'Hard at work!'

"Many, many thanks - I think learning this new skill of working in pastel pencils has transformed my whole approach and enjoyment of my fledgling artistic endeavours" - Lisa Rayson, Wakefield

"Thank you so much for all your help and patience.  The course was fantastic and I can't believe how much I was able to learn from you in just three days" - Olwen Butterworth, Epsom

"Thank you both so much for a really enjoyable three days.  It was such fun - great surroundings, splendid cuisine and hugely helpful tuition to inspire me with my pastels.  I had a lovely time" - Virginia James, Fordingbridge

"I did enjoy the time spent with you and Paul and found your teaching and hospitality had no bounds.  It was a joy to be taught by you" - Kelvin Foxall, Torquay

"What a terrific time I had on your course.  I gained such a depth of experience and valuable tuition - I loved every minute of it" - Christine Phelps, Amesbury

"I've had such a good time.  I will definitely keep in contact with Jackie and Freda, and will be back again next year" - Su Melville, Lindal, Cumbria

"The weekend of painting more than exceeded all my expectations.   I am making plans for a return visit" - Terry Dell, Hever, Kent

"I had a really lovely time and learned so much from you.  Thank you so much for introducing me to this lovely medium, I was really blown away with what a very special talent you have.  Thank you so much for sharing that with me" - Fiona Lambe, Inverness

"Sunny's portrait has to be as a result of your teaching, your endless patience and sheer talent.  How fortunate I am to have found you, I look forward to a future of painting with oil pastels with your help and guidance along the way" - Lynne Dutton, Lydney

"I thought I'd let you know that I sold the horse painting today. The owner loved it.  From somebody else who saw the painting I got a commission to do a full body dog painting.  I'm so pleased, and it all started when I asked you to help me with Amazon Amber.  Thank you so much for giving me the confidence and guidance"- Marie-Jeanne Ribbink, Co Mayo, Ireland

"Just wonderful to talk to someone so knowledgable, look at your work and try out different pastels and supports.  I am thrilled with my painting" - Catherine Putman, Inverness

  "I had a great time, and can't believe I produced those wonderful paintings" - Tracy Barker, Crediton  

"Thank you for such a fantastic course.  It was absolutely everything I had hoped for and more" - Clive Shaw, West Sussex

 "I can't thank you enough for all your help and encouragement.  It feels like a whole new world has opened up for me" - Rosie Vincent, Bideford  

 "The course was excellent and I learned a great deal.  I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone" - Simon Francis, Port Talbot

  "I learned so much from my visit to you - the e-courses had shown me how you work, but your actual tuition gave me the insight I needed" - Shirley Cooper, Wakefield

****Two day Pet Portrait courses**** 

"The reality of pets (and paintings) is that they are commodities acquired for the pleasures they provide" - James H Rubin ("Impressionist Cats and Dogs")

 Developed over a number of years these specialised two day courses will show you how to benefit from the lucrative pet portrait market, or just paint a stunning image of your own pet - or wildlife or any other animal subject.   Numbers are kept low to ensure individual tuition, making these courses suitable for artists of all abilities.  Whether you are new to pastels or an experienced artist looking to further develop your skills, you will find my pet portrait courses invaluable.   

On this two day course I will be giving you essential tips on all aspects of pet portraiture, from photography and drawing out through to the final stage of producing a fantastic finished image. The following topics will be covered:

* Photography

'Marmite - by Joan Stringfellow'

* Choice of paper

* Design and composition

* Drawing out

* Choice of pastels

* Different approaches to painting your image

* Presentation

* Marketing suggestions

 More experienced artists will also benefit from tips on:

* Creating an interesting composition

* Making use of tone and colour

Once you book in, I will send you a set of course notes, including notes on photography showing you how to take the best possible reference photograph of your favourite animal - the essential first step to producing a good finished portrait.  I will then help you to select the best photograph for you to work from prior to you attending the course itself.  As an alternative to using your own image, you can choose an image from my Artists' Reference Library to use free of charge if you prefer.

I will be giving you valuable tips on the topics listed above, and providing you with help and advice while you paint your choice of subject from your selected photograph, or, if you prefer, from my own extensive set of references on my Reference Library pages.

Dates for 2012 are posted on my Course and Tuition Dates page.  Places are going fast, the first  two day course for 2012 with places still free is on 15th - 16th August.

Each day of this two day course will run from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.  Places are limited to ensure individual tuition. 

 The course fee is £195.00.  Light refreshments are provided, together with a light lunch on both days and a choice of cake or Devon fudge in a well earned afternoon break.  

