection of work. Members had been asked to bring their chosen images of flowers or plants and Sally had brought along a flower arrangement and a striking anthurium plant with bright red waxy flowers in case we needed inspiration.

Sally encouraged us to work boldly and to select a colour palette of complimentary or contrasting colours. She had kindly brought along magazines to share and work quickly began with sketches and laying down shapes before committing to sticking them onto the paper or card.

Sally gave tips and advice as the work progressed. It was great to see the different approaches – some began by creating a background, others used the blank paper as the background and quickly added their flowers and leaves.

This was great fun. Rather messy with lots of paper tearing. Some preferred to use scissors to give a crisp edge to the work. Some had already prepared painted or printed backgrounds for this project. There are no rules with collage. It simply grows as decisions are made to put this colour there, that shape to one side, all very personal choices.

There was a huge variety in the final pieces of work. Some were soft and muted, others bold with strong colours. Sally was warmly thanked for leading this workshop. Everyone enjoyed it and the display of images below shows great promise for any future works.

Workshop – Self Portraits

14th October 2025

This was an untutored session and Members had been asked to bring a mirror, a photo or perhaps an image on a tablet or phone in order to work on a self-portrait. This is a challenging exercise.

If working with a mirror, the slightest change in position gives an entirely different view. It is important to try to relax and to almost forget that one is drawing oneself. Members worked in a variety of mediums – charcoal, pastel, pencil, paint and, in one instance, collage.

As the evening progressed it was fun to take a stroll and see how others were doing. There was an opportunity to sketch others while they were working. The variety of approaches and techniques was remarkable and the images were easily identifiable. It was a fun evening and, as can be seen from the impressive results, a very good exercise in observation.

Paper Craft

Create a Poppy Workshop with Nicola Dobrowolski
30th September 2025

HAS member and master paper crafter Nicola Dobrowolski led this practical workshop in paper crafting. Nicola works on real life scale and larger than life florals for big events and installations, but also has a very varied practice in 3D paper sculpture and 2.5 dimensional paper dioramas. Nicola represented the UK as Master Artisan of Paper Sculpture at the Michelangelo Foundation, and has exhibited and demonstrated in Venice at the HomoFaber biennale. This workshop immediately follows Nicola's installation of hundreds of XL florals at the Four Seasons Hotel London.

All materials were kindly supplied by Nicola - Italian crepe paper in two weights/red, black and green, wire and wax tape. Members had been asked to bring hot glue guns (which were shared), a mat to rest the glue gun and small sharp scissors.

Nicola began by demonstrating the first few stages of the process with these instructions:

• Take wire and, using some soft paper, wind around the top. Bend the wire to secure and continue to mould the paper into a ball shape. Secure end with glue.
• Using the wax tape, cover the ball by wrapping around a few times and then wrapping the tape around the length of wire.
• Double a long piece of black thread, hook around the base of the ball, twist and bring over the top, secure and twist again and repeat 3 more times with equal spacing to form the pistil of the flower.
• Cut a strip of black crepe into fine strands for ¾ of its width, feather the fronds into random directions and wrap and glue it around the base of the pistil to form the stamens of the flower.

Everyone got going on their own flower at this stage. It was busy and Nicola spent time helping out and explaining how to get the best results. The next stages were undertaken with advice as things progressed:

• Cut 4 petals from red crepe – squares with rounded edges on one side. Stretch the centre of the paper, gather at base then glue two opposite each closely around the black core followed by the remaining petals to form the flower. Stretch the paper to spread the petals out. With small piece of green paper cut into two rounded shapes, disguise the base where the red petals meet the wire.
• Cut a square of green crepe paper diagonally and glue this onto a wire with the “veining” of the paper pointing upwards, one piece on top of the other to hide the wire. Trim into leaf shape with scissors.
• Complete by binding the leaf stem in wax tape and then binding the leaf to the flower stem.

And they were done. Everyone had created a poppy. Some larger than others but all looking gorgeous and very professional.

This was a fun evening. The hot glue guns were a challenge. If anyone can get hold of the ingredients for poppies the instructions above should help. The same principle applies to other flowers so the potential is endless. Nicola was full of encouragement as Members tackled this unusual craft project and was thanked for her help and enthusiasm in making this a very enjoyable session.

Visit to Hatfield House

22nd September 2025

In September Hertford Art Society’s President, Lord Salisbury, kindly issued an invitation to the Society for a group visit to Hatfield House. 28 of us gathered at the House on the morning of Monday 22nd, to be met by Lord and Lady Salisbury, and chief guide, Dermot. Members were divided into two groups, led by Lord Salisbury and Dermot. Half way through the 2-hour visit we changed guides, both of whom were quite brilliant.

