£350.00
Address:
Sonning Golf Club,
Duffield Road,
Sonning on Thames
Reading RG4 6GJ
Days of the week and times:
Thursday mornings from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Course starts: Summer / Autumn 2021
Course duration: 14 weeks
Back to the locations map
Please call Vivienne for enquiries about this class:
Phone: 0118 466 0344
Phone (mobile): 07729 772468
A truly beautiful and tranquil venue for our Reading classes, the conservatory has wonderful views across the terrace to the golf course. It is an atmospheric space with lots of wonderful natural daylight and superb facilities making this venue a joy to attend (plus there is also lots of free parking).
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Sarah is our partner in Exeter and runs classes in Ide and Topsham.
Sarah comes from a theatre background where she worked in production and as a producer. Sarah has a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the Open University.
Sarah has recently moved to Devon and is enjoying the outdoors lifestyle, she loves swimming in the sea (even in winter), camping, backpacking and scuba diving. Sarah also loves music and reading.
Volunteering at Act disaster Covid Response and Tall Ship Sail training with young people.
Sarah is friendly, sociable and loves meeting people and making friends.
Shelagh is a painter, printmaker and teacher. After years spent working in the world of publishing, she went back to university again, gaining a degree in Fine Art from the University of Reading, followed by a PGCE in Art Education. She has taught in schools and in adult education, and strongly believes that everyone can reap the rewards of exploring their creative potential. Shelagh exhibits regularly in group exhibitions and attends as many workshops as time allows – she loves learning new skills and finding different ways to be creative.
Visit www.shelaghcasebourne.com to see Shelagh’s work.
Jacquie has spent the last 20 years of her career in corporate logistics working for some of the industry leaders. Having always had a passion for art and regularly attending part-time courses she wanted to move out of the corporate environment to allow her creative side to flourish. Born in Scotland and moving to Sheffield for work before moving yet further south eventually settling in Hertfordshire she is thrilled to be doing something she is passionate about. Jacquie loves to read, paint, draw and cook, she restores furniture and lives with her beloved rescue cat Obi.
Natalija is our teacher in Romiley. She is currently studying for her Masters at the Manchester Metropolitan University where she also gained her BA Hons in Art and Illustration. A freelance illustrator and designer, Natalija has been teaching art for several years. She has a broad knowledge of a variety of art techniques and loves helping people explore art and expand their creativity. She runs a number of workshops and classes and has a love of animation. She is enthusiastic and a wonderful communicator and her enthusiasm in class is infectious.
Kathy is our ColourWheel Partner in Stockport. Kathy lives in Stockport with her partner and son. She has spent 10 years working for local charities involved in health and dementia, supporting and managing volunteers. Kathy is also a trained English teacher, and enjoys working with people to help them achieve their best. She loves being creative, cooking and being outdoors and travels around the country in her campervan whenever she can. She welcomes everyone to her friendly, supportive art classes.
Coming from a family of actors and singers, Jane originally trained at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London as a scenic artist going on to work in professional theatre for many years. After finding having small children and the theatre didn’t mix, she later studied Figurative Sculpture at Stafford Art College and went on to set up her own professional art studio based in Cheshire where she now creates both commissioned sculptures and paintings. Jane has taught art within schools and community settings for over twenty years and has been “artist in residence” in both the UK and Europe for both charities and corporations. She lives with her husband Steve in Bollington in the beautiful hills of the Peak District and has four grown up children. Her sculpture can be seen at www.janerobbinssculpture.co.uk
Rania lives in Didsbury since she came to England in 2006 and she is married with three children. Rania trained in design and art direction and studied for her Masters degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. Rania has since worked as graphic designer and also a teaching assistant. Rania loves art in all its forms, she loves to draw and graphic design is her passion. With three children she does not have much time for hobbies but when she does likes to swim, go the gym, read and travelling. Rania is delighted to be working with students to develop their skills and interest in art, it’s a passion she shares.
Sally is our Partner in Cheltenham. Sally’s background, before leaving to look after her growing boys was hospitality, she lived in Bahrain working with the airlines, followed by arranging and wedding planning; she has also spent time as a teaching assistant. Sally now looks after her family, she loves keeping active and spending time with her beloved chihauhuas, Saphire and LouLou. Sally loves design and has a special interest in art therapy, particularly in the area of mental health.
