Study Event Review: OCA North July 2026

Jennifer Beresford
Jul 23
1 min read

A fabulous visit to London on a hot summer day with a small group of OCA students. We met up at the Royal Academy to view the summer exhibition of contemporary art from emerging and established artists.

Lots to see and many mediums used in surprising ways. The evacuation of the building after the fire alarm going off didn’t deter us from re-entering the show to enjoy more thought-provoking works.

A short bus ride (with great commentary from a student who lives in London) to Tate Britain for lunch and a time of discussion about our own work and the RA exhibition.

We then went to the Tate study room for our appointment to view some of Turner’s watercolour sketches and sketchbooks. An exciting opportunity to view the work closely along with the knowledgeable staff to answer our questions. We noted how fresh and vibrant the watercolours looked even though painted 200 years ago.

Some students needed to travel home but those who were left took the chance to see British artist Hurvin Anderson’s exhibition also on show at Tate Britain.

Many large, colourful works depicting Caribbean/British family, life and memories.

A fantastic time together sharing ideas and viewing lots of wonderful artwork (and we don’t all live in the North!)

Many thanks to Gill and Linda for organising the day.

2 Comments

Emma Drye

Jul 31

well done Gill from OCA Drawing and Linda from OCA Painting - you are doing such good work for OCA North! I also am pretty sure I know who the student bus raconteur was!! It's a great idea to schedule a reseacrh trip to an archive as part of your student experience. It's usually free and a fantasic way to see the vast majority of collections that is rarely if ever displayed. A great trip. xx

Deborah Masters

Replying to

I couldn't possibly comment... But it was a great day, well orgainised - and proof that OCA group events are not necessarily restricted to their locality - I am not even on the North side of London. It is always fascinating to see someone's sketch books and think about their working process, and being able to see Turner's watercolours up close without glass between the two of you is something special (plus I will accept any opportunity to revisit the Summer Exhibition and the Hurvin Anderson one).