Amerton Arts Studio reviews

24 Feb 20'

Stuart Smith reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I Really enjoyed wood carving and would definitely recommend. There was a great atmosphere with lots of other people on the course beavering away on their own projects. The only practical work I have ever done is DIY around the house so wood carving was a big step up. The instructions were easy to follow and my relief was much better than I thought possible. I left with a great sense of accomplishment and wanting to do more!!"

24 Feb 20'

Helen Thomas reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have never done woodcarving before but have always fancied doing it so my husband got me this course for my birthday. We were given the option of carving one of the existing projects or carving our own design, I chose the three rabbits design to carve in relief. initially I was frightening to carve the wood as I didn't want to wreck it, but it didn't take long to get my confidence up. Geraint the tutor was constantly on hand to to provide encouragement and help me correct all my mistakes!! I am so pleased with my finished wood carving and I am now thinking of buying some chisels and taking this up as a hobby. The venue itself is really beautiful and was easy to get to for me, I live in Birmingham and it was only a 30 minute journey. Thank you so much for a lovely weekend!!!"

24 Feb 20'

Geoffrey Wilson reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I am a complete beginner and was slightly nervous before the workshop as I hadn't done anything like it before. In short, I simply couldn't believe the quality of carving I produced after 2 days, my family didn't believe it was my work. I found craft skills that I didn't know I had. We were given step by step instructions following an initial demonstration, and then worked through the carving stage by stage using a range of chisels. We carved a type of wood called lime which was soft and easy to carve even for me!! I want to thank Geraint for his patience, help and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend."

30 Nov 19'

John Broadbent reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture

"I have attended many courses run by Miranda and have improved my skills enormously. Miranda is very talented and she is able to guide you to producing a work of art that you will be proud to show your friends. I am sure that you will have a happy and rewarding day."

30 Nov 19'

David Glennon reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have been going to Miranda’s stone carving classes for a number of years as I had a wish to do something creative using my hands. Miranda’s an excellent teacher giving advice and guidance but the final decision is yours and is reflected in your work. The choice of what to carve is yours with Miranda encouraging you to explore your artistic capability. It is a very friendly, sociable group who are supportive of each other’s work. If you want to explore something different, want to be creative, then do come to Miranda’s stone carving classes."

28 Nov 19'

Margaret Rawlings reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture

"Miranda is an excellent teacher. She is very patient, encouraging you to develop and improve your skills including the ones you didn’t know you had!!"

28 Nov 19'

Margaret Rawlings reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"I agree completely with the other reviews. Miranda is a very good teacher. She has the right balance between encouragement and instruction. I always look forward to her classes."

27 Nov 19'

Eileen Farley reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"Miranda is a marvellous teacher she can see where you go wrong and helps you in every way possible. I would recommend her. I have never had such a good art teacher and have been going to her for years. Even if you have not drawn from life or painted from life or even done any sculpture from life including portraits she will give you the confidence inspiration and most of all the satisfaction of what you have done. Thank you SO much Miranda for all your help!!"

26 Nov 19'

Gemma reviewed: Two day clay animal sculpture course

"This is a great course where I learned lots of new techniques for modelling with clay to create a sculpture that I am proud of. Miranda is a brilliant tutor who helps every step of the way, instructive and encouraging. A really lovely day with a very friendly group, thank you."

26 Nov 19'

Geraldine Taylor reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"Miranda is an excellent teacher she encourages you to try new ways to improve your skills and techniques using different media and helps to improve the way you look at the subject, a very enjoyable course."

26 Nov 19'

Ingrid Lackajis reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I wanted to come back to stone carving after many decades and was delighted to find the opportunity, even more delighted that Miranda was such a great teacher. She explains tools and techniques as you go along, an understanding of your stone, and encourages you to see it aesthetically. My Thursday morning group is a wonderful, friendly group, and it is inspiring to see their achievements under Miranda’s guidance. Highly recommended."

26 Nov 19'

Marcia Cameron reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I love this saturday morning stone carving course, it's a great way to escape after a busy week. I had no experience at all of stone carving before I started here, but with Mirandas expert tuiton I started off with simple achievable 2 dimensional designs and have progressed to more complex 3 dimensional pieces. All tools and materials are provided. Friendly bunch of like minded people."