 A non-refundable £75 deposit is payable on booking, with the balance payable four weeks prior to the start of the course.  Please go to my Course and Tuition Dates page to pay by PayPal (deposit only).  If you prefer, you can of course still pay by cheque through the post.

 Please ring or email if you would like further details.  If you are looking for somewhere to stay during your visit you will find a list of local B&B's on my Accommodation and Catering page.  If you have any difficulties, please let me know and I will be more than happy to make some enquiries for you.

  ***Three Day Pet Portrait Courses***

These courses are spread over three days for a slightly more leisurely pace.  The tuition will be the same as for the two day Pet Portrait courses, with an

'Cream Cat - by Clive Shaw'

 extended schedule which should prove more convenient for those travelling some distance to join us.  These new courses cover an afternoon, a full day and a morning, allowing maximum use of daylight for travel.  Topics covered will be as above, and you will be provided with course notes (including notes on photography) to help you take the best possible photographic reference to work from on the course. 

Day 1: Commencing at 1.30 for a meet and greet followed by a discussion of papers and pastels, accompanied by a Devon cream tea or a selection of Devon fudge.  You can then make a start on your chosen image.  The day concludes around 4.30.

Day 2: Commencing at 9.45 for you to carry on with your portrait.  Light refreshments will be provided.  We will break around 12.30 for lunch at a local inn or tea rooms, before returning to the studio for the afternoon.  There will be a break mid-afternoon for tea and coffee and a choice of cakes or Devon fudge, and the day's tuition will conclude around 4.30. 

Day 3: The final day of the course will run from 9.45 to around 1.00, again with light refreshments provided.

The cost of the Three Day Pet Portrait Course is £225.00.  Please refer to my Course and Tuition Dates page to see available dates and book in.  This course has proved a popular one, the next three day course with places still free will be on 5th - 7th October.

'Otters - by Freda Chamberlain'

   ***Four Day Pet Portrait Courses***

 Some people travel long distances to join us, both from the UK and abroad, and I have been asked by a number of artists to put on some longer courses so that they can spend more time in North Devon before travelling back home.  For 2012 I have added some new four day pet portrait courses which will also allow for more in-depth tuition if this is what you are looking for, or give you the opportunity to produce two (or more!) paintings while you are here.  Topics covered will be as for my other pet portrait courses, and a set of course notes will be provided (including my notes on photography) to help you to take the best photographic reference to work from when you come.

These four day courses are spread over an afternoon, two full days and finally a morning, again making best use of daylight to start your trip back.

Day 1.  Commencing at 1.30 for a meet and greet with tea and coffee and Devon fudge, followed by a discussion of pastels and papers.  You can then make a start on your chosen image.  The day concludes around 4.30.

Days 2 and 3.  Commencing at 9.45 for you to carry on with your portrait.  Light refreshments will be provided, and we will break around 12.30 for lunch out at a local inn or tearooms.  There will be a mid-afternoon break for tea and coffee and a choice of Devon fudge or cakes, with the days concluding around 4.30.

Day 4.  The final day of the course will run from 9.45 to around 1.00, again with light refreshments provided.

The cost of the Four Day Pet Portrait Course is £325.00.  There are two places left on my 5th to 8th July course and three places on 7th to 10th September.   Please go to my Course and Tuition Dates page to book in.

********

***Free Artwork Appraisal***

Once you book in on a pet portrait course I will be happy to let you have a free critique of up to two examples of your artwork.  As well as being helpful to you, seeing some of your work will also make it easier for me to assess your style and level of expertise so I can help you to get the very best out of your visit.

***Pet Portrait Courses by e-mail***

If you would like to paint an animal subject of your choice at home and at your own pace this course will be ideal. As with all my pet portrait courses I will email you a set of course notes, including my notes on photography, and we will start by deciding on the most suitable reference photo for you to work from and the best support for your painting.  I will then provide you with all the on-line help and advice you need to complete your painting in the comfort of your own home! 

The cost of my email pet portrait course is £125.00.  Please note that tuition is limited to three hours, which usually provides ample time to complete a pet portrait, after which you have the option to continue at my consultancy rate of £50.00 per hour.  

 Please note also that the tuition provided on these courses is personal to you, and that the stages of tuition (advice and images) are not for publication.   You are of course free to deal with your finished painting in any way you wish.

Please click on the button below to pay by PayPal.

To discuss this or any of the above courses, please feel free to ring or email me -  click on  Contact Me for telephone/email details.