Chloe was born in Harrow and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She gained a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Brighton University and went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design at Roehampton University, Surrey. Chloe has worked in the Education Department at Tate Britain where she supported learning programmes for school students, teachers and adults. She enjoys drawing on location, visiting museums, craft centres and art galleries. Chloe also likes to take inspiration from travelling overseas. These adventures include three days trekking along an ancient oxen trail with women from the red Hmong in Sapa, Vietnam. Chloe left her teaching job at Camden School for Girls, after eleven years to relocate to Exeter. Here, she is combining teaching workshops and continuing with her own art practice.
Joanne is our ColourWheel Partner in Exeter, Devon. She spent most of her adult life living and working in Madrid, Spain. Whilst bringing up her two sons she continued her career in education as a primary school teacher ending up as a head teacher of a British school in Madrid. She recently returned to the UK with her husband, took some time out and signed up for ColourWheel classes in Windsor. She has recently moved to Exeter and ColourWheel presented an ideal opportunity for her. She enjoys all forms of art with music being one of her main passions. She enjoys living an outdoor lifestyle and is never happier than being at one with nature in Devon’s beautiful countryside.
Michael is our Partner in Durham, he will be hosting art classes in the City and surrounding areas. Michael grew up and has lived in the Durham area all his life, he is a husband and a father of two. He has spent a large part of his working life with the Royal Mail and is very much looking forward to a role where he works with people as they learn and grow their artistic skills. He is a natural people person and facilitator who will make sure the students have a wonderful class experience. Michael loves the surrounding area, he likes being outdoors and is a very keen sportsman, he loves running, cycling, fell-walking and is often accompanied by his faithful companion, a black lab named Dodge.
Ewa is an enthusiastic, warm and encouraging teacher and is extremely popular with our students. Ewa studied Applied Art at Hertfordshire University. She is a talented artist and sculptress and her work promotes British culture and history. Ewa works with English Heritage designing costume and scenery for events. Her work is exceptionally detailed and is shown around the UK. As well as teaching art Ewa is a talented horsewoman and teaches jousting along with other equine combat techniques.
Steve is our Partner for the Butlers Cross daytime and evening class, he has a wealth of experience managing the teams delivering a first class customer service experience in often difficult situations. The move to ColourWheel is a breath of fresh air for him and allows him to work with his passion for art. As well as art, Steve has many hobbies and interests and he has recently completed an Open University degree in Humanities. He is a father of two and is very involved in the local community, serving on several committees that serve the local youth groups.
Antoinette is a freelance artist, fine art restorer and visual arts tutor based in Surrey. She graduated from Wimbledon School of Art with a BA (hons) degree in Technical Arts followed shortly after by her training as a conservator of easel paintings. She works predominantly in the medium of painting in both her art and restoration practice, but has worked on large scale installations and sculptural pieces for commissioned projects as well as film and theatre. This has included commissioned artworks for Goldsmiths University, London, Warwick University and other private clients. Outside the studio, Antoinette also enjoys teaching visual art workshops and classes in schools, museums and local community settings. Over the years she has worked with a wide range of young people and adults through organisations such as South Hill Park, the Tate Galleries and Woking College. She looks forward to the opportunity to meet new students and share her creative knowledge and skills.
www.abpaintingrestoration.co.uk
Angeli is a Partner covering the beautiful villages in Runnymede and Surrey Heath. Born in Hampstead, London, Angeli grew up in Old Windsor on the Berkshire/Surrey borders and has lived, worked and studied across London. Initially a business graduate, her career followed various roles in buying, sales and marketing, mainly in the IT software industry, providing a rich source of skills for business support. Whilst working and looking after her family Angeli pursued her interest in developing her creative skills through part-time college courses, subsequently graduating with her BA (Hons) Fine Art from the Buckingham Chilterns University College. She enjoys country walks, pottery and DIY, including a project to set up a garden art studio.
Vivienne is our ColourWheel partner in the Reading area. Vivienne was born in Reading, returning there to study Mechanical Engineering at Reading University. She then spent most of her working life in Africa, most recently in Tanzania, where she was coordinating projects to provide clean water and sanitation to some of the poorest communities. She returned to the UK in 2016 and decided to take some time out to do something for her own personal development – she signed up for ColourWheel classes in Windsor. She was so enthralled with the classes and amazed at what she had gained from the experience, that she signed up for a second term and started to enquire about the franchise opportunity. The rest is history, as they say! Vivienne is a keen environmentalist and loves nature and animals, which are her main inspiration when drawing and painting. She believes that art is one of the best therapies for life and wellbeing.
