Bodies of Work: Life Drawings from The Messing Group

It was the painter and sculptor Fredrick Franck who said “I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen.”

Small wonder then that so many artists find life drawing - sketching or painting from a live model - so compelling, for as many different reasons as there are artists.

The Messing Group - a collection of both professional and amateur local artists who meet weekly to practice - are sharing with the public, a curated collection of their work and insights at a small temporary exhibition at The Minories Central in Colchester, 10am - 4pm Saturday 21st November to Sunday 22nd November.

The exhibition is an opportunity for the artists to reflect on their own body of work and celebrate the emerging skills, styles and techniques across the group. It is also an opportunity for the public to gain an insight - through the lens of both artist and model - into the intentions, rationale and rewards for committing to the practice.

In a visual culture of endlessly scrolling images, life drawing asks us to slow down and truly see. By returning to this foundational tradition, The Messing Group reframes the human body not as an object of consumption but as a timeless study of light, shadow and geometry — an invitation to rediscover the quiet discipline and profound respect at the heart of drawing from life.

Entry is free, and all are welcome.