Talented members of Alresford, Alton and Fleet Art Societies will be taking part in a novel new event on The Watercress Line this weekend called ‘Art On The Line’.
On Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July, over 30 artists will be setting up their easels or sitting with their drawing books at Medstead & Four Marks, Ropley, Alresford and Alton stations to sketch and paint in various media. Visitors to the heritage Watercress Line can enjoy a trip on the railway where at each station they will find artists at work capturing subjects of interest. From local landscapes to train related subjects, come and admire their work or chat to the artists as they loving capture inspiring local scenes. Some artists will be selling their work or will be happy to discuss commissions.
Among the artists taking part on the Saturday is Rick Holmes who is already well-known as a member of the acclaimed Wapping Group. He is a painter with Alton Art Society and will be found in the Workshop at Ropley Station. In 2022, he won the prestigious Boden Prize at the Chelsea Art Society for a “picture of exceptional quality”.
The event runs from 10am – 4pm both days. For a complete list of participants please see our website. The Watercress Line will be running trains through the day and refreshments will be available.
Watercress Line Interim CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “We are delighted to be working with some of our local art societies as they capture scenes around our heritage railway line. We very much hope the Art On The Line event will grow each year to become an annual event in the local calendar. Hopefully it might also encourage others to get out their pencils, pastels or paints to depict some of our beautiful Hampshire scenery and sights that can be found around the railway”.
For more information and to book tickets, visit https://watercressline.co.uk/art-on-the-line/
NB In the event of bad weather, there will be no cover, so artists may not be able to attend or may swap days. Please check with our Information Office if travelling especially.