Demonstration at 'It's all about art' show, Manchester

I was one of nine professional associates invited along to demonstrate at the It’s All about art show in Manchester.

When I arrived full of nervous energy and anticipation of what the day had in store for me, I was greeted by Elizabeth Moore, who was responsible for this element of the event. Along with my fellow PA’s I settled myself in to our designated area of the show awaiting the opening of the event at 9.15.

There was a varied programme of demonstrations planned in the introducing section including watercolour, Atillier interactive acrylic and pastel.

My demonstration was scheduled for 11 am and would run for 30 minutes. Buoyed on by my fellow PA’s and kitted out with a headset microphone, with video camera trained on me I was ready for the off. Just one thing missing, I did not have any means of timing my demonstration; luckily Elizabeth was on hand to let me know when my time was up.

My demonstration was a variation on traditional line and wash, where the drawn ink elements were applied not with a pen but with a stick. The time went very quickly and before I knew it my piece was completed, I thought I had finished early and was surprised when Elizabeth told me I finished right on time. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it gave me a real buzz and I could have continued all day.

With my demonstration complete it was time for a breather and then back in to talking to visitors about their interests, giving them an insight into the techniques used in my demonstration and passing on the benefit of my experience, hopefully inspiring them to have a go.

It was good to get together with fellow PA’s and I gained an insight into the lives of other professional artists, each one of them experts in there field.

Later on in the afternoon I had the chance to look around the show and take in some of the many demonstrations and workshop being held at the event. There was an array of different mediums and techniques being demonstrated.

Browsing this festival of art activities made me realise what a wonderful opportunity this show was for people who’s hobby it is to paint and draw.

It provides an opportunity for them to participate, to soak up the vast pool of knowledge and experience on offer, survey the huge range of products on sale, they also had the opportunity to put faces to names of PA’s they have read about in SAA literature, and it is all under one roof.

You could not help but be inspired, enthused and encouraged not matter what your experience, beginner or seasoned professional; I know I was and I do it for a living.

I urge anyone who has not been to one of the shows to go along and experience the creative sparks flying at your nearest show.