‘Oil in Emotion’ Private View: A celebration of creativity and community
Friday night marked the Private View for ‘Oil in Emotion’, an exhibition featuring the work of my wonderful oil painting class, AKA the Sydenham Road Artists. As their tutor, I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them. It takes courage to share your work publicly, and for some, this was their very first exhibition. Each artist, including myself, had at least two paintings on display, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and creativity within the group.
The Private View itself was a wonderful evening- warm, lively, and full of energy. The event was attended by friends, family, and art lovers, uniting to celebrate and support each of the artists. It was fantastic to see so many meaningful conversations taking place around the room… people discussing the stories behind each piece, and the unique processes each artist brings to their work. The atmosphere was one of genuine admiration and connection, a true reflection of the passion and community spirit that defines this group.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of teaching this talented bunch since January at Surrey Adult Learning, when, could you believe, they introduced themselves as the “Beginners and Improvers” class! It was quite the surprise to discover, instead of a group of hesitant novices, a room full of confident artists already mid-way through large-scale canvases. What truly makes this group shine is not only the strength of their individual skills, but their teamwork and generosity of spirit. The studio is always buzzing with energy, as they move between easels to offer advice, share ideas, and draw inspiration from one another. It’s a joy to witness, and makes for an excellent atmosphere to paint in.
The Sydenham Road artists in our Wednesday morning sessions at SAL
‘Oil in Emotion’ brings together this sense of community and creativity. The exhibition features a beautiful variety of work- from landscapes and portraits to still lifes, abstracts, and more. Each piece reflects the unique perspective of its maker, and though the styles are diverse, the collection is united by quality, passion, and emotion.
A huge thank you to the brilliant team at Art & Grind, Guildford, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to host and curate the exhibition. If you’re in the area, please do pop in and see it, as the show runs until 3rd November.
It’s been an incredible journey watching these artists grow and shine, and this exhibition is a true testament to their dedication and love for painting.