Inge is a professional painter and enthusiastic teacher with 15 years teaching experience, including painting, life drawing, illustration for fashion design as well as art and design history. She completed her B.A. Hons. Degree in Fine Art and History of Art in Cape Town, after which she changed direction and became a qualified cabinet-maker, eventually starting her own furniture design business. Painting called her back however, and she has been painting and teaching art full time since 1999 working with people of all ages and abilities. She has had 3 solo exhibitions and many group shows, she was a finalist in both the 2017 & 2020 Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year. Inge specialises in figurative, narrative oil painting. Inge has been teaching with ColourWheel since May 2017.
www.ingeduplessis.com
Erica is a freelance illustrator, designer, artist and teacher. Erica is passionate about art, jewellery design, and visual communication. She has a PGCE in Art Education from Goldsmiths College and a BA (Hons) Illustration from Southampton Solent University. She has taught art in local schools for many years as well as teaching art to adults in various settings. Erica also facilitates workshops for clients such as The Tate and The Wellcome Trust. She is an author, her book Cutting Edge Fashion Illustration has been published both is the UK and US. Erica lives locally with her husband and pug Pedro. When not teaching in class, she works from her home studio creating illustrations and jewellery designs. Erica has been teaching with ColourWheel since January 2017.
www.ericajewellery.com
Rene has been our ColourWheel Partner in Maidenhead and Windsor since September 2016. She enjoyed a rewarding career as a Food & Nutrition teacher in secondary schools for 24 years. She lives locally with her husband in Windsor, with their children grown, she transitioned into adult education for a change of lifestyle & the ability to travel often. Rene grew up in South Africa, has travelled extensively, living in the US and Australia. She visits South Africa 2/3 times a year to visit with family and dote on her gorgeous grandson Mikey. A very creative person, she enjoys making cakes for special occasions and sewing when she can. Rene is passionate about helping others, with her students help she supports The Princes Trust, Schools in Africa, Making Scrubs for the NHS & Age Concern. Rene enjoys meeting new people, she creates a sense of community within her classes, believing the social aspect of art class compliments the tuition to create the perfect environment for creativity and friendship. She looks forward to welcoming you to class.
I currently attend ColourWheel Art classes on a Wednesday evening at Camberley Cricket Club. I have found the art classes very helpful and enjoyable. The art teacher is a very knowledgable and friendly person. The setting is great and the classroom is perfect! The class is made up of a mixture of men and ladies with varying experience (though mostly beginners, like me!) and all of them are very friendly. The course work is very interesting and we learn (try out as well) a number of different mediums, i.e. drawing with pens, pencils and charcoal, oil and soft pastels, watercolour and acrylic paint. We also get taught colour mixing, composition, colour theory/harmony and light logic. All in all, a wonderful experience.
Course May 2018
Wendy and I thoroughly enjoyed our art classes with Antoinette and Vivienne effortlessly providing us with all we needed and Antoinette’s skilled gentle guidance in all the beautiful work we created. From being a complete novice I loved using all the varied mediums provided by ColourWheel and I was surprised and delighted with the beautiful pictures I created under the gentle guidance of a superb teacher, Antoinette. Thank you both again. It was a lovely experience.
Course May 2018
I know that the ColourWheel model clearly works and really facilitates the drawing-out of latent talent & skills abilities in a very creative and satisfying way which is both impressive and highly therapeutic from my own personal experience over two cycles of the ColourWheel courses. I, my family and friends are amazed and delighted by what I have learned to create in a relatively short time across so many mediums thanks to Nina’s guidance & tuition supported by Steve’s organisation of the courses.
Course January 2018
I have absolutely loved my course, it’s my time to do something that I enjoy, just for ME! I’ve learnt so much in such a short time. The course more than exceeded my expectations, it’s a great social occasion as well as being a learning environment in which we thrive at what we do. The venue is excellent with great views, our fantastic teacher and host work so well as a team. Thank you, Erica and Rene. I’ve just loved the whole thing! I have met so many lovely people and loved being somewhere where I can just learn and improve at my own speed. I have recommended ColourWheel classes to many of my friends. I have booked my place on the next course.