We were treated not just to the many rooms and galleries open to the public, but also to 4 of Lord Salisbury’s private rooms. All rooms, galleries, and halls are bursting with pictures and mementoes of centuries of the public and private lives of the Cecil family, starting with the 1st Earl of Salisbury, William Cecil, Lord Burghley who was a close adviser and confidant to Elizabeth 1st. The portraits are a pictorial history of the Kings, Queens and aristocracy of this country, from the 16th Century to the present.

Perhaps the most impressive image is ‘The Rainbow Portrait’ - Queens Elizabeth 1st clutching a rainbow hammering home the message ‘no rainbow without the sun’ – i.e. after storm comes Elizabeth, a bringer of peace. She wears a splendid gown adorned with symbols, most notably several eyes and ears: a not very subtle political statement of the surveillance of Tudor society by Elizabeth and her advisors, notably Lord Cecil, this county’s first spymaster. Elsewhere Elizabeth’s hapless rival, Mary Queen of Scots is portrayed.

There are many more friendly portraits including a splendid life-sizes portrait of the present Lord Salisbury casually hanging at the top of a flight of stairs.

The visit was a wonderful opportunity to savour through pictures the impact of the Cecils on English, later British, life throughout the last 500 years. A thoroughly enjoyable two hours courtesy of our President, Lord Salisbury.

Quick Sketches

9th September 2025

This was an untutored session and Members were invited to bring an interesting object to sketch or paint. The display was certainly interesting - items included an African statue, a windmill, a striking blue cat, a leaping metal dolphin, colourful bottles and, from the natural world, a selection of seashells, an intriguing twisted branch and a sheep’s skull. Some colourful fabrics gave an added twist.

The aim of the session was to encourage quick, bold sketches and the timer was set to 10 minutes, after which a change in position brought a new challenge. This was a very enjoyable evening and very well attended. Some Members were ambitious enough to use paints and, as can be seen from the images, there were some impressive results. A few used a large format to overlay and blend the various elements very successfully. Some focused on detailed and exact sketches. A great variety of media was in play. It was fun to work quickly and enjoyable, at the end of the session, to see the variety of work produced.

Winter Programme 2025 - 2026

The Winter Programme 2025-2026 begins on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.

These sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Cowbridge Hall, Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG. Approximately half the evenings in the Winter Programme are for Members’ Workshops, some tutor led, some just as a group practice. There may be a small charge for workshop materials. This season includes still life arrangements, life models, printing and paper craft. The remaining evenings are taken up with talks, critiques of paintings brought along by Members or demonstrations from a professional artist.

Visitors are very welcome to come along to talks, demonstrations and critiques of Members’ work (Charge £5).

Saturday Life Workshops will recommence on 27th September 2025 and non-Members are welcome. Charges £20 per session for Members; £25 for visitors. See details on Life Workshops below.

The Members’ Show will be held from Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November 2025 and Members can contribute up to 4 paintings or other artworks to this Show.

• Winter Programme 2025 - 2026 (pdf) - click here for more details

Saturday Life Workshops

WHY LIFE DRAWING AND PAINTING? – Some may say it is old fashioned, but practising Life Drawing enhances observation and accuracy. Interpreting the shape of the human body trains the artist to see almost every curve line and subtle undulation found in nature. The satisfaction of producing an acceptable image can be quite intense. It does not happen immediately and demands a great deal of practice to achieve.

Hertford Art Society runs Life Workshops in Cowbridge Halls, Hertford, SG14 1PG on the last Saturday of 9 months during the year. An exception is the October session which is sometimes changed when it coincides with the Members’ Show. The July 2026 session also takes place on the third Saturday in the month. Although these are primarily run for Members we welcome enthusiastic visitors at £25.00 per session, this includes coffee, tea and biscuits, available all day. The sessions are untutored and last from 10.00am – 4.00pm with a break for lunch. We work in in all mediums including prep work for sculpture. Bring whatever medium and equipment you require with you. The photographs below illustrate the exciting variety of work produced by the artists.

There are many different approaches to life drawing which become very obvious during the sessions. We are a very enthusiastic group of artists and in a relaxed atmosphere we learn from each other different skills and methods of working, as well as experimenting with different mediums etc. We do not have a set programme of poses, but usually include short poses and longer poses for artists who wish to produce a more finished piece of work. So why not join us if you haven’t already?

Workshops take place on the last Saturday of the month (except for October) for nine months of the year. They do not take place in April, August and December due to the annual Open Exhibition and holiday periods.

Life Models Workshops within HAS Winter Programme for 2025 - 2026 - 10am - 4pm at Cowbridge Halls, Hertford, SG14 1PG

• Saturday - 27th September 2025
• Saturday – 25th October 2025
• Saturday - 29th November 2025
• Saturday – 31st January 2026
• Saturday - 28th February 2026
• Saturday - 28th March 2026
• Saturday - 30th May 2026
• Saturday - 27th June 2026
• Saturday – 18th July 2026

If you are interested please contact [email protected] for further details.

