​Inspiration from posters of the1930s was the basis of Richard Watkins’ talk and his portfolio of images from around the country was a reminder of the styles of those wonderful railway posters inviting passengers to travel around the country. 
From the advent of the lithographic printing process, used to brilliant effect by Toulouse Lautrec at the turn of the century and progressing through various refinements to the 1930s and 50s, the colours, style and subject matter became very distinctive. 

If you’d like to see more of Richard’s paintings, please go to www.watkinart.co.uk
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March 2019 Newsletter
 
Dear Art Club Members
 
This year is the 40th in the Club’s history and with membership at an all-time high, we really have something to celebrate along with the quality and diversity of our members’ work.
 
Following our recent AGM, I thought I’d take the opportunity to let you know some of the things that have been planned for the year and to say a few words about the future direction of the Club.
 
Firstly, and on behalf of members, I’d like to say a big thank you to the retiring members of our committee, Ralph, Paul and Trish. Each has made significant contributions to the running of the Club, helping everything to run smoothly and efficiently, sometimes sorting out time-consuming issues unseen to most of us, so that events, exhibitions and admin run as smoothly as they do. As you know, the committee is made up entirely of volunteers and their time is given freely and with enthusiasm so I’m sure their efforts are genuinely appreciated by all. I’m also delighted to welcome our more recently-joined Club members and hope you’ll enjoy everything the Club has to offer.
 
Secondly I’d like to thank the Club for having the confidence to appoint me as Chair and I shall do my best to keep the Club going in the direction that Ralph and the committee have steered in the last few years. With the help of Katie as Vice-Chair and Carol, our new Secretary joining the existing committee members I’m confident we have a team that will ensure a healthy, friendly and successful future.
 
As ever, we have a full programme of activities for everyone to join in, including our regular Spring Lunch and Annual Trip to see some interesting artworks. The portrait workshops that proved so popular last year are starting again this month and will continue on a monthly basis until the winter. We shall also be organising some special painting and drawing days on a variety of subjects – flowers, landscapes, pets and animals, buildings and so on. Interest in life drawing has emerged as a very popular subject and we shall be looking to extend these regular sessions later in the year.
 
Spring Lunch in the Peter Hall is always well attended and a chance for us to spend time socialising, particularly with some of our newer members who will no doubt be warmly welcomed to this and other regular activities over the year.
 
Jenny Delahaye has organised a really good variety of speakers and demonstrations for our monthly meetings so do check out the website for details to ensure you don’t miss something you might find of interest.
 
The main event of this year is of course our 40th Annual Exhibition and we’re expecting a record number of entries across a wide range of subjects. The standard seems to get better every year and we receive many compliments from visitors and local residents about how much they enjoy the show. So if you’ve not yet started on your submissions, now is the time to get the paints and brushes out to avoid last minute panics and produce work that is entirely to your satisfaction. And remember, we also have our one-day show on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th May so have your early entries ready to bring along in the morning.
 
As a member, it’s important that you feel able to have input to what the Club does and how it works. If you have suggestions for workshops, classes, exhibition trips or anything that would be of interest, please fell free to contact members of the committee. After all, the Club is keen to be successful and looking to the future it’s essential that we have as much input as possible for involvement in our programme of events.
 
Finally, a word about the BSAC website, www.budleighsaltertonartclub.org.uk

Do visit regularly to keep up to date with what’s going on. There are regular news updates, reports on classes and workshops, interesting articles and notices of art-related subjects around the area.
 
This year we have many things in the pipeline so let’s make it a successful 40th Ruby Anniversary and a year to enjoy.

Best wishes and happy painting.
 
John Washington
Chair