After a week of diverse art programmes on BBC4, More 4 and Channel 4, we see a new type of art programme start tomorrow (Monday 23rd November).

BBC2 broadcasts at 9pm Saatchi’s School of Art – “the BBC and Charles Saatchi launch a nationwide search to discover the next generation of artistic talent.”

According to the BBC’s press office, http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/01_january/25/saatchi.shtml, “Following a selection process, just six people will be selected to attend an Art School established uniquely for them where they will develop their work under the tutelage of some of the most innovative names in the art world today.”

This reality TV show for the cultured set will be a four-part series and “is part of The Modern Beauty Season, a range of programmes coming to BBC Two and BBC Four which look at the concept of beauty in modern art.”

The Forecourt Art Group’s annual winter exhibition continues at the Peterculter Heritage Hall.

The exhibition will remain open  each Saturday and Sunday 12- 4pm (with teas and home baking served from 2pm) until closing on Sunday 29th November.

This exhibition  features the broadest range of artists for some time, with 24 exhibitors displaying 72 new works in a variety of media. There will also be a range of unframed works, photographs, prints  and cards.

All works are available for purchase and immediate collection.

Paintings of Aberdeen produced by George Mackie in the 1970s, recently donated to the Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

This exhibition is on at Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Ship Row Aberdeen until 10th October 2009.

Olga Ferguson, Assistant Keeper (Fine Art) gives a half-hour talk at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Wednesday 9th September 2009 at 12.30pm.

See Aberdeen City Council’s website for more details.

An Art Exhibition by William and Anita Inverarity

Kelly’s Cafe- North Deeside Road- Peterculter
During the month of October 2009

Local Artists and members of the Forecourt Art Group, William and Anita Inverarity, will be displaying around 30 new pieces of work at Kelly’s Cafe and Gallery (the ideal place to meet with friends for coffee and chat). All works are for sale and 10%  commission goes to local charities.

William (Father) and Anita (Daughter) both  have sharply contrasting styles. William paints in thick, vibrant oils and acrylics with subjects including Scottish Scenery and Flowers.

Anita favours intricate pen and ink illustrations with a lean towards fantasy and whimisal art.

Both artists will be on hand on Saturday 3rd October between 12 and 2pm to discuss their work with visitors.

All welcome.

A new site to me, Vr2l Art Student, is offering art lessons online for £2.50 each.

They also offer free tasters on various topics whcih range from the use of extenders in Acylics, in order to slow the drying process, to the choice of pastel papers. The lessons were well-filmed and as good as many as I’ve seen on DVD. Thee are two artists involved, by the look of it, but the lessons I looked at were all by the same woman, Dee Cowell.

When I looked back tonight the server had exceeded its bandwidth capacity which might indicate that they’re an victim of the success of their launch. They were being promoted by Jacksons’ Art in their latest e-newsletter.

In it, they said, “Dee’s site offers entry level lessons in Drawing, Watercolour, Acrylics, Pastels, and Oils, lessons for kids and on specific subject themes. There are currently 60 lessons with new lessons constantly being added. Dee will also be introducing other famous artists to work alongside her. You will find video-download lessons, free lessons, special offers, notes and a gallery.”

Give them a try when they’re back up and running!