Course January 2018
I used to love art when I was at school, that was some 35 years ago, but I never knew I had any talent. Discovering the Colour Wheel with Chris and Heidi was like a middle age awakening to me. I loved it so much. Great ‘banter’ with the other students as we stepped each week through learning steps towards composing our pieces of art. At the end of the first 14 weeks, I could not wait to come back and redo it. A little hesitant as to whether we would be just repeating the same thing, I have to give credit to Chris and his teaching abilities as he brilliantly approached the building steps from a different angle and each week I definitely learnt something new. I now feel confident in having a go with a variety of mediums knowing some of the things that can be achieved, and I now very rarely throw something out. It’s a brilliant course.
Evening Class
Not having touched anything artistic since my early teens, I was very anxious to begin studying art in my retirement! I need not have been concerned. The ColourWheel course has been carefully planned to enable me to gradually build up my knowledge and experience with each week’s activity introducing something new but further developing what we have already learned. The tutor is warm and encouraging, the atmosphere safe and friendly and I have been delighted with how I have progressed. I look forward to it enthusiastically as a highlight of my week. I can’t wait to see where the journey will take me next!
Course May 2018
Well, I left class feeling a little sad today… as it was the last of a brilliant course. I just wanted to say thank you to you and Erica again for the most lovely time. I not only learned lots but so enjoyed the camaraderie within such a great like-minded group of people. Credit to you both for your amazing organisation skills, patience, and most of all brilliant sense of humour! All the very best and see you next year.
Course September 2017
Katie Greenwood is an artist that excels in capturing the life and beauty of nature, particularly that of her home in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She moved to the U.K. in 2010 to complete a BA at Loughborough University for Illustration focusing on acrylic and resin work and continued on as a freelance artist creating for galleries and sharing her knowledge of various mediums through teaching. From there she acquired a job at a ceramic studio and became enthralled with the media that would allow her to combine her illustration with the 3 dimensional form. She went on to complete her MA in Ceramics at the University of the Creative Arts. She has exhibited her artwork at galleries in London and completed pieces for organizations such as the RSBP.
Heidi lives with her family in Romsey and her daytime and evening classes will be held locally. Heidi graduated from Portsmouth University with a BA in International Finance and Trade. She since met her husband and now has two children, aged 12 and 8. Prior to joining ColourWheel Heidi has experience of running her own restaurant business and is now very excited to be facing a new challenge. Along with her busy home life with her family Heidi loves to cook and tries to make time for sport. She has a love for art and her dream was to go to art school. Her practical side won the day but her creativity has never left her and she not only enjoys creating art herself but loves watching others grow and develop their skills.
Rebecca has always had a love of art, from drawing colourful characters to ceramics. Because of this, she studied Art and Design before going to the University of Wales, Newport to do a degree in Animation, her favourite part was learning from the teachers of the Disney animators. Rebecca has worked in education for nearly ten years, from teaching art to children and young people that didn’t fit into mainstream education to traditional crafts and archery in an Iron Age village. She currently works in a museum and gallery organising events and hands-on activities for the visitors, alongside finding any excuse to be creative.
Nathalie has always had a passion for drawing and she specialised in Art and Art History whilst studying in France. She did her Foundation course at Atelier de Sèvres Babylone in Paris and then attended the Olivier de Serres Art School. Moving to England at 23 she specialised in murals, taking commissions from schools, restaurants and also for homes. Nathalie developed a strong interest in portraiture exhibiting four times at the National Portrait Gallery as part of the BP Portrait Award. Recent commissions include Sir Christopher Snowdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey and Dame Helen Alexander, Chancellor of the University of Southampton. Nathalie has been teaching for a number of years and enjoys encouraging her students to explore their artistic side and develop their skills.
After recently relocating to the area Sue has taken over the Cheltenham classes.
Sue is married with two grown up children.
Following a career in administration and banking she wants to work in an area that is inspiring and creative.
Sue loves art and drawing and also enjoys making a variety of different types of jewellery, including silversmithing. In her spare time her other hobbies are walking, keeping fit and swimming. Sue and her husband love to travel and explore new places.
Sue and her teacher Joanne are very much looking forward to hosting you at class, making sure that you have a wonderful experience in a relaxing and inspiring environment, learning new skills creating beautiful art.
I have just finished my second term with ColourWheel and have signed up for another.
I look forward to every Tuesday and am never disappointed. I learn something new every week and am constantly surprised at what I can achieve with the right guidance and support.
