On Wednesday I hopped over to the Nene Valley Railway at Wansford, north of Peterborough, for the latest Fenland Visual Arts Collective art day. We often arrange these events for members to come along and get together to draw, paint, photograph etc. We have a forthcoming railway/train travel exhibition at March Railway Station as part of the celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the opening of the platforms there, hence the visit to NVR.
The good thing about these events is that they usually take me out of my artistic comfort zone. Usually I'm found in my studio tinkering about with bits of rusty metal and I can hardly take a bootful of that about with me! ;oD So, I use these occasions as an opportunity for me to draw.
There was certainly plenty to choose from in the drawing stakes! There were, of course, plenty of engines and carriages in various states of repair and the trains were in steam too. There's all manner of interesting paraphernalia on the platforms and round about as well.
The station buildings themselves are of the beautiful honey coloured stone so common in the area and there are some gorgeous doors with fabulous peeling paint if that floats your boat ~ it works for me!! ;o)
There are some lovely quirky objects to draw but I chose to have a stab at the section between two old Royal Mail carriages. The line from Peterborough to Rugby used to be a very important mail route in days gone by.
There was a little artistic licence involved with my drawing but I have to say I really enjoyed zoning out as I drew this, being in that head space where time and everything around you passes without notice. ;o) The last few weeks have been a little stressful (albeit very enjoyable too) as I raced towards the opening of the production I've been directing (Pack Up Your Troubles, a compilation of war times songs, dances and monologues) and this time spent focused on drawing was blissful for me. ;o)
We all need time out and I heartily agree with author of The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron, when she recommends "artist dates" and daily walks to fill the creative well. It most certainly hit the spot!
The folk at NVR were very welcoming to us and my friend, and chair of FenVAC,
Rob, even got to visit some of the sheds that the public don't have access to and got some great shots of a chappie welding, sparks flying everywhere. ;o) Although this art day was poorly attended by FenVAC members it was a personally fulfilling and successful outing for me. Roll on next time! ;o)
