Monday night was the ROI annual paint evening at the Mall Galleries in London and I have to say it was a cracking event! It’s a very popular night and once again the place was packed out with artists who were there to paint along with many people who just love to come along, see the artists at work and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. There’s also the added bonus of being able to look at all the paintings in the annual show in a bit more detail.

Lots of ROI members were there and it was also good to see friends including Haidee-Jo Summers who I am delighted to report won the ‘Best painting’ prize! I enjoyed talking to familiar faces and those who I’d never met before. So many fine paintings, so many different styles…loose, detailed, zoomed, panoramic, expressive, bold, sensitive, subdued, colourful…great to see them all! There’s a real creative energy and buzz to the night. The 125th annual exhibition for the Royal Institute of Oil Painters runs until 1pm on Sunday 23rd at the Mall Galleries, London.
Yours truly with my loose study of Sophie who is 6 months pregnant and modelled flawlessly!
Sophie Edkins Blackett, study at 6 months pregnant‘, 12x16in, oil on board by David Pilgrim.
My painting above evolved in a sketchy manner but I liked the effect and decided to stick with it, resisting the temptation to fiddle too much and focusing on the overall harmony of shapes, tones and colours. I enjoyed the pose and it made a nice change from just painting the head and shoulders.
Two more good friends, Haidee-Jo Summers, painting her winning painting alongside Adebanji Alade (Prov ROI) who painted a lovely piece (wish I’d got a closer shot of it!)
Haidee-Jo, alongisde the model and her superb winning painting.
Graham Webber, prize winner from the main ROI show, with a very sensitive study of the surroundings
Natalia Avdeeva (Prov ROI) with her lovely interior piece that had some wonderful colours
My good pal Tim King with a his super study that capture the essence of ‘Lewis’
Lachlan Goudie (Prov ROI), merrily painting (note the empty wine glass on his easel!)
Tim Benson (ROI) producing a fine, energetic piece with luscious brushmarks!
My palette….with a complimentary mince pie to tuck into
As you can see, it was pretty packed with three models to choose from.
On the way I passed a primary school choir singing carols in Trafalgar Square and I managed to catch a verse on my camera. Very atmospheric!