We had a wonderful afternoon in the gardens in April, some members were sketching and some were painting.  It was perfect weather with lots of different areas to find subjects to draw, such as the bridge and lake, the cenotaph, huge variety of trees and plants, one even tried the Weary Dunlop statue.

The fortnightly sessions of 'A Taste of Art' are now well underway, with member numbers increasing all the time.  A waiting list is becoming a distinct possibility!  It is good to see members trying different mediums; to welcome new members working in charcoal, acrylic, watercolour and collage, and to see our 'regulars' from last year catching up with one another and renewing work in their preferred genre. 

​Carole Perry 

It was so enjoyable watching 'A Taste of Art'  members delivering and setting up their display, then chatting to members of the audience and other groups about their work, on the day of U3A Benalla's annual concert and display of work in November. 

The brief for the group's first exhibition... "Artwork can be framed or unframed and can include drawings and paintings in sketch books, either finished, 'working' drawings or ideas.  Something which reflects your joy of painting and perhaps marks a special place in your painting journey this year!"

​Mission accomplished! 

Well done, all!

"These pictures are my first and very basic attempts at painting.

​Even though I have no natural talent for drawing or painting, I decided to join U3A's 'A Taste of Art' group.  I thought water colours would be the easiest, now I'm not so sure.

There is so much for budding artists to learn - perspectives, shadows, mixing colours, backgrounds, brushes, and brushstrokes.  My 85 year old brain has trouble retaining the information, but I enjoy trying.  The best part is the advice offered by the other artists, the inclusiveness, and comradeship.

Thank you U3A, Carol Perry and Broken River Painters.

​Elizabeth Kearns"

​It was a delight to drop into a ‘A Taste of Art’ in early November to hear group members talking about their first display at the U3A’s annual concert and display of work on the 19th November.

Bev Lee

Two weeks ago, I arranged a trip to Corowa for the Broken River Painters to see the Bald Archy exhibition, inviting members from U3A’s A Taste of Art to join us.  Four came along, benefiting from the opportunity to discuss the different styles the artists use to get their message across, the mediums and the composition used. They agreed it was a very enjoyable experience.

We are continuing to plan towards the exhibition of member’s work alongside Patchwork & Craft at U3A Benalla's November concert and display of work.  As mentioned in last month's newsletter, "Artwork could be framed or unframed and could include drawings and paintings in sketch books, either finished, 'working' drawings or ideas.  Something which reflects members' joy of painting and perhaps marks a special place in their painting journey this year!"
​
Several members have already expressed interest; however, they still need some encouragement from me!  A couple of members are away with illness or travelling, but I’m hoping there is time to get more done by 19 November.

It's always uplifting to visit the Broken River Painters' studio when U3A Benalla's A Taste of Art class is in session. 

This month, convenor Carol Perry let group members know about the possibility of exhibiting work alongside the Patchwork & Craft group's display at November's end of year concert featuring the Recorder, Singing for Fun and Ukes4Fun groups. 

Artwork could be framed or unframed and could include drawings and paintings in sketch books, either finished, 'working' drawings or ideas.  Something which reflects members' joy of painting this year and perhaps marks a special place in their painting journey this year!

Carol will be following this invitation up with A Taste of Art group members at the next session - it was looking hopeful during my visit, and if not this year, there's always next year! 

Bev Lee

A 'Taste of Art' commences second semester with sessions on Wednesday afternoons the 9th and 23rd July. 

​Perhaps you put your name down earlier this year or in previous years but couldn't quite fit it in?  Or perhaps you'd like to call in to pbserve and talk to Broken River Painters artists Carol Perry, Leon Pappas and the other Broken River painters supporting and encouraging our members on the day. 

The Broken River Painters studio is in the airport precinct in BARC Hut #11, at the far end of the Migrant Camp huts.  1.30 to 4pm alternate Wednesday afternoons.  It's winter in the studio, so do rug up!  

Our first session on Wednesday 5 February was well attended, with three new members joining us. Five returned from last year, with one participant coming from Wangaratta again. Unfortunately, four couldn't come due to other engagements.

The three new people tried watercolour for the first time, painting clouds, learning to apply watercolour in washes, how much water to use and colour mixing.  They achieved some interesting results and were happy with what they had done.

Five members who were returning from last year continued on with their chosen medium either watercolour or acrylic.  They all like the relaxed atmosphere that our club provides.

Eight members attended our second session on Wednesday 19 February and are getting to know one another.

There is quite a lot of interaction on which subjects to try and in which medium to use. One member is using graphite to draw buildings while flowers seem to be a favourite with others. Landscape is also popular. It will be very interesting to see the results of their work in the next fortnight.

Four Broken River Painters club members were there to assist.  Thank you!


Carol Perry 

​Facilitators have expressed their admiration for the visible progress, noting the enjoyment and enthusiasm each artist has shown in the  studio. Whether working with oils, acrylics, or watercolours, the students are enthusiastically exploring new challenges. The Broken River Painters continue to foster a welcoming and collaborative environment, where assistance is never far away.

​Peter Thompson

Popped by a 'A Taste of Art' session in early May - a photo opportunity!

Bev Lee
​

Broken River Painters are delighted that U3A’s fortnightly ‘A Taste of Art’ class now has a core group of six members who are attending regularly and gaining or renewing skills in a medium of choice.  

Broken River Painters members Norah, Leon and Carol are available to provide mentoring support for U3A members, who are bringing along their own ‘props’ as inspiration, such as a small vase of flowers for a water colour still life; or their ideas for paintings which have meaning for them.

