The Odd Group owes its origins and its name to the English artist John Pelling, who in the 1980's began guiding an existing group of painters, based but not necessarily resident in Monaco, which eventually evolved into its present form.  Since then there have been a number of tutors, of different backgrounds and experience, but the general pattern of encouraging individual talents in a supportive group atmosphere has been maintained.  Each artist works in their own style and their preferred media, but the underlying philosophy is a strong belief in the discipline of drawing and observation from nature.  Most current members work figuratively, but are encouraged to develop individuality, while the group as a whole is steeped in the traditional development of western art.

The current Tutor is Nevele Tipper, a highly experienced artist who trained at the Royal College of Art.  He has been Lecturer at several colleges in Britain, and finally Senior Lecturer (Painting) at Grimsby College of Art.

The tradition of the Odd Group extends beyond the weekly studio practice.  In the summer, outings to paint in the neighbouring areas take the place of studio work, and from time to time there are group visits to museums and major exhibitions.  The social activities include occasional lunches after the morning working sessions, and in addition there is an annual painting weekend outside Monaco for the artists and their partners, all of which promotes a feeling of group unity and mutual support.  Additionally, the Group puts on exhibitions of their work roughly bi-annually.

The group encourages and urges all members to contribute to studio practice and the life of the group as regularly as possible.

Practical information

The Group meets in the Library of St Paul's Church, avenue de Grande Bretagne, Monaco on Tuesday mornings, from 9.15 to 12.30.