DAS Saturday Plein Air Group ~ Saturday 22nd March 2025, HMS Vale Woodbridge

This Saturdays plein air meet-up saw a very good turnout of DAS members.

We gathered at 10 AM at HMS Vale, (@debencafebar )a beautifully converted navy ship café on the River Deben, at Melton, near Woodbridge, Suffolk. With sketchbooks, easels, and paints in hand, members spread out along the riverside, capturing the serene landscape in ink and wash, watercolours, acrylics, and oils.

The riverbanks were alive with the sound of wading birds, their calls echoing over the mudflats, adding to the atmosphere of the day. Each artist approached the scene in their own way, resulting in a diverse and inspiring range of works.

As the session wrapped up, we regrouped at HMS Vale to share our experiences, compare notes, and admire each other’s interpretations of the landscape. It was wonderful to see how differently everyone saw the same view.

Thankfully, the weather held, and we dodged the rain that arrived later. A fantastic day of painting, nature, and good company—looking forward to the next one!

By Billy Hamersley