Angmering exhibition draws a crowd

From the first tentative pencil strokes, through the metamorphosis into finely-drawn portraits and still life, teacher Margaret Appa's 13 pupils have developed an artist's eye and made remarkable progress few would have expected after their first nervous lessons almost two years ago.

One wrote in those early stages: "I'm really worried now. I can't put what I'm seeing down on paper. . . This is rubbish. A six-year-old would do better."

Visitors to the exhibition, at St Margaret's Church, can also read anxious notes including: "Haven't got a clue", "Frightened that others will be better than mine" and "frustrating".

The only person not making comments like that has been Margaret herself, running the two parallel "So You Think You Can't Draw" courses at Mill House Studio, Angmering.

Through her encouragement, guidance and challenging, all 13 developed their talent for drawing '” "I can see a step-up from first efforts," one student observed as Margaret's message that they needed to learn to see for drawing began to sink in.

Each student's progress can be traced from their early attempts and self-criticism to the impressive pictures further into the course.

"What always impresses me is the courage to keep going and sometimes overcome quite substantial fear. For some, at every session it might take them half an hour before they could make a mark or a line. Confidence plays such a big part in it," said Margaret.

Marge Hance, one of the 13, was told she was a failure at art at school, half a century ago. She said: "Margaret has given us such joy.

She constantly encourages us, never compares one student with another, but always with what we have achieved ourselves."

The exhibition continues today (Thursday, July 23) from 10am-4pm and 6-8pm, and from 10am-4pm tomorrow.

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