Members of the Cowbridge Art Society were able to meet again in person this week after almost three months apart due to Covid restrictions.

The group met at the Duke of Wellington pub on Cowbridge High Street on February 7, the first time since the end of November 2021, and watched a demonstration by artist, Mark Warner, to jump-start the Monday evening meetings.

Andy Lloyd, programme coordinator at Cowbridge Art Society, organises the termly programmes: "We meet for ten meetings each term and 30 meetings a year. But because of Covid restrictions, it's been very stop and start," said Andy.

There are an estimated 70 members of the Cowbridge Art Society and abilities range from beginners to semi-professional artists. "There is no level of artistry needed to join," said Andy. "Most of our meetings are demonstrations, so we mainly get together to watch demonstrators paint."

An annual subscription of £45 for a year is the society's main source of income and pays for all the guest demonstrators. "We have had demonstrators from as far as Pembrokeshire, Bristol, Abergavenny and Shropshire," said Andy.

"We invite very different and very good artists who use a variety of mediums, from watercolour to acrylic, oils, mixed media. Quite rightly, they have to be paid and we pay for their travel expenses."

One-off visitors can attend a meeting for a £5 fee. The society is also keen to attract a younger demographic. "We would love to see younger people join," said Andy. "There is a discount student membership at £10 a year and, as part of the membership, you can exhibit your work with the society."

For the society's meeting on February 14, Nick John Rees will be painting a rocky coastal scene with acrylics. Andrew Coslett will be painting an ancient Welsh woodland with watercolours at the February 21 meeting and Theo Crutchley-Mack will demonstrate how to use veneers and oil paints on hardboards on February 28.

The current term runs up until April 4, the same day as the society's annual calendar competition.

Find out more about the Cowbridge Art Society via their Facebook page.