'A Taste of Art' members are invited to join Broken River Painters during the Benalla Heritage Festival activities for artists at Winton Wetlands.

​Carol Perry

​From Broken River Painters Community Newsletter #7, March 2024:

"The University of the 3rd Age (U3A) offers a gateway for lifelong learners to explore new
horizons, and recently, students were warmly welcomed by members of the Broken River Painters to embark on an artistic adventure.

Led by experienced artists Leon Pappas, Carol Perry, and Nora Waghorne, U3A members, were introduced and, in some cases reintroduced, to the world of art with enthusiasm and guidance.

At U3A, individuals in their third age—retirement or semi-retirement—find opportunities for
personal growth and social engagement.

The collaboration between U3A and the Benalla Broken River Painters signifies the power of community and intergenerational knowledge sharing. Through patient mentorship and hands-on experience, students not only learn techniques but also cultivate a deeper
appreciation for artistic expression.

A warm welcome to, Merv Beamish, Asha Brady, Sonya Casey, Charlie Corser, John Crocker, Sue Doxey, Gary Edwards, Elizabeth Kearns, Irene Kerr, Trish Rogash, Carole Ruta, Barry Watt.

Peter Thompson"

​U3A Benalla's "A Taste of Art" sessions with Broken River Painters got off to a good start in February.  There were four new members, with one showing interest in working in acrylics, three interested in painting in watercolour, and all showing promise!  More news in the next newsletter.

Carol Perry

Bev Lee
​Program Committee

Broken River Painters member Leon Pappas, who works in acrylic and graphite, is offering mentoring in drawing and painting in November as part of the Taste of Art program. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays 1st 15th and 29th November from 1.30 - 4pm at the Broken River Painters Studio, Barc Hut 11, Airport Precinct. 

Any present or new U3A members, as well as people already enrolled in A Taste of Art, are welcome to attend.  All materials will be provided.  Please let me know on 5762 2373, Mobile 0438 111 057 or email  [email protected] if you would like to attend.

​Carole Perry

Broken River Painters member Leon Pappas is offering additional workshops in drawing and painting in October as part of the Taste of Art program. Leon is an experienced artist who works in acrylic and graphite. 

The workshops will be held on Wednesdays 4th and 18th October from 1.30 - 4pm at the Broken River Painters Studio, Barc Hut 11, Airport Precinct.  Any present or new U3A members are welcome to attend.  All materials will be provided. 

Please let me know on 5762 2373 or email [email protected] if you would like to attend.

​Carol

A new member of Broken River Painters, Leon Pappas, has offered to take two voluntary workshops for U3A members in drawing and painting in September.  Leon is an experienced artist of many years who works in acrylic and graphite. 
 
The workshops will be held on Wednesday 6th & 20th September and Wednesdays 4th and 18th October from 1.30 - 4pm at the Broken River Painters Studio, Barc Hut 11, Airport Precinct. 

Any present or new U3A members would be welcome to come along.  All materials will be provided. 
​
Please let me know on 5762 2373 or email email [email protected] if you would like to attend.

​Carol Perry

​In previous newsletters we’ve featured photos of Gary, who is continuing to work on paintings drawing upon childhood memories of treasured places in his life.  In May's newsletter we’re featuring photos of Asha, Marlies with mentor Josephine, Kim. 

​A Taste of Art meets fortnightly at the Broken River Painters Studio, Barc Hut 11, Airport precinct.  Convenor Carol Perry and mentors including Mike O’Connor welcome new members.

Here is the description from the original FB post by the Benalla Art Gallery - 

Carol Perry: Reflections of the North East...
Local painter Carol Perry’s Reflections of the North East features in the Gallery Shop throughout April. The exhibition of watercolour paintings focuses on Carol’s love of the local scenery and native birds. Carol finds beauty and inspiration in the north east Victorian landscape, with a particular interest in reflections on water.
Carol began painting in watercolour after taking a course at Preston Technical College in 1964. While studying and working in engineering, she refined her drawing skills by working on engineering plans of large machinery. Carol then went on to work for an industrial designer, followed by a gas manufacturing company, drawing three-dimensional illustrations of parts and appliances.
Currently practising at the Benalla Broken River Painters studio, Carol now has the opportunity to paint what she is passionate about. Her work has been included in art shows across north east Victoria, and featured in an exhibition of work by the Broken River Painters at Benalla Art Gallery in 2016.
Carol Perry
'Clouds' 2021
watercolour, 10 x 23 cm

 ‘A Taste of Art’ sessions are now underway at the Broken River Painters studio.  We will take a while to gather momentum, however the members who have joined in are enthusiastic and we’d like to encourage them to attend regularly.   Our new members range from those who loved art at school who now have time to devote to it to people with a continuing passion for painting and previous exhibition experience, who we hope will stay to inspire and encourage others in the group.  If you are a U3A member with previous involvement in art classes, studies, exhibiting, teaching, we’d love you to join us to paint with us and perhaps run a workshop or two in your area of interest.  A reminder of our next sessions - 8th and 22nd March from 1.30 to 4 pm. 
 
Carol Perry

"A visit to the Broken River Painters studio in the Barc Huts precinct this week found a number of artists absorbed in painting, including U3A member, Gary Edwards.  Gary loved art at school and is finding time, after a busy engineering career, to paint.  He’s come up with an interesting concept for his first series of paintings, “family homes from my early life”.  Using old photographs for inspiration, Gary is being mentored by Broken River Painters Mike O’Connor and Carol Perry.  What a wonderful way to reminisce!"