Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes reviews

5 Mar 19'

Sarah Jack reviewed: Landscape oil painting- composition & imagination with Julie Ann Scott at Sculpture by the Lakes

"I attended Julie Ann’s Imaginative Landscape course and very much came away freed up to be more fluid, imaginative and evocative with oil paint. The exercises she encouraged us to do enabled us all to be more connected to ourselves before painting to uplifting and moving music. As well as teaching us how to capture mist on the hills, sun coming through the clouds and how to achieve contrast with lights and darks, she gave us useful techniques in how to use and clean brushes. We were also all lucky enough to get plenty of individual tutoring within the class where we were all pushed to tackle what was most difficult for us individually and over and over to let go of coming away from her course with a masterpiece but, more importantly, to come away with well established new techniques instead."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Sarah - what a lovely review, thank you so much and I know Julie Ann will be thrilled that you found her course so inspiring."

18 Feb 19'

Jason Ankers reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"My wife and I booked the course as a gift for Christmas. We thoroughly enjoyed the course on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised with the fruits of our labour! John was a great teacher and pitched it at just the right level for us complete beginners...gently persuading us to push beyond our comfort zone! To give you some context on this, the last time I created anything noteworthy was a fire poker at school 33 years ago! The whole experience was a wonderful day, the location perfect, the food delicious, and the company in our class was spot on. We have been inspired by the course and hope to do more in the future."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jason - thank you for your lovely words and I am sure John will be as happy as we are that you and your wife had such a good time. It's always good to hear that our students and visitors have had a good day, and even better that they want to come back! John will be running more courses this coming autumn and winter so we hope to see you again before too long."

4 Dec 18'

Dee reviewed: Introduction to oil & acrylic painting with Laura Rich at Sculpture by the Lakes

"I was extremely anxious signing up to this course as I have no background in, or experience of art - I was/am a complete beginner to painting on canvas, but Monique and Guy both contacted me during my deliberations, and reassured me I would not be out on a limb, and that these courses were equally for experienced artists and beginners - so I decided to go ahead and book the course and I have not regretted it for an instant - I loved the course. I am local, so know the venue which is quite idyllic and even the appalling weather could not detract from the setting; there is a warm and welcoming cafe on site, and the other course participants were lovely - I never imagined it would be so much fun - and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Both Guy, our course leader, and his partner Andrew could not have been more charming and helpful. I feel I have made friends."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Dee - I'm so glad you enjoyed the course so much and that it gave you the impetus you needed to get started. Guy is indeed a great tutor, and artist, and I know all his students will be looking forward to his next course, which hopefully will be next August. We will keep you posted!"

4 Dec 18'

Kate King reviewed: Introduction to oil & acrylic painting with Laura Rich at Sculpture by the Lakes

"Guy has developed me from a complete beginner to producing artwork my friends want to buy! Guy’s workshops attract fascinating creative people from all over including Kenya. He generously shared his painting techniques that he acquired from his father and new ones he has developed himself. His partner Andrew gave illuminating presentations on the science behind art. Both Guy and Andrew have a wonderful sense of humour which ensures that the painters remain positive even when painting each hair on a leopard’s spots! The Retreat was where we based ourselves for the painting. We warmed ourselves and dried our paintings around the toasty logfire. From our easels we could see deer in the water meadow and a kingfisher hunting. I am already looking forward to the next workshop."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Kate - thank you for your lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the course and the venue, and the food! I know Guy is planning another workshop towards the end of August next year so we will keep you up to date once we know for sure."

4 Dec 18'

Linda H reviewed: Exploring the beauty of butterflies: two day workshop with Mary Ellen Taylor at Sculpture by the Lakes

"Very difficult to find a local acrylic painting course, and was delighted with the quality of the two day course with Andrew. I agree that maybe either shorten the tasks to fit them in, but as we need all the essential elements maybe just add another day instead! :) The ease which Andrew teaches the elements of the course using his personal techniques, colour palette and finish gave us the confidence that we too can achieve a painting we can be proud of! Well done Sculpture by the Lakes, more of the same please!"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Linda - So glad that you enjoyed the course with Andrew here at Sculpture by the Lakes and you will pleased to know he is already talking about a return trip, hopefully next year, and this time a course run over three days!"

4 Dec 18'

Caro reviewed: Introduction to oil & acrylic painting with Laura Rich at Sculpture by the Lakes

"A very inspiring few days with an amazing artist. Wish it had been longer."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Caro - thank you for your kind comments and we are already thinking of another course with Andrew and this time over three days."

4 Dec 18'

Kim Guest reviewed: Exploring the beauty of butterflies: two day workshop with Mary Ellen Taylor at Sculpture by the Lakes

"A lovely setting to hold a course. A course designed for beginners demonstrating techniques rather than accomplishing a finished piece. Andrew Denman was an excellent tutor who not only made the course interesting and informative but gave so much of himself rather than just demonstrating. I felt I learned a lot and this has course has started me on my journey with acrylics. The food in the cafe is excellent. Unfortunately bad weather stopped us being able to visit the gardens but in good weather this would certainly have been another attraction. However, we were able to visit the gallery where Andrew and Simon were holding an exhibition. Entrance was free. Overall an excellent course and I will certainly be interested in visiting again."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Kim - thank you so much for your very kind comments and so glad you enjoyed Andrew's course and the exhibition in the new Barn Gallery. I know Andrew will be back to teach another course, hopefully next year, but we will keep you up to date on any new dates as they come up. Sorry about the weather, it was rather wet!"