Joanne and Chloe work incredibly hard to create a perfect environment for relaxed learning. Whatever stress is going on in my work and home life I find it starts to disappear as soon as I start my drive over to Ide. I find the whole experience immersive and restorative.
To anyone who is thinking about doing the course I would say ‘just do it’, you won’t be disappointed. Money very well spent. Lovely, friendly people, everything provided and a beautiful venue.
What more could you ask for?
Apr 2019
Carly has worked with ColourWheel since its inception. Carly ran her own business successfully for many years before being instrumental in setting up the original ColourWheel classes from scratch.
She has identified and overcome the challenges and her job is to help and support you every step of the way making sure it is a satisfying and successful experience.
Sarah is a supportive, nurturing and encouraging teacher who specialises in teaching adults in a wide variety of settings, both online and in person. Sarah studied art with the Open College of the Arts, (allied to the University of The Creative Arts) and holds certificates in tutoring and training adult learners. She is also a qualified Life Coach and teaches psychological and self-development subjects alongside art.
A mixed Media artist, her work embraces both representational and abstract styles exploring vibrant colour, nature, land and seascape. Sarah has exhibited her work in London and the home counties.
Sarah lives locally and when not creating new artwork, she loves to spend time at home with her partner, cuddle up with her cat or take a walk in nature to gather fresh inspiration.
@createandcalm Facebook and Instagram www.createandcalm.co.uk
Katie Tomlinson graduated from Manchester School of Art in 2018 and has since taught on the undergraduate Fine Art programme. Alongside teaching at ColourWheel and Manchester School of Art, Katie works as a freelance artist.
Predominantly Katie creates large figurative paintings, but her wider practice incorporates collage, drawing and sculpture. She has exhibited widely and most recently exhibited at Castlefield Gallery (Manchester) and has work for sale through Manchester Art Gallery. Katie is also the co-founder of collaborative project ‘Catflap Collective,’ a painting and curatorial collective based in Manchester.
These experiences have led Katie to have an in-depth knowledge of a variety of art materials, techniques and concepts. She is passionate, enthusiastic and strives to make every lesson fun, informative and unique.
Michelle graduated with a BA(Hons) in Illustration from Manchester School of Art in 2019. She works in all mediums but specialises in fine line ink drawings inspired by animals, myth and the beauty of the inner magic of the natural world. She is lucky enough to live near the Peak District and takes a lot her inspiration from the landscape whilst out hillwalking.
Michelle feels that although drawing is essentially looking and putting down what we see, we all see things differently as our imaginations come into play. This is what makes every work of art unique. She believes that everyone has the power to create and making art is a means of tapping into our creative selves. She is passionate about teaching and helping people to discover their inner artist.
Michelle runs workshops and also teaches online classes for both adults and children in drawing and painting. You can see some of her artwork on her website at https://michelleshoreillustration.co.uk/.
Lesley and Becca have opened up a mass of creative opportunity for me, just as they do for all students. Classes are really well structured, simple to follow and professionally presented at a pace that is manageable for all. I cannot believe how quickly they get students to the point of producing quality work to be proud of. Thank you, Lesley and Becca, keep up the good work.
Aug 2020
A graduate in Fine Art from the University of Hertfordshire, Susan is an artist and teacher who is passionate about the enjoyment and meaning gained through the practice of making art.
She says, “As an art teacher, I value the development of creative skills to explore feelings, describe experiences and generate ideas. The expressive nature of colour and the communicative power of drawing are fundamental aspects of visual expression that can be explored through a variety of techniques, media and materials.”
A practising and exhibiting artist, Susan works in both representational and abstract fields across a variety of subject areas, including the figure, landscape and natural form. She continues to develop and explore her own love of drawing and colour through her art practice.
As well as a tutor for the ColourWheel Art Classes in Welwyn Garden City, Susan is also the Artist-in-residence at an independent secondary school in St Albans.
I joined the online ColourWheel classes because I wanted to learn new techniques. So far, I’ve loved every lesson, there’s something different to learn every week, the lessons are easy to follow and everyone is so encouraging.
At first, I was a little reluctant about doing an online course but you can work at your own pace and Becca (tutor) makes sure she gives each student individual feedback several times throughout the session. The best bit is at the end you don’t have to pack up and leave, you can just carry on with the artwork.
