I have contacted the four groups nearest me. Two haven't bothered to respond, one told me that there is perhaps only one vacancy a year and they exist more or less to exhibit twice a year. They have invited me to their next exhibition and although this is very impressive it is not what I thought it would be. The third group told me that they only exist to take advantage of the insurance benefits they get from SAA and they don't want any more members. In any event, I appeared to be too young (I am in my mid-fifties!) for them. I am a bit disappointed to be honest. I was hoping to find a group of people who would go out sketching at weekends and/or visit exhibitions. However, being positive I might look at starting a group myself. Has anyone else had similar problems? R.libson@ucl.ac.uk

Hi, I have contacted a local group (in the North East) and they were very nice and welcoming. However, I saw some of the peoples work and thought that what I saw was far above my competency so am hesitating joining. I hope you have been able to get something sorted. Have you thought about going to an introductory type course at some night school to meet people who may be interested in starting a group? Yours, Ellen

Hello Rochelle! I hope that by now you are part of a group, and that it was worth the wait! I'm a new RSC for Wigan / Warrington / St Helens and surrounding areas and I'm looking to set up new groups in the area, though I don't know which part of the country you are.
Best wishes and a very Happy New Year!

Steve Williams

I am a beginner and would like to join a group, in live near Ely, cambs and Newmarket in suffolk, is anyone got any details

lizzie

Im just starting a group rochelle, but where do you live, you dont say, we're inbetween ely and newmarket, the 1st meeting is on 19th march 1.30pm - 4.30,

please contact me on lizzie4458@gmail.com if your interested or if anyone is interested

lizzie

Hello Rochelle, I trust the responses so far have not put you off completely. I assume from your email address that you are in London, and you should be able to find a group you can join there.! You may already have done so, but if not I suggest you have a word with your local library, they usually have details of all local groups in the area. My local one (ELY) has details of at least three, and we should get lizzie's new one added as well! If you search this site you should be able to find details of the local "organiser" for your area or if you still have your January 2011 copy of Paint, it had a directory of SAA Teaching professionals,listed by County.
Hope you find something near you. Meanwhile, keep sketching.

Having read the comments here, I find it very sad that some art groups can not be bothered to even acknowledge an approach from a prospective new member. I am secretary of the "Elmet Art Society", which is a very friendly and sociable group of painters who always make prospective members feel very welcome when they come to visit prior to committing to membership. Keep looking R.Libson, I am sure you will find a group to join.
Ellen, in respect of your apprehension about joining a group whose work you feel is is more competent than yours, I say to you, join the group, they will (or should ) welcome you, and you will soon find that with their help, you will feel a lot more confident in your abilities.

Good luck to you both and happy painting.

Jim