Visit to the Wallace Collection

A new Canadian Group of Seven (or should it be Eleven?) ladies went with pencil and eraser in hand to a drawing lesson at the fabulous Wallace Collection.

Under the very capable direction of art historian and artist Alex Hirtzel, along with some gentle guidance and encouragement, we were each asked to select a painting in the Long Gallery that we would like to draw. Alex suggested we look for something in the painting that moved us, or simply for an action or item within the painting that we would like to try to draw ('try' being the key word here).

Alex showed us a few shading and outlining tricks as we exchanged nervous glances. We were each given a drawing board, pencil (or graphite) and paper and proceeded to set up our stools near our chosen painting. Alex then instructed us to draw! For many of us, the last time we were told to draw was in the 8th grade, so much to the amazement of all, the task produced quite a few not unreasonable copies (excluding yours truly who will stick to paint-by-numbers!).

Alex was wonderful with her kind and encouraging words and tips as she wandered in and around the Group of Eleven sitting on our stools drawing. For me, time stood still as I concentrated on trying to draw a beautiful baby's face. It looked a bit "Picasso-ish " and Alex had nothing but praise for our efforts.

Before the lesson, Alex gave a brief talk of the history of the Wallace Collection and explained the background and symbolism in a few paintings. And we finished with a look at the absolutely beautiful Sevres porcelain collection.

After this exhausting morning of challenging our 'inner-artist', we enjoyed a light lunch in the Wallace Cafe and - like so many famous artists - relaxed with a glass of Absinthe. Not really....everyone had water. How Canadian!

Another tidbit. We learned about the CWC connection with the Wallace! During WW2, the country home of the very first President of the CWC was used to house some of the art work from the Wallace to protect it from the destructive forces of the war. How cool is that!

Submitted by Patty Bell