Welcome to St Albans Art Society!

Our history can be traced for well over a century, and we are proud to contribute and play a role in the historical life of this cathedral city and district. We bring together people who share a deep interest in art, its history and its influence, but above all our mission is the encouragement of artistic development, whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced artist keen to advance your skills even further.

We hold workshops and life drawing sessions within a friendly atmosphere, as well as inviting professional artists to visit us and demonstrate their skills in all media. See our programme. We are proud to hold a renowned exhibition of the work of our members each summer, which we describe as our flagship event.

New and existing members are warmly welcomed!

Membership Renewals

Membership renewal for the 2024-2025 year is due 1 October. Please ensure your membership is renewed by completing the renewal form on the membership page and by paying your annual subscription. Now is a great time for new members to join.

Workshop: Painting in Oil with Brushes

Tutor: Jim Morgan

14 December

Members only. £35 without materials; £47 materials included, Booking and more information.

Next Life Drawings:

No booking required for Life Drawing. Members can just turn up. 

November 20, 19:30-21:30

November 27, 19:30-21:30

December 18, 19:30-21:30

Plein Aire Sessions

Dates are subject to weather. Plein Aire sessions are free. You do not need to be a member to participate. 

Next dates: 

1 February (indoor venue tbc)

3 March (indoor venue tbc)

1 April, Verulamium Park

Digital Art - Drawing with your iPad / Tablet 

This evening will provide opportunity to try out using your tablet for digital art. Please bring along your tablet/ipad (or iPhone) with the ArtRage app (£4.99) already loaded. Either bring an Apple Pencil, a suitable stylus paired to your device, or your finger for this demo and practical session.

December 4, 19:30 - 21:30
Marshalswick Community Centre

Free for members. Non-members welcome £5.  

Jim Morgan will cover:

  • The types of hardware you need to use - phone, tablet, stylus, finger. 
  • The multitude of apps that are available 
  • How to understand and set up your canvas size using pixels per inch PPI 
  • The options of canvas/paper surface texture and colour 
  • Using layers including reference and tracing layers 
  • Using layers for colour applications 
  • A discussion of the various painting tools 
  • How to adjust the settings on the tools to achieve the effect you might want 
  • Getting Started and get painting 
  • How to output the results of your digital work into a physical form. 

NOW FULLY BOOKED:

Demo and Workshop: Street Scene in Acrylics 

Tutor: Hashim Akib

2 October: Demo. Members free; members' guests welcome at £5. 

16 November: Workshop. Members only £35, click here for more information.

We will paint a cafe scene with Hashim's approach to acrylics.

NOW FULLY BOOKED:

Follow on Workshop: Lino Printing

Tutor: Ann Marie Whitton

5 December

Members only £25, More information.