Cars at the Castle

1st June 2025

Cars at the Castle is one of the largest FREE vehicle shows in Hertfordshire, with an exhibition of over 60 modern and vintage cars and motorcycles, set within the picturesque grounds of Hertford Castle.

This highly popular, family friendly annual event took place on the afternoon of Sunday 1st June 2025 with live music, food and drink stalls and the Castle open for the public to explore - there was something for everyone.

Visitors were able to view a car and cycle themed art exhibition hosted by Hertford Art Society, located in the Mayor’s Parlour, inside the Castle. There was also a display of work and greetings cards for sale in the Society’s Gazebo situated in the Castle grounds. Many thanks to the following Members for contributing work for these displays: Geoff Bennett, Trevor Chamberlain, Debbie Elsden, Gary James, Mike Lawrence, Persis Limbuwala, Angela Roberts, D'Arcy Sallion, Tom Sim, Sally Steele, Neringa Sustensiene, Diane Warburton and Alison Wright. It was a varied and colourful collection of work on this most interesting theme.

Councillor Vicky Smith commented “This is one of Hertford Town Council’s most popular events, with lots for all the family to enjoy.”

Presentation of Mayoral portraits at Hertford Castle

30th April 2025

Dating from the mid-15th Century, Hertford Castle hosts many events throughout the year and houses the offices of the Town Council. It is a beautiful building set in historic grounds.

Each Autumn, Hertford’s Mayor is invited to comes along to a Tuesday evening session at Cowbridge Halls and sit for their portrait. Members of Hertford Art Society enjoy painting and drawing the current Mayor in full regalia and many colourful images result from this enjoyable annual event.

   
Images of Rachel Carter - Mayor 2024
Left: by Daine Warburton; Middle: by Joe Rowson; Right: by Jill Rolfe

A group of Members were delighted to be invited by the current Mayor, Rachel Carter, to present paintings and drawings of herself and the previous Mayor, Vicky Smith, resulting from the two portrait workshops in 2023 and 2024. As these sessions are only 2 hours long, many of the artists had completed their portraits later, using sketches and photographs taken on the night. These paintings and drawings were displayed in the lovely rooms within the castle and the artists were offered drinks and nibbles as the current and previous Mayors, Rachel Carter and Vicky Smith, admired the work and chatted to the Members who had been able to bring their work along.

   
Images of Vicky Smith - Mayor 2023
Left: by Angela Roberts; Middle: by Derek Carey; Right: by Jill Rolfe

   
Left: by Sally Steele; Right: by Mike Lawrence

 
Left: by Joe Rowson; Right: by Kay Frid

This was a very enjoyable evening. Our hosts were warmly thanked for arranging such a pleasant get together. Mayor Rachel Carter is just coming to the end of her term. We will look forward to painting the next Mayor as this has become a traditional part of the Autumn programme.

Elijah

Paintings to illustrate Hertford Choral Society’s Easter Concert
29th March 2025

   
Left: By Cherith's brook - Geoff Bennett
Middle: That the son may live - Christie Gilfeather
Right: Cloud arising - John Jarratt

Each year embers of Hertford Art Society are invited to illustrate Hertford Choral Society’s Easter concert, performed in All Saints Church in Hertford. This year’s concert is Mendelssohn’s oratorio ‘Elijah’ which will take place on Saturday 29th March.

This vividly dramatic oratorio draws its text from the Bible and tells the story of one of the fiercest prophets of the Old Testament. It opens with the pronouncement from Elijah that due to the people’s unfaithfulness, there will be a long drought. The following scenes were illustrated by the artists named in brackets.

 
Left: After the earthquake - Ray Ward
Right: By whirlwind to Heaven 1 - Diane Warburton

An Angel advises Elijah to go into the desert and hide by Cherith’s brook where he will drink its waters and be fed by the ravens (Geoff Bennett)

A Widow comes to Elijah (Christie Gilfeather) and asks for his help for her son who is so sick that there is no breath left in him! Elijah prays that the spirit of this child return, that he again may live.

Elijah asks the Lord to regard the distress of His people and to open the heavens and send them relief. A Child sees a little cloud arising now from the waters like a man’s hand. (John Jarratt)

 
Left: By whirlwind to Heaven 2 - Izabella Taylor
Right: Ascending into Heaven - Alison Wright

A mighty wind breaks the rocks of the mountains. The sea is in upheaval, and the earth shaken. After the earthquake comes a fire. (Ray Ward)

The Lord takes Elijah away to heaven in a fiery chariot with fiery horses, he goes by a whirlwind to heaven. (Diane Warburton; Izabella Taylor)

Elisha witnesses Elijah ascend into Heaven (Alison Wilkinson)

With grateful thanks to all the artists who contributed to this colourful and dramatic display.