Sharon’s ‘Sam Morris
Cow’ day
Being a pupil for a change is such a treat. As a birthday
present to myself, I spent a day with Sam Morris, in
Tewkesbury. Although the class price was £85, spaces
filled quickly and I was lucky to get in.
Actually, it was good value, as the price included the
canvas, paint and all the equipment.
I arrived the day before and stayed in the Wetherspoons
hotel, which was only a two minute walk from the
workshop, above the Ell hairdressing salon. There was a
massive cow painting in the salon behind the till.
When I arrived at the studio I found 19 easels, and not a
chair in sight. This was a bit of a shock and I wondered
how on earth I would manage standing for seven hours! Sam had us all gather round and
explained how she would demonstrate each step, assured us nobody would be left behind, even
those who had not painted since their school days. We each had a couple of flat brushes, a
small round and a 2” brush that you might use to paint a door. This was for the background and
although it was much more wieldy than I was used to, it worked surprisingly well.
Sam demonstrated each step, and then went round the room, helping each person offering
advice, hints and suggestions. It was such fun seeing the funny cows taking shape! Some were
cartoony Friesians and some, like mine were highlanders. It helped to have experience of using
brush strokes and I found it quite easy, but also mad and great fun - a really enjoyable day.
With the benefit of hindsight, I should have waited a few months until the evenings were lighter
for the long journey driving home. Driving 112 miles after all that standing and feeling quite
exhausted was not for the faint hearted. (or stayed another night at Wetherspoons! - Ed)