Artistic networking has paid dividends for four Hertfordshire women as they prepare to hang Women Aloud their first joint exhibition at The Radlett Centre this month. Oxhey artist Carol Rogers, painter Edna Eckett from Leverstock Green, Pinner sculptor and graphic designer Joy Taman and mixed media artist Janet Hooper from St Albans have been hosting skill sharing sessions in each other’s homes over the past two years.

“We meet every two weeks or so to give semi-professional feedback into each other’s work,” says Joy. “Working on your own you can lose sight of what you’re doing. We support each other all the time and our styles are very different so you get an objective view. It’s difficult to crit your own work, so it’s valuable to have someone tell you the truth about what you’re doing.”

Joy tells me she recently held a wire sculpture session at her home, where she also makes greetings cards and posters for her fellow artists.

“I have a huge network of artists who come to my kitchen. Carol and I are members of Chandos Art & Crafts Society, which meets at Bushey Museum and we belong to Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum, which gives the opportunity to meet lots of different artists.”

Joy tells me she and Carol have another exhibition predominantly of watercolours opening at The Cow Byre in Ruislip from Monday, April 5.

“I’m doing colour pencil work at the moment looking at animals in close-up. I do life and botanic drawing and I’m currently doing a life sculpture course at Harrow Arts Centre to keep my eye in from a 3D perspective.”

Edna says she first met Carol on a life drawing course at Harrow Arts Centre where all three continue to study.

“I’ve been trying to get my drawing up to scratch and I’m working on small paper collages at the moment,” says Edna. “Carol and Joy have been very supportive of my work. I didn’t feel like a proper artist as I haven’t had any training but they’re very encouraging of my work. Janet and I have been friends for the past 30-odd years, we’ve been giving each other mutual support since we were both divorced. All four of us look forward to our regular week at West End Farm in Wheathampsted where we can paint the old buildings and machinery outdoors.”

The women also enjoy painting in Carol’s cottage garden.

“I’m preparing for a workshop tomorrow in watercolours. If one of us has a skill we pass it on to others. I did a workshop on monoprinting recently. Most often we all meet at Joy’s as she’s the central point. Our group is all about supporting each other. Artists have their highs and lows and you definitely need that support.”

Women Aloud is showing at The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett until Friday, May 1 from 10am to 5pm, daily. Details: 01923 857546.