Surrey Artists’ Open Studios

I sadly only made it to a handful of the Surrey Artists’ Open Studios this year, but fortunately I chose well.

Our first stop was Maureen Ford of Priory Road, Reigate. We were welcomed with a cascade of beautiful roses across the main entrance and a cute mosaic on the drive way, a hint of the art bounty awaiting us! Inside was filled to the brim with a large selection of pieces, mostly local subject matter, all recorded in either pastels, lino prints, watercolours, dry points, the list is endless! It is not often I come across an artist that can produce a large selection of successful pieces in such a broad range of mediums! I think my favourite, was a lino print of the South Downs, hopefully one day it might come home with me!

We moved onto David & Will Johns of Park Lane, Reigate. A father and son art duo, who have probably one of the most idyllically placed studios I have ever seen! David uses mostly watercolour and acrylics. I was especially intrigued how he managed to make the watercolour so controlled. Most viewers would expect a watercolour to look quite fluid (hence the name) but David’s pieces had quite a graphic quality to them and, as he also pointed out, a controlled composition. Being a graphic designer myself, I could really appreciate his technique.

Will’s bold work has a real fun streak and a confidence that I think could work so well as album cover artwork! I was especially drawn to a portrait that looked a little like Amy Winehouse (apparently a lot of visitors had commented the same!).

In all honesty, I could have gladly given a home to a piece from every artist we met today. So if you get a chance to visit the Surrey Artists’ Open Studios next year don’t hesitate, as you wont be disappointed!

Life Drawing Classes in Reigate, Surrey

Maureen runs a life drawing class in Reigate every Monday evening between 7pm-9pm, on a pay as you go basis at £7 per session. (It is run as non for profit.) She says “We use professional models. No teaching takes place, but we all support each other. We are breaking up for the summer and the last session is on July 11th and we start up again in September.” Please contact Maureen for further details: [email protected]