Bohemia Village Voice

Christine Swarbrigg

“Six Naked Ladies” is the title of an art exhibition of life studies and portraits by six local women: Jo Biggs, Jean Brown, Louise Elcoate, Alma Hobbs, Arnelda John and Christine Swarbrigg. The exhibition ran at Empress Art in Tower Road, Bohemia, from Saturday 7 June to 28 June. Christine says “The group came together quite naturally about 18 months ago with a common interest in drawing, at the suggestion of Arnelda who knew that Ulla could model for us, and that we had a suitable place to meet. The other thing we had in common was that we were all at a stage of transition due to loss, illness or a change of circumstances. So there is an emotional bond as well as rising to the challenge that drawing regularly brings, especially the human body.
“The friendship of the group is very important to me, and we have a bite to eat and some wine during the sessions; the subsequent drawings are usually bolder for some reason …” On the models, she says “We are very lucky in Ulla and more recently Kerry as our models as they are very co-operative  and keep very still as well as being beautiful. Ulla has wonderful skin and legs. Kerry has a great bum and glorious hair. I find Lotte the easiest to draw.” All the artists have submitted a self portrait.
The works: Louise Elcoate: pencil drawings and a lino print. Alma Hobbs: 5 acrylics, 9 drawings and a lino print. Arnelda John: 20 pencil drawings, some framed, some mounted. Christine Swarbrigg: 12 pencil drawings. incl a self-portrait. Jo Biggs: 6 framed monotypes including 4 nudes and a self portrait, none of which are for sale. Jean Brown: framed pencil drawings and a framed watercolour titled Indian Gentleman at £100.

Arnelda John

Jo Biggs: Nude on Sofa

Alma Hobbs: Moroccan Nights on sale at 95