About – Art Club
Friends of the Towans Art Club was set up by artist and Friends of the Towans trustee Hilary Gibson to introduce artists of all levels of expertise– and none!
Image by Sophie Oudeboon
Who we are
Drawing and painting techniques en plein air, in a variety of inspiring locations across the Towans.
Activities are delivered by Hilary in partnership with artist Dominica Williamson and other trustees, volunteers and guest specialists
Who is it for?
Art Club is for everyone, whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist. You can learn techniques and ask for help, or just come to quietly draw in the company of like-minded people. It’s for residents and visitors, and for people of all ages.
We also hold bespoke workshops for families, people who are often overlooked, and those who feel they “can’t draw for toffee“. For instance, on Gwithian Green we introduce families with children aged from 8 to 16 to botanical illustration.
What we do
Art Club meets to paint at least once a month, on weekdays, at weekends and sometimes in the evenings. Our sessions include significant dates in the calendar year, such as the start of British Summer Time in March and World Sand Dune Day in June. At the time of the Autumn Equinox, we gather to paint a seasonal sunset, and we mark the end of British Summer Time in late October by taking part in the Big Dune Draw, part of the annual international Big Draw Festival.
We also have guided sketchbook walks: our guides are very knowledgeable and identify flora and fauna along on the way. We find out about a variety of plants, butterflies, birds and seaweeds, and we learn how to record them through drawing and the use of colour.
And there are always opportunities for Art Club members to get involved with Friends of the Towans events
Upcoming Events...
St Gothian Sands Buck Moon Sunset painting
Image by Sophie Oudeboon
Drawing in Towans
Drawing at Gwithian Beach
FAQ's
What are the benefits of joining the Art Club?
Through en plein air drawing and painting and botanical illustration, you can discover nature and gain a new appreciation of your surroundings, and also learn about the conservation, protection and management of the Towans.
Drawing and painting, and looking after nature, are both good for your health. Five Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing is an evidence-based framework which has helped us develop the Art Cub.
Through the club you can:
- Connect with other people – good relationships are important for
your mental wellbeing - Become more physically active
- Learn new skills
- Discover how to pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Where does it take place?
We meet at a variety of stunning locations across the Towans, including:
- Gwithian Green Nature Reserve :
- what3words ///nation.orange.reclaimed
- St Gothian Sands Local Nature Reserve :
- what3words ///exhaled.pats.painter
- Mexico Towans :
- what3words ///lectures.typified.identify
- Godrevy Warren :
- what3words ///imparting.foresight.brink
Look out for the blue Friends of the Towans sail flag on the day.
How much does it cost?
Sessions are free to attend, but we are always grateful for donations, however small, to support Friends of the Towans.
How often does the club meet?
We meet once a month from April to October, and sometimes more often. We also have indoor venues, so we can meet from November to March.
How do I join?
- You can also:
- https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheTowans
- Instagram @friendsofthetowansartclub
You can give us your emails to receive Art Club event news and you can join our WhatsApp group to catch details of the next event. Information is held by Friends of the Towans.
All information we use is covered by the General Data Protections Regulations (GDPR) and is strictly confidential.
What equipment do I need?
You can borrow pencils, erasers, sharpeners, water soluble coloured pencils and aqua brush pens, but we do ask you to bring a sketchbook, and your own art materials if you have them – ideally dry drawing materials like pencils, charcoal or pastels, but watercolour and watercolour paper is fine too.
For the bespoke botanical workshops for families, we provide all equipment free. For all events, please wear appropriate footwear – walking boots/trainers – and layers. Bring a waterproof coat/jacket, torch or sunhat and sun cream, depending on the weather. A cushion to sit on is also advisable, as are snacks and a drink.
Why is the club a good idea?
Friends of the Towans is a charity developed in recent years to enable both residents and visitors to get directly involved in the conservation, protection and management of the Towans.
Through en plein air drawing and painting and botanical illustration, you can learn about nature and gain a new appreciation of your surroundings and also learn about the conservation, protection and management of the Towans.
Drawing and painting, and conserving and protecting nature are also good for your health. 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing is an evidence-based framework, which has helped us develop the art club.
Through the Art club you can:
- Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for
your mental wellbeing. - Being physically active is great for your physical health and
fitness - Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Funded By
We are very grateful to the organisations below for the funding they have generously provided. With thanks also to Little Parc Owls Trust
Contact
If you’d like to get involved, just phone us, email us, or contact us via our social media.