ColourWheel classes have inspired me to take up art again, the classes are my time when I can switch off from work and home life and do something I really enjoy.
Oct 2020
I’m just coming to the end of my third online art course with ColourWheel and I’m loving my lessons!
I was slightly apprehensive about doing an art class online – but it works amazingly well. Becca, the tutor, and Lesley make sure everyone is able to access, and get the maximum from our online time, and my group are a delight!
It’s my Tuesday evening treat and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone considering it.
Oct 2020
I joined Colour Wheel art class in January and have progressed with my skills and confidence in my work.
The organisation of the sessions and the teaching were first class.
Since lockdown the classes moved effortlessly to teaching us at home with videos and excellent instructions and images. I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie of group members and exploring new techniques and images.
Special thanks to Audrey and Rania.
Oct 2020
I am a qualified teacher and have been teaching for 23 years.
I first graduated with a degree in BSc Hons Psychology before entering teaching. Whilst teaching, I returned to education to do a degree in BA Hons Fine Art. Subsequently I decided to do an MA in Fine Art as my passion for the arts just continued to grow.
I have always loved art since I can remember. My passion started as a child but only grows with age. I am also a practicing artist and have had many exhibitions in the UK and abroad.
I enjoy painting in acrylics but also enjoy drawing in all sorts of mediums and recently started as a textiles artist too. I carry out lots of public commissions and exhibitions but very much enjoy teaching art to adults which is why I enjoy teaching at Colour Wheel Art Classes so much.
Clare is our partner in Fleet and she is hosting classes in Hartley Wintney.
Clare’s background is in Finance and she is a qualified accountant. Married with a young son, Clare took time out to raise Joshua. When returning to work Clare realised she wanted a change of direction in her career and that she wanted to work in a creative field which led her to join ColourWheel.
Clare is very creative, she loves all crafts but especially sketching although she feels her painting could be improved. She is enjoying working on art and craft activities with her son. Clare finds art absorbing and relaxing.
When not working or being mum Clare is an experimental and adventurous cook. She loves to walk and travel and photographs her visits and outings, creating her own photo books. She enjoys planning and design in the garden and at home, often sketching out her ideas.
Clare is delighted to be combining her love of art and all things creative with her work and is looking forward to accompanying her students on their own creative journey.
Becca has been painting and drawing all her life, starting with primary school art competitions to the formative Art and Design Foundation diploma, then on to gaining a first class BA Honours in Fine Art Painting from Manchester School of Art, a year of post graduate study at the renowned University of Auckland (New Zealand)’s Master of Fine Art and then gaining a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education for Art and Design back in the UK at the University of Bolton’s teaching programme.
She has been teaching for 10 years in the North West and also Singapore, The Netherlands and the Manchester Museum. She has a cult following for her unique Stranger-Than-Life Drawing classes run from her studio in Macclesfield Museum’s Old Sunday School and brings this drawing experience to festivals and historical locations, pushing the traditional life drawing model to create theatrical, playful work.
Becca regularly exhibits with London contemporary artists’ collective The Tunnel, East Cheshire Tech-Art collective IDST! and works with Macclesfield Town Council to bring art to the community and local schools. During 2020 she gained a commission for a public artwork in the form of a large-scale mural in Macclesfield town centre and co-directed the Barnaby Festival’s Homemade Parade. She makes multi-media art works with her robotics-engineer partner Loz and together they have a baby daughter called Luna, who will be painting and drawing soon too!
These courses are so good I am doing it all again. I have loved course one at Topsham and discovered that I can paint, and I can draw, me who thought I could do nothing.
The people I have met have made my Wednesdays. We have had fun and companionship and the guidance of a super teacher in Chloe, who is always encouraging and supportive and never ever critical.
If you think you might enjoy an art class, go for this one. You will not be sorry.
May 2019
I signed up right from the start in January 2019 with some trepidation, having never even studied the subject to O Level standard (showing my age) but had always had the desire and that feeling of what if…
Jayne’s fabulous teaching, positivity and encouragement together with Michael’s wonderful support and hard work have fulfilled my hopes and more. As other students have already mentioned the feel good factor derived from producing a pleasing piece of work coupled with the ability to switch off from life’s pressures and troubles has been an absolute bonus, not to mention the wonderful social aspect.
I love it and just keep on signing up to the next course, would thoroughly recommend it.
