The Art Exhibitionists Newsletter No 1 – 28th November 2025
The Art Exhibitionists
Newsletter No 1 – 28th November 2025
Today is National French Toast Day – and, perhaps even more fitting for our artistic souls (though we at The Art Exhibitionists do have a soft spot for French Toast), it’s also National Illustration Day!
A perfect excuse to celebrate Illustrators and Visual Artists everywhere. Fortunately, we have plenty of those in our midst – and frankly, we see no reason to limit our appreciation to just one day for either Illustrators or French Toast!
We have been working hard on our brand-new website, where you can browse our talented Visual Artists and Illustrators, and perhaps even treat yourself to an original piece! We haven’t yet spotted a French Toast–themed artwork on there, but we may just have a word with the wonderful @the_kitchen_corner_gallery, Artist extraordinaire, to see if she can whip up a visual feast in its honour.
NEWSFLASH: Black Friday Craft Box Deals!
Don’t miss out—our Black Friday Craft Box bonanza is here and they’re zipping off the shelves! We’ve pulled together an irresistible line-up, so dash over to our shop, pick the perfect Christmas present, or treat yourself, before they disappear. Fab, festive, and beautifully unique—once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Round Up
As many of you know, our Oxmoor Farm event at the end of August was a magical experience. You can relive a taste of that magic through our video recap, showcasing some of the highlights.
As always, our Exhibitions support a local Charity, and this time donations went to the Oxfordshire Kidney Unit Trust Fund Limited – an Charitable Organisation enhancing the quality of life and treatment for patients of the Oxford Kidney Unit.
This cause is close to our hearts, as one of our past Art Students and his family have benefited directly from their work.
Jack, now thriving as a Medical Student at Leicester, recently received a new kidney from his dad! His ambition is to one day help eliminate IgA nephropathy, the autoimmune disease he bravely continues to fight. With his determination, the support of Dr. Harden and the Oxford team, and excellent medical training, we’re certain he’ll go far.
Our donation of £1,109 will hopefully contribute to helping others find hope and healing. And, as if that weren’t enough, Jack happens to be a rather good artist too!
Click here to see Jack’s story.
Special Offer: Christmas Paint Parties
With our Life Drawing Masterclasses in full swing, we had a lightbulb moment – why not give your Christmas party a creative twist? If you’re ready to move on from the same-old restaurant dinner, imagine swapping it for an evening of painting, laughter, and mulled merriment.
We realise it’s a bit late to arrange one this year (so you may have to endure another “boozy dinner”), but next year is an entirely different story!
If that sounds like your kind of fun, email us at
info.at.exhibitionists@gmail.
to book your bespoke Paint Party. Just tell us a bit about your group – when you’d like to gather, how many of you there are, and what kind of art you want to create – and we’ll tailor the session to you. A few ideas will soon be featured on our website, but your experience will be fully bespoke.
And because we love to reward early birds, the first 5 groups to book will receive a 10% discount.
(And no – these parties aren’t just for Christmas! If you’re celebrating a birthday, reunion, or any excuse to paint the town red, we’ll sort out the brushes, paints, and inspiration.)
Stuff We Did
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Stewart spent so long staring at his computer that he started reading The Matrix. We now call him “Neo”.
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Lucy had a bath in Bath! Once dry, she visited several art shops – her favourite being the delightful Barton Gallery, run by Agnes Pollock.
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Stewy took a swing at a punchbag while balancing on one leg and holding a pint of beer.
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Liz swam a hedgehog in hydrotherapy as part of its weight control plan – next week, she’s performing dental cleaning on twenty more!
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Lou’s sourdough starter is now attempting to take over her kitchen entirely.
https://www.wildlifeonline.me.
Fun (but Utterly Pointless) Art Fact
In the 17th and 18th centuries, some artists used pigment made from actual Egyptian Mummies. The paint, known as “Mummy Brown,” was prized for its rich earthy tones — until artists discovered, quite literally, what they were working with. Needless to say, the fashion swiftly expired.
Image Credit:
Martin Drolling’s ‘Interior of a Kitchen’ 1815 (The Louvre, Paris) Oil on Canvas. It’s known for Drolling's use of ‘mummy brown’ to create warm, realistic shadows!
Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons
How to Talk Like a Seriously Arty Sort
Chiaroscuro – an Italian term meaning “light-dark”, describing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow to create depth and volume in art.
Now, knowing it is one thing – but using it properly is another. Next time you’re in a gallery, sidle up to a painting that’s surrounded by serious looking arty types and nonchalantly remark:
“Ah, you can really feel the artist’s mastery of chiaroscuro here — that subtle play of light and texture makes the canvas breathe.”
Instant artistic credibility guaranteed.
Image Credit:
Joseph Wright of Derby, “An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump,” 1768. Oil on canvas, The National Gallery, London. Public domain image via
TTFN - love the Art Exhibitionists Team