Artists celebrate in style

A MERRY atmosphere prevailed when Hélène Bruce-Webster’s art students celebrated the end of another productive and stimulating year at their annual Christmas get-together at The Bistro recently.

As usual, Hélène pulled out all stops to make this much-anticipated celebration, an enjoyable afternoon party, a special one. The venue, decorated in striking red, white and black, looked stunning and the party fare was delicious. Taking pride of place was the display of artwork done by the students during the year.

“I can’t believe how they have grown as artists during the last 12 months. I am most impressed by the high standard of the work they have produced,” said Hélène.

The professional artist gives art classes at her picturesque studio at her home in Trafalgar.

This year, one of the major themes for her students was the work of French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This interesting project inspired some lovely work. ‘In black and white’ was another project that stretched the students’ creativity and some of the monochromes featured in the display of work attracted many compliments.

While all the students received certificates and well-deserved praise, a few were singled out for a little special attention. Dennis Hammerschlag, the youngest of all the students, joined the group when he was nine years old and has been a creative and productive member for five years. He is going to boarding school next year but his fellow artists expect him to visit the studio when he is home.

Two students, Elizabeth Olsen and Monika Deaking, have continued to be productive members of the group in spite of their compromised health. Although they received praise from Hélène, it was their husbands, Hans Olsen and Roy Deakings, who earned her ‘Against all Odds’ awards this year. She thanked the recipients for all the loving support they gave their wives in their artistic endeavours.

Hélène also had a special pat on the back for octogenarian artist Yvonne Boshoff, her oldest student. Yvonne and her daughter, Brenda Vermaak, are both members of the art school.

Another praisworthy artist, Margot van Gaag, had made amazing progress during the year but was unfortunately unable to respond to Hélène’s kind words. This talented student was hoping to be back in South Africa in time for the party but her plane from Chili was delayed. Hélène has many part-time students who take her classes when they visit Trafalgar from all corners of the world and her studio really has an international flavour.

The artists will take a festive break but are looking forward to being back at their easels, learning new techniques, early in the new year.