September 2020
Emily is our Partner in Guildford, she is married with three children, all girls! Emily started her career as a dancer before studying for and gaining a qualification in interior design. Emily is highly creative but has an innate sense of customer service, she runs lovely daytime and evening classes at her beautiful venues in Godalming and Guildford.
I’m writing this review with heartfelt thanks to Michael, Partner & Jayne, tutor. After a taster session in Dec 2019, I started in Jan 2020 at Usher. This is such a peaceful environment, with laughter, fun and the concentrated silence of effort put in by all trainee artists. It covers all mediums & even though there are some I’ve had difficulty with, Jayne has shown me that I can overcome my fears and produce work I can be proud of!
During covid & my subsequent 12 week isolation, Michael delivered much need supplies to my home on a weekly basis. Not to mention the emailed weekly projects and zoom classes, which I can say in all honesty kept me sane! Jayne has the ability to make each person feel talented making sure there are no negative experiences. If anything, both Michael & Jayne promote the student. If you want a truly enjoyable experience with like minded people, sign up now!
Course September 2020
Jo initially trained at Dartington College of Arts and she then worked in Community Arts for many years doing street theatre, painting murals and creating public sculptures. She returned to fine art painting, completing a BA Hons in Sheffield and also experimented in dance and performance art (Edinburgh Fringe). After becoming a mother she taught textiles and drawing in schools and colleges. Throughout this time Jo continued to paint large abstract canvases and exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions (RWA & National Open). She has recently enjoyed creating contemporary theatre sets for youth drama, but her passion is in drawing from life and experimental painting. She believes art is a restorative process, individually and socially.
Shivani is currently undertaking a two-year artist residency at a boarding school in Surrey. She has a Masters in Painting from the Royal College of Art and also spent a year studying drawing and painting at the Cyprus College of Art. She has exhibited widely in the UK, Cyprus and New York, and is excited to help our students on their artistic journey.
Lesley is our ColourWheel partner in East Cheshire. She lives in Poynton with her husband and son. Lesley had a successful career in education and training for over 35 years before deciding to make a complete lifestyle change and become a ColourWheel partner in December 2019. Before joining the ColourWheel family, Lesley attended classes as a student and was inspired by what she was able to achieve and the amazing people she met. She believes that art can be a great antidote to the stress of everyday life and is keen to help others find their inner creativity! As well as a love of football, Lesley enjoys walking and travelling, exploring new places both in this country and abroad. She is passionate about helping others to learn new skills – and, most importantly, have fun doing it! You will receive a warm and friendly welcome at ColourWheel East Cheshire!
Audrey has followed a career as an artist-teacher since graduating from the University of Leicester in 1977 where she gained a B.Ed (Credit) in Art and Design and Certificate in Education. At the start of her career, she taught in a large comprehensive school in Bolton and extended her experience and expertise across the key stages to later coordinate Art and Design in a community school in Rochdale. This experience led her to becoming a Senior Lecturer in Professional Studies at Liverpool Hope University from 1998-2011, where she led and taught students on the BA undergraduate and postgraduate Art & Design courses wishing to becoming teachers and art specialists, together with organising a series of annual community art workshops in disadvantaged areas of Merseyside as part of the ‘Aim Higher’ schools’ initiative.
The opportunity to continue her professional development led her to Switzerland to the College of Beaux Arts to continue her studies towards a Diploma in Stained Glass and Fine Art, which she successfully completed in 2015.
Audrey’s work is inspired by both the natural and manufactured world and explores the various ways in which the landscape has been shaped through history. She has exhibited her work in London and abroad, in Switzerland and NSW, Australia, and continues to paint in her spare time.
“My love for nature and for everything that breathes air has been a great source of inspiration for my own personal artwork and for inspiring my students in their personal art journey.”
Audrey Beaumont, 2019
Cecilia Lopez is a Visual Artist, based in London. She loves connecting with people and places, the passion of her life (and challenge) is to experiment with colours and materials. She has a Master Degree in Industrial Design and a PhD in Architecture. She has taught Design for many years as well as facilitated art workshops for kids and adults in various settings.
