Seeing a Scene Differently at Saltburn Arts Club 14.7.26

It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to the very first Saltburn Art Club session.

We began by sketching one of Saltburn's most recognisable views. Rather than working from a dramatic photograph, we deliberately chose quite a dull, ordinary reference image. This encouraged everyone to think beyond simply copying what they could see and instead ask, "How could I make this more interesting?"

Together we explored what to focus on, what to leave out, and how small changes to the composition could create a much stronger image. It was a great reminder that an artist doesn't have to reproduce a scene exactly as it appears. We have the freedom to simplify, exaggerate, and use artistic licence to tell the story we want the drawing to tell.

The variety of work at the end of the session was fantastic. Although everyone started with the same reference image, each sketch had its own character and personality, reflecting the individual choices made along the way.

I'm already looking forward to next week's session and seeing everyone's confidence continue to grow as we explore another new technique together.