On Tuesday, March 25 fine art and graphic design students from Hastings College spent the day at Rye Art Gallery looking at works in the permanent collection and in the current Rye Society of Artists spring show. As well as learning about the history of art at the gallery, students were able to draw from paintings.
The curator Dr Julian Day gave the students a tour and explained the history of the gallery. Work by artists in the permanent collection are listed with photographs on the gallery website and in preparation for the visit students were asked to choose some of the paintings that they wanted to look at when they visited. Some of their choices were shown, including paintings by John Piper, Margaret Barnard, Geoffrey Bagley, Edwrd Burra, Fred Cuming, ceramics by Wally Cole, and John Ryan’s Captain Pugwash illustrations.
As part of the introduction, artist and illustrator Polly Horner talked about her work and was on hand throughout the day to offer advice and share her experiences. The students were creating scenes for illustrations working outside and then went back into the gallery to add detail.
The students enjoyed the experience and Julian Day was pleased that it was such a success. “The opportunity for the students to use the gallery exclusively and be advised by an artist is unique. We hope to continue this special relationship and build on this practice.”
Image Credits: Rye Art Gallery .