In recent times, I was pleased to be invited to deliver one of my art talks to the Portsmouth Urban Sketchers group.
I really enjoy giving these talks, as they give me the opportunity to share a few painting tips with those who are already painting and drawing—and, hopefully, to inspire a few new converts to the world of painting.
The Talk in Portsmouth
On the morning of the event, around 40 attendees gathered at the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. Once everyone had settled in, we got started.
I began the one-hour talk by outlining my life as an artist, delving into my background and my approach to planning my work, including my influences.
I like to encourage audience participation, and as there were many urban sketchers in the group, I fielded several questions throughout regarding ideas and techniques.
In the second part, I explored an affordable, portable painting kit that attendees could purchase themselves. I like the idea of a small art kit being about the size of a paperback book.
Finally, we finished with a free raffle for an original watercolour painting of Primrose Cottage at Eastney Locks.
It was a most enjoyable hour, with great enthusiasm from all the attendees. From my perspective, I hope I encouraged one or two people to step away from their phones for a while and take up this most rewarding pastime.
Would you like a talk?
If you would like me to deliver a public speaking session for you or your organisation, please do get in touch.
Testimonial
‘We had the pleasure to welcome Liam O’Farrell for a lively and inspiring talk to our Urban Sketchers Portsmouth members at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. It was a pleasure to hear about his journey, experience, and work.
What I will personally remember is that you need to practice a lot and make errors on the way to success.
Many of us were inspired by the fact that he encouraged us to regularly paint on postcards! The icing on the cake was the raffle for a free original artwork to one of our lucky participants. Thank you, Liam, for your time and amusing anecdotes!’
Mathilde Chanvin
Art Engagement Officer
Culture, Leisure & Regulatory Services
Portsmouth Museum & Art Gallery
