FOUR talented Colchester Art Society members have had their work displayed in front of royalty at a prestigious exhibition.
Debbie Ayles, Rebecca Guyver, Sylvia Paul, and Nicola Stratton Tyler are members of the Colchester Art Society (CAS) and were selected to display paintings at the prestigious Society of Women Artists' 163rd annual open exhibition.
The group previously spoke to The Gazette about their excitement of heading to London for the exhibition which champions work by female artists.
It took place from June 25 to June 29 and was opened by Princess Michael of Kent, a patron of the Society of Women Artists.
Debbie, in her 60s, of Colchester, Sylvia, 67, of Dovercourt, and Rebecca, of Suffolk, all attended the opening.
Nicola, 50, of Halstead, had a pre-arranged holiday and was “disappointed” that she couldn’t attend.
Seeing royalty in person was an exciting moment for the artists.
Rebecca said: “Princess Michael of Kent has been the patron for many years.
“The society is delighted by her support.
“One year she was unable to attend, due to ill health, and her husband gave a talk and handed out the prizes.”
The artists arrived at the Mall Gallery, in London, where the exhibition was taking place just after 10am and located their works, across three different rooms.
It was a successful exhibition as Nicola sold three paintings, and the group got to mingle with other artists they admired and take in the positive atmosphere.
Rebecca said: “They are a great chance to meet people whose work I admire, to discover work I haven’t seen before and to recognise work by people I have met on social media as well as to find fellow artist friends who I know from other exhibitions.
“This time I met two people whose work I love and I follow on Instagram for the first time.
“I think the Society of Women Artists annual exhibition is always a beautiful show and this year was as great as ever.
“I found the president’s speech inspiring and it’s always fun to see who wins the prizes.”
Sylvia said: “It was a very hot day, I was pleased to arrive early and view the exhibition before the crowds arrived.
“I located my painting and enjoyed seeing the variety of art on display.”
Debbie said: “The exhibition was buzzing with people catching up with each other, new introductions and networking and studying the work on show.
“Although I have been selected to show in the Mall Galleries many times with other art societies and competitions, this is my first time with Society of Women Artists, so it was a very good experience.”
Moving forward Debbie has a painting called the 3560 Down the Line being displayed at The Minories Summer Exhibition, and will be in Frinton for a solo exhibition at Oasis.
Sylivia will appear at some exhibitions in Bristol at the Lime Tree Gallery and in Chelsea’s Signet Contemporary Art, she will also be displaying at artwork at the Minories Summer Exhibition.
Rebecca will be displaying work with ArtCan in London from June 3 to 14 and in August will be at the Pond Gallery in Snape from August 15 to 21.
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