The Summer Social held on 21st July was a great success with around 50 members and friends. Apart from the scrumptious Devon cream tea there was an art quiz, a portfolio of Botanical Art, an Appalachian dulcimer, the picture voted as the people's favourite at the Axe Vale Festival and a poster competition.

For those unfortunate enough to miss it, all this requires further explanation!

Sue Linton organized the art quiz for us. We worked in tables and had to study 31 prints of famous works and decide who the artist was, what nationality, the title of the work and the century in which the artist lived. The scores were pretty good on average but no other team came anywhere close to the winners - those on Roy and Dorette Biggs' table - who scored a massive 96 out of a possible 124.

Sue had another treat for us when she talked about the diploma work she had recently completed for the Society of Botanical Artists. Sue described the structure of the distance learning course, talking through each page of the assignments. She left the portfolio out for everyone to browse and all were amazed at the painstaking detail and beauty of her work. Nobody was surprised to learn that Sue had gained a distinction; this qualifies her to progress towards Associate Membership of the Society - a course she is now pursuing.

Following the Axe Vale Festival many members have been asking which picture won the vote for the people's favourite. This was our chance to see the picture. John Parsons, the worthy winner, had kindly brought along his watercolour - Landscape II - shown above. An image of the painting will now be sent to Leisure Painter - a national magazine - and we hope they will print it on their club page.

Our next treat came from Keith Barnes who had recently returned from America where he spent a week attending a course to learn about, and make, an Appalachian dulcimer. Keith had brought with him the dulcimer and another instument he had made himself - an autoharp. He described the woods used for these instruments, how they are formed - and why the particular methods are chosen - and something of the history. He then played both instruments and we were able to appreciate the beautiful tone. Since the course Keith had been learning a few tunes and he finished his presentation by accompanying himself whilst singing.

Finally, there was the poster competition. Those present were asked to vote for the best entry but, unfortunately, the outcome proved inconclusive as there were only three entries and the votes were very, very close.

As is the Society's custom, there will be no meeting in August (though there is an untutored paint out day - contact Rita for more details). Our next demonstration, in September, will be David James on Townscapes in Line and Wash.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!