3 Dec 18'

Jill Parry reviewed: Exploring the beauty of butterflies: two day workshop with Mary Ellen Taylor at Sculpture by the Lakes

"It was clear what the course entailed although 6 subjects in 10 hours was a little ambitious. Andrew was the perfect teacher and was knowledgeable, generous and very approachable. The whole class were beginners so that made this style of class workable. It concentrated on techniques rather than a finished piece. The Studio was warm and bright with good lighting and comfy chairs. It was a little small for the number of people using it though and the proximity of the metals shelves on the wall caused one or two problems for the artists. Also the lack of a sink was a problem as we had to walk across to another building in the pouring rain to wash out brushes and get water. There was one piece of confusion. It said that lunch, teas and coffees were included and they weren’t, we had to pay. One or two small changes would make the difference in making this course excellent. Andrew Denman was superb and I would highly recommend him as a teacher. Sculpture by the Lakes is a magical place too, I just wish I had more time to see more of it."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jill - Thank you for your kind comments about Andrew's course and so glad you enjoyed it. We will make sure future classes with that many people are held in one of our bigger spaces next time and with individual lighting, but thank you for letting us know."

15 Oct 18'

Selina Messent reviewed: Botanical Art Workshop - Two-day Course at Sculpture by the Lakes with Julia Trickey

"Good course. I arrived late so it was my fault. I sat at a desk near the door, keeping me a seat. ( thank you). I was near the door and each time it was opened I was very cold. Being glass a draft from under it all the time. One lady hit her head not seeing the glass. Prehaps a sticker ? Lovely people, food good and teaching excellent. Time went too fast!!!!!"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Selina - Yes we've written to everyone on the course about the draft and we've already got new heaters so everyone stays warm - thanks for the tip about the glass door too! Very glad you enjoyed the workshop despite missing the first half but hope you managed to catch up.... We hope to see you again at the Lakes soon."

11 Oct 18'

Annette Beardsley reviewed: Botanical Art Workshop - Two-day Course at Sculpture by the Lakes with Julia Trickey

"Excellent course in idyllic surroundings. Julia is a very good teacher and makes the topic very accessible. Her own work is inspirational. The lunch was delicious and the company good. Thoroughly recommended."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Annette, thank you for your lovely and kind review and we are so glad you enjoyed yourself."

6 Sep 18'

Sally Guild reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I was gifted a place on John's one day beginners course at Sculpture by the Lakes as a complete novice. What a great experience in a magnificent setting. John is a patient and experienced teacher who brought the best out of all of our small and friendly group. We produced completely different compositions and outcomes under his excellent tutorage. We were so lucky to be able to work outside in the sunshine with all tools provided at individual work stations. An added bonus was lunch al fresco chosen from a very comprehensive menu provided by the on site restaurant. Thank you John for a brilliant and successful day and Monique for being such a good facilitator ! Sally Guild"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Sally - thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your day with John at Sculpture by the Lakes and I will pass on your kind comments to the cafe staff. You all completed excellent work and I think you should all be very proud of yourselves!"

16 Jul 18'

Pauline Baldwin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"Having never done anything like this before, I was full of trepidation but Jonh was great. I learned so much, I went from beginner to smug in just a few hours. John gave me the tools to crest a satisfying carving. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Pauline, what a lovely review, thank you so much on behalf of John! If you are thinking of repeating your stone carving experience, he is teaching a one-day course here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September."

12 Jul 18'

Matt rodney reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"A great patient teacher , who passed on his knowledge of the tools used and type of stone to be carved , anyone can easily carve under johns instructions, a great way to spend a morning , well recommended *****"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Matt - thank you for your review of John's stone-carving course and so happy you had a good day. If you are ever thinking of joining another if his courses he will be here teaching on 2nd September."

9 Jul 18'

Sue Stow reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I did the two hour workshop with John during Dorset Art Weeks and was so inspired that I signed up for the four hour course three weeks later. I now have two stone carvings in Portland stone which have pride of place in my garden. John is an excellent teacher who manages to get the best out of his students. I am really disappointed that I won't be able to do the one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes as I would really like to develop my technique. Here's hoping for more courses!"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Thank you so much for letting us know about your course with John and so glad you enjoyed it. Although you can't make his one day course on 2nd September, we will certainly be holding another stone carving day with him, so please do keep in touch with us via our website or through Craft Courses."

8 Jul 18'

Jill Nicholas reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I really enjoyed my 2 hour stone carving session with John in Weymouth during Dorset Arts Weeks. He was happy to let me stay on an extra half hour to finish my Celtic design. I am very proud of my first attempt and definitely want to do more."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jill - so glad you enjoyed your course and that you would like to do more! John is here teaching a one-day course at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September in case you are free... Thank you for your review."

8 Jul 18'

Claire Summerhayes reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I attended a half day with John in June and had a fantastic time. John is a great teacher really explains things well and had some great ideas. I was so pleased with my piece of stone I did it has pride of place in my garden!! If I can do it anyone can. Great fun and met some lovely people. Highly recommend."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Claire - so glad you enjoyed your course with John, he is a great teacher... If you are thinking of doing another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September."

8 Jul 18'

Sumon martin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I did a workshop mid june in Weymouth and really enjoyed it. The workstation was laid out well for easy usage. John was inspirational and very helpful as this was my first time. I brought home a piece of work that im very proud of and my wife loves. This course is definitely worth doing and is worthwhile."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"It's lovely to hear that had such a good day with John, he is a very good teacher, as everyone says! If you are interested in taking another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September. Kind regards"

8 Jul 18'

Brenda Gibb reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I recently did a workshop with John, it was an amazing experience, John was so patient, and explained things in laymen terms. After two hours of chipping and Johns expert help I walked away with a beautiful yacht set in Portland stone. I can honestly say it’s probably one of the things I am most proud of. I defiantly will be going to another of Johns workshops."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Brenda - so glad you enjoyed your course with John and that you came away with such a great piece of work. If you are interested in taking another course with John, he will be doing a one-day workshop with us here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September. Kind regards"