26 Nov 19'

Marcia Cameron reviewed: Green Man clay sculpture course

"Great course at the Amerton Art Studio. Parking on site is free and there's a cafe and shop or take your own lunch. In the art studio tea and coffee and biscuits are provided. Miranda the tutor gives great instruction and really gets the best out of you. Lovely friendly group. Tools and everything you need is provided, maybe just take an apron if you think you need one."

26 Nov 19'

Marcia Cameron reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture

"Fantastic instruction! On a day course I sculpted a portrait head, I'm amazed at what I achieved in a day. Friendly group and good to spend time with like minded people of mixed abilities. Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake provided. Cafe shop facilities on site or take your own packed lunch. I can thoroughly recommend this course."

25 Nov 19'

Peter reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"First class tuition. Miranda knows her stuff! What I like about her teaching is she helps the student to see where they are going wrong for themselves. She allows the student to correct their own mistakes rather than doing it for them. Very important in the learning process. I feel my progression each week. Excellent course, excellent tuition, in a cosy venue, with tea and biscuits. What more could any student want!"

5 Mar 19'

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"What a great two day course, as a total beginner to stone carving I was really looking forward to it and was definitely not disappointed. Miranda is a superb teacher and with her gentle nudging and encouragement in the right direction ended the course with a lovely stone carving and a wish to carry on and do more carving. Thank you Miranda."

19 Aug 17'

Gillian Bertram reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Knowledge and experience is something one acquires, to pass that knowledge onto other requires a good teacher and Miranda is one of the best. We are a class of mixed abilities all working at our own pace, should a chip too far remove a vital piece Miranda is quickly at your side with reassuring words to put you back on track. With her support, always encouraging you to make the final decision, you will produce a carving to be proud of."

18 Aug 17'

Phil Baskerville reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I can't praise this course too highly. There is a cheerful and purposeful atmosphere in the class. Whether you're a novice or an expert, Miranda Wakeman will teach you the appropriate skills on an individual basis. She will discuss options with you but, like all good teachers, she will encourage you to become more confident by making your own decisions about how to develop your work."

5 Aug 17'

Vanessa Eardley reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Starting with the basic techniques of using the right tools in the correct way, Miranda guides you to a level where you can 'lisen' to the stone to know you are hitting it correctly. She helps you to achieve your design idea with just the right amount of help. The others in the group are a great bunch and we have lots of laughs and interesting discussions while we 'bash' away. We work outdoors when it is fine weather and can make as much mess as we like but there is an indoor studio if it gets too wet or cold. Anyone wanting to learn something new with exercise ,fresh air and good company, this is the course for you!"

11 Jul 17'

Sian Morgan reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"As a complete novice to stone carving I found Miranda encouraging and informative, her enthusiasm infectious. She gently guides you through, sharing a depth of knowledge acquired over many years as a professional sculptor in a manner that is easy to understand. After just six weeks I have produced my first piece and am now completely hooked."

3 Jul 17'

Claire reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have been going to Miranda's stone carving classes for 2 years. She is an excellent teacher and has encouraged me to progress from complete beginner to more advanced pieces. The classes are really enjoyable and very friendly. Miranda provides guidance as needed and helps each person at their own pace. Working outdoors is great and there is indoor studio space if needed. I would strongly recommend this class to anyone wanting to try a new creative hobby."

3 Jul 17'

Linda Spencer reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Miranda is a fantastic teacher. She knows just how to give advice and at the same time giving you the opportunity to make decisions and to reflect on your work. I have learnt so much and continue to do so and am really pleased with my sculptures. It is also a very sociable group and you can exchange ideas with others. I have been on the course for nearly three years (in all weathers!) and highly recommend it."

2 Jul 17'

Haleh Salari reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"An excellent class with an excellent teacher. Miranda is always happy to help you in order to achieve the best results."

2 Jul 17'

Rosemary Smith reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have been on many stone sculpture courses,Miranda's is by far the best.She is an expert in the field who knows exactly how to guide each individual pupil so that they produce really worthwhile pieces.This applies to complete beginners and to those with some carving experience.I drive from Wrexham to Amerton each Thursday-one and half hours-Winter and Summer!So it must worth it!"

2 Jul 17'

Barry Gait reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have a very non 'artistic' background and yet in the year I have been going I have made two pieces that I am very pleased with. This is principally due to Miranda's excellent teaching, both in the basic carving skills and in helping me to see shapes and relationships better. I can't recommend it too highly."