Members were welcomed to the Parish Centre.

Dave started by showing some of his typical portraits - "Wrinklies" ....

... though he does occasionally paint younger people.

The first demonstration was painting a portrait from a sketch - this one was a tramp.

Using a cottonbud dipped in ink Dave started his outline sketch. He emphasised the need to practice drawing eyes, noses and mouths.

Next he used thin acrylic paint for the 'under-painting' ... entertaining his audience all the time with jokes and anecdotes.

As well as jokes - Dave shared helpful hints on using pastels for highlights to create a real character.

The next demonstration was a 'real-life' sketch. One of our new members was volunteered.

Dave always starts with the eyes, building the face around them.

It is difficult posing with Dave's continuing banter - and everyone around in stitches!

Nose and mouth were added and the face developed.

A few squirts of hairspay were used as the fixative,

then pastel for the highlights - and the portrait was finished.

Still there were more jokes and extra anecdotes to ensure we left with smiles on our faces!