When not teaching in class, she works from her home studio creating paintings and illustrations, gaining inspiration from nature and rich colours with lots of textures. Some of her works play with the characteristics of portraiture along with culture aspects as visual metaphors to express or to convey messages. Have a look at some of her most recent work at: www.ceciloel.com
Asia enjoyed teaching adults and children for 20 years, self publishing a book, and being a small business owner in the personal development industry. Asia loves playing with watercolor, working in her herb garden, and creating jewelry with precious metals. She is passionate about exploring a variety of mediums which attracted her to ColourWheel. Asia and her husband, James, have two grown sons. She lives near the North Carolina Coast, loves the outdoors, and enjoys visiting the beach every chance she gets. Asia loves meeting new people and creating a community space for people to get messy, make mistakes, and shine. She looks forward to welcoming you, supporting you and cheering you on in art class.
Libby is a designer-maker, artist teacher living with her son in the Malvern Hills area. She has always worked within Art and Design, which has allowed her to create, build and develop with a broad variety of materials, techniques and processes. Libby completed my BA(Hons) degree in Design Crafts at Hereford College of Art and Design and found her passion for making contemporary antique furniture and constructed textiles based on a theme she called “working the magic”.
After her degree Libby completed a PGCE with Marches Consortium specializing in Design and Technology and taught Resistant Materials, Textiles, Graphics and Art and Design to a GCSE and A-level standard. She currently works in the busy Art and Design department of a local college as a Demonstrating Technician and covering Lecturer. Libby enjoys supporting others to achieve their outcomes and working within a variety of arts including Photography, Textiles, Fashion, Print, 3D and Fine Art.
In her spare time Libby enjoys spending it in the countryside, traveling, motorcycle touring with her partner and developing new ranges for her crafts business.
Linzi trained at Bradford Art College gaining her B.A. in Art & Design. She went on to become a named designer at Liberty’s and sold her hand-printed silks exclusively in Liberty’s of London. Linzi had always written and performed her own songs and she signed to Warner Chappell’s as a songwriter having won the Nordoff Robins singer songwriter award through Radio 1. She gained her teacher training and PG Cert in Fine Art & Professional Practice and went on to become Head of Art/Textiles in London. Linzi became Assistant Director for KW4K’s which culminated in a charity performance in aid of Anti-Slavery International at the Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House called ‘Break the Chains’. Her interest in art, theatre, set design and music has been a constant thread throughout her life. From set designing on London fringe productions to set design for a production at The Traverse, Edinburgh Festival she has facilitated community music and art projects both in the UK and abroad. In 2007 Linzi devised and led an Arts initiative in Banda Ache, Sumatra, following the tsunami. She worked with over 100 students who had been directly affected by the tsunami, creating artworks with the children to raise money for the Sukma Banska schools. Linzi worked at Compton Verney Art Gallery in the Learning Department, before becoming Head of Art at The Croft School for five years. She continues to work with ‘Stratford Youth Theatre’ making and designing sets and props for their productions.
Presently, working as a freelance Artist/Teacher she continues to make and exhibit her ceramic sculptures and prints. She is particularly drawn to textiles and drawing, selling her work at Narberth Pottery in Pembrokeshire. Linzi hosts and produces The Art Show on Welcombe Radio, Stratford upon Avon, a community radio station. The Art Show showcases and celebrates all art forms made in the community, and is an online space that enables creative people to share their work.
Rav is our partner in the beautiful, rural region of Malvern in Worcestershire located at one the most iconic and characterful Abbeys, The Abbey Hotel. She grew up in the midlands and studied finance and management. She has spent most of her career in sales and marketing working nationwide. She enjoys travelling with her husband and taking advantage of Worcester’s many walking trails. She has a very philosophical view to life and thrives on encouraging others to realise their true potential. She believes that through art people can express themselves in ways that they didn’t think was possible.
I have been sketching and painting on an irregular basis for about five years but had failed to progress from a basic level & was about to give up. A flyer came through the door and I noticed that the course provided all the materials & would teach many different mediums. I decided to give it a try and glad I did, the lessons are informative, we use different mediums & learn different techniques (Acrylic to Watercolour Paints, charcoal, inks, pastels to name just a few). Most of all it’s fun being with a group of likeminded people who help each other. There is a chance to socialise during coffee breaks, last year there was a private exhibition of our work held at Braywick Nature Centre in the evening. We also enjoyed a lovely a Christmas lunch as a group at Gogos at Windsor Marina. In fact, the only thing wrong with the course is that the 3 hours seem to pass too quickly! I regained my enthusiasm for art, and enjoyed it so much that I have now enrolled for my 5th term.
Course January 2018