Adults

 

Trewinnard Sketchbook Club

 

What is Trewinnard Sketchbook Club?
Run by local artist Chris Insoll, The Trewinnard Sketchbook Club meets on the last Wednesday of every month (except December) at the Royal Cornwall Museum and aims to inspire participants of all abilities in their drawing skills.

Taking inspiration from the museum’s internationally important Old Masters drawing collection and using works of art that aren’t usually displayed to the public the club offers aspiring artists greater insight into the great art masters. Chris Insoll says, “As well as inviting people to widen their technical skills and knowledge, it is also a great opportunity to socialise in a friendly and informal environment”

What can I expect?
In a typical session members will spend the first half an hour or so looking at and discussing the Old Master chosen for that month.  Chris will lead a discussion on the history of the piece and encourage members to think about the techniques used – a mini history of art session focusing on some very special pieces.  The group then moves into the main gallery of the museum where they will draw selected pieces, with Chris on hand to offer support and encouragement.

Chris is very knowledgeable in terms of technique and practice, as well as art history generally, so the sessions are informative and fun. Despite his continued joke about "saying the same thing each month but in a different way", each session has been very worthwhile for me. I enjoy the fact that there is opportunity to talk around various subjects, and it's a treat to see some of the work not usually on view to the public.

There’s certainly no need to be nervous, the sessions are very informal, levels of drawing ability varied, and there is judgement or peer-review of the work done. And there's cake.
Adrian Cockcroft, Trewinnard Sketchbook Club Member

The club is held at the museum on the last Wednesday of each month (except December) from 10am-12.30pm and costs £20 per session. Tea, coffee and more importantly cake or biscuits are served and there is a relaxed and friendly feel to the group. Some members attend on a regular basis, others come when they can and there is a mix of abilities.

This really is a group accessible to everyone, whatever their level of expertise and apart from all that it is helping to raise funds for the museum. It is a friendly and supportive group and we are always pleased to see new faces.
Rosalind Evans, Trewinnard Sketchbook Club Member

From time to time work from Trewinnard sketchbook club is displayed around the museum – but we’ll always ask if you’re happy for your work to be used!

Is it for Me?
Joining something new can be a bit scary but Trewinnard Sketchbook Club really is friendly and informal.  We asked members why they joined and what they get from the group:

I joined because I'd enjoyed drawing when I was young but had not done any to speak of since.   I'd thought of joining classes before but lacked the confidence so when I was assured that  I only needed a sketch book, some pencils and a lot of enthusiasm it seemed right for me.

Chris is very encouraging and generous with his praise and although I know he'd like us to practice more he never makes us feel bad for not doing so!
Rosalind Evans

I joined Trewinnard for several reasons - at the time I wanted to brush up on rusty drawing skills, do something sociable and learn about techniques related to keeping a sketchbook which I had never done before. I was not in a position to do a formal class, but to be honest, I enjoy the informal structure of it anyway. I saw an article about the sketch club in the West Briton and it fitted the picture! When I read the article I also liked the concept behind it, which in a time of recession is helping to support an important community resource.

I enjoy the fact that there is always something new to learn regarding drawing and keeping a sketchbook; understanding and expanding knowledge of art history, both because of Chris Insoll's teaching input and the contents of the Museum. It's also an enjoyable sociable morning, being able to discuss  art with other members of the group.
Veronica Carey, Trewinnard Sketchbook Club Member

Draw, meet new people and help raise money for the Museum
Trewinnard Sketchbook Club also helps raise funds for the Royal Institution of Cornwall, “Over the past couple of years Chris has generously given his time to the museum, and his enthusiasm as a teacher and artist has helped make this club a real success story,” said Hilary Bracegirdle, Director of the Royal Cornwall Museum. “Some of the members have been with the group since it started and have clearly been inspired by the collection, developing their own drawing skills in the process. We are so grateful to Chris for giving his time and energy to us – contributions like his are invaluable.”

How do I Join?
For further information about the Trewinnard Sketchbook Club, call the museum on 01872 272205, email at enquiries@royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk or just turn up on the day (next meeting will be Wednesday 30th January).

Trewinnard Sketchbook Club meets on the last Wednesday of the month (except December) from 10am-12:30pm and costs £20 per session.  You should bring a sketchbook and some pencils.