Artists capture body beautiful

A range of work produced by local artists during life drawing sessions is being exhibited at Southwell Artspace.

The pictures capturing the human figure have been hung in the Artspace gallery in Westgate. The two-week exhibition opened on Saturday.

The pictures were created by 12 amateur and semi-professional artists during evening sittings with male and female models posing naked. The artists used various materials including chalk and pastel, charcoal, inks and pencils.

The evening sessions were the first at the gallery but there are plans for more.

The gallery and studio manager, Miss Francis Ashton, said there was no tutor so people came to create their own artwork.

“It’s a social thing as well as an artistic thing,” she said.

“Having people from the community come in to do different activities brings life to the gallery.”

One of the artists whose work is on display, Mr Alan Prentice (33) of Leeway Road, Southwell, wanted to rediscover his artistic side.

“I knew I could churn out a picture or two,” he said. “It’s a way of switching off and relaxing.”

Mrs Heather Cartwright (64) of Westgate, a member of Southwell Artists, said the sessions had given her an awareness of the beauty of the body.

Ten life drawing evening sessions between the end of January and the end of April will cost £10 per session.

They are held on Thursday evenings. Places are limited and have to be booked.