Ilford Art Society, Goodmayes, 15 October 2025
I’ve modelled for artists in a range of places over the years – museums and galleries, colleges and studios, community halls and shopping malls, clubs and pubs, even in a cemetery – but this was my first time inside a supermarket. Yet why not, when Tesco Extra in Goodmayes offers a Community Space free of charge to local groups?
Finding a suitable venue ideally at no or low cost is for many art groups their greatest challenge. The Tesco Extra Community Space utilised by Ilford Art Society is roomy, with tables and chairs and facilities for making tea, and most importantly is separated from the main shopping area by a windowless wall with its own private door.
Arguably the only downside is its ceiling lights being very bright and too even; fine for enabling artists to see what they’re doing, not so good for creating definition, shadow, tone and contrast on the model. Mind you I’ve known this to be just as much an issue in prestigious art venues that come at a far higher price than Tesco.
Unperturbed, when I sat for this, the first of three tutored portrait sessions with the art society, they gamely decided to focus on tone for their drawings. Actually I was a little crestfallen; I’d worn my most dazzlingly colourful top, only to find everybody would be using charcoals! Ah well, next time. It was a lovely introduction to the group.
Pose minutes, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Part 1 : 60.
— break —
Part 2 : 45 continuation.
Artworks
With apologies to artists I’m unable to credit.
steve ritter 