Welcome to the summer edition of the Guild of Silk Painters' website. We do hope you will enjoy browsing through the colourful world of silk painting, even better if you are motivated to try this relaxing activity for yourself. Local groups are always pleased to welcome beginners (see Contacts).

We are delighted to tell you that the next Silk Painting festival will be hosted by the Essex Branch, to celebrate their tenth year. It will be held on July 23rd and 24th 2011 at Wanstead House which is on the borders of Essex and London. All details will be available on this website and the Essex Silk Painters website as soon as they are finalised.

At the Guild's A.G.M. in April we were delighted to welcome new members onto the committee. Elitta Fell has taken over from Jackie Whiting as Editor of the journal. Diane Moore succeeds Eric Britten as Treasurer and Christine Travers Brookes is our publicity officer. We would also like to record our sincere thanks to our retiring committee members: Mary Day, Jackie Whiting, Eric Britten and Barbara Hill, who have given so generously of their time and energy in the service of the Guild.

Finally, now that the long summer days are here, perhaps you will by inspired by nature. I have some amazing giant poppies in my garden which I have already captured on my camera and hope to transfer to silk when I can. If you have any similar projects on the go we would love you to share them with us.

The log-in to the members only area is being removed because it wasn't working as intended, and following further discussion we decided to get rid of it and make it all open to the public again. However, Members - please fill in the questionnaire and let me know what changes you would like to see to this website.

We have new pictures in the galleries - it is lovely to see so much skill and variety in both new and "old" member - so have a look and please keep those pictures coming in!

Don't forget the Children's Gallery: if you work with children and have got them to do silk paintings then send in their pictures (if they would like to see them here)! Or if they silk paint at home then photograph their work and send it in to me at gallery@silkpainters-guild.co.uk

There is a Children's Silk Painting Competition (For more information click on the Events menu link).

New members and beginners: don't forget to check out the workshops and archived galleries for great tips and inspiration.

D'Art et de Soie

L'association "D'Art et de Soie" est une association internationale regroupant des peintres sur soie passionnés par leur Art. En visitant notre site vous pourrez admirer leurs créations, prendre contact avec eux, échanger des idées et développer vos connaissances. Soyez inventifs et partagez avec nous des moments créatifs !

Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in France at www.dartetdesoie.com

Habotai

We are a Belgian society for silk painters promoting painting on silk founded 15 years or so ago, as a meeting place for 'silk freaks' wanting to share their enthusiasm and experiences in order to master the several techniques to paint on silk. Members come from all over Flanders and The Netherlands. During the monthly meetings in Antwerp, Belgian and foreign artists are invited to demonstrate their special methods of painting on silk. An exhibition is organised every year, presenting the works of the members on or with silk.

Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in Belgium at www.habotai.be

Our Association was founded on May 10th, 1997, in the course of the first silk art congress in Bad Honnef. Our members are active artists from Germany and other countries, as well as companies and supporting members. The Association's goal is the advancement of art and culture on and with silk. It offers a forum for silk art as well as opportunities for education in this area. (See the Events page for news of our competition). Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in Germany at www.kunstvereinseide.de

Silk Painters International

SPIN is an international organization of silk artists, painters, practitioners and educators. Our aim is to bring together the silk artists who feel isolated and who can benefit from our organization, to receive our regular Silkworm Newsletter, and to participate in our SPIN festival held every two years. Visit the website of our silk painting colleagues in the United States of America at www.silkpainters.org