Helen Hallows reviews

6 May 20'

Jude reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"An excellent course, the first online one I have taken part in. It worked so well. Helen’s videos and extensive notes, as well as extra content, for example, a peep at Helen’s sketchbook as she worked on this Staycation course were inspiring. I agree with other reviewers, it opened my eyes to what is under my nose! The forum support from Helen and the group gave me many ideas. My creative muscles have had a good workout and I've learnt many new skills."

5 May 20'

Shirley reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I never thought a staycation could inspire me as much as travelling with a sketchbook but this course proved me wrong! Challenged to see my own house, garden and local area differently, I was completely hooked after a couple of days. Helen’s videos provide clear, simple examples that build one on another so that even my disaster pages transformed with collage, stamping, painting and writing. The forum has been a creative lifeline to learn from both Helen and other creatives. I now want to rework on my past travel sketchbooks to give them a fresh perspective!"

26 Sep 19'

Helen reviewed: Soulful stitch - slow stitching workshops

"Helen Hallow's Soulful Stitching course was a wonderful combination of inspirational ideas & guidance, quiet support, great fun & lots of time for reflection. She has the ability to create a lovely space for exploration, contemplation & creativity without making demands or having any prior expectations. Thank you very much & I hope to see you again soon."

19 Sep 19'

Janet Russell reviewed: Soulful stitch - slow stitching workshops

"Helen is an inspirational teacher who enables all participants to achieve beyond their expectations! Previous experience is not necessary and you can be assured that there are no expectations, no judgements.... just a relaxing, supportive atmosphere in which to access your creativity and find outward expression for it. I recommend Helen’s courses without hesitation. ?"

19 Sep 19'

Corinne reviewed: Soulful stitch - slow stitching workshops

"Very much enjoyed this course, found it was everything Helen promised. She guides you in the process of using stitch as a reflective and meditative tool. Brilliant in the crazy world we all live in today! There was a real mix of people on it also from no stitching experience to professional textile artists. Everyone got something out of it I think. Thank you x"

9 Oct 18'

Sam reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"This course has been the best thing! I’ve already got my next sketchbook prepared and learnt through the process so it’s a bit less textured than my first attempt.. The course was really well planned out, it was great being able to work through at my own pace, Helen was great offering tips, tricks and suggestions I just wouldn’t have thought to try. I’ve nearly finished my first sketchbook and am super proud that every page is filled. I nearly didn’t sign up as I was back at work and wondered if I would have time, but the creative bug was ignited and I made time. The simple tip of having a pencil case ready to go is one if the best. The weekly feedback and online forum were really supportive and encouraging, I super course I’d highly recommend.."

4 Oct 18'

Ruth Blakey reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I learned such a lot! Produced a sketchbook of images of Fife plus patterns I had observed. Focus on a small bit of the ‘view’, see patterns in everything. Even not being faced with white blank pages makes it easier to get started. Going on holiday soon and sketchbook prep nearly done and excited about the prospect of filling it! I really recommend this course. You were led gently through tasks and got constructive guidance."

4 Oct 18'

Tracy Cupitt reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I absolutely loved Helen's Travel Sketchbook course! I was lucky enough to be be travelling in Thailand when the course began and already had my sketchbook and watercolours with me as I enjoy sketching new places. I loved learning the new approaches to capturing the atmosphere and spirit of a place, making memories in my sketchbook, and then sharing my work with the other students in the forum. Even though we were all working through the same lessons our work was very different and I enjoyed seeing the places the others were drawing. The lessons and prompts are shared at just the right place, I felt I was learning new things but never felt overwhelmed and everyone was very friendly and supportive. I would definitely recommend this course."

4 Oct 18'

Jenny Cross reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"Helen's Sketchbook Course has been wonderful. Packed full of ideas, prompts and suggestions, it acts as a real motivator to gather a few basic materials together, and get stuck in. I really enjoyed the preparation parts, killing the 'white space' trauma of a new sketchbook was a great start. Putting work onto the forum was a first for me and I found it friendly and encouraging. I'll be referring back to my notes for a good while yet, there was too much to absorb all at once."

3 Oct 18'

Christine Jones reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone. The only problem is when you get to the end you will want to go back and do it all over again. Helen has put so much thought and content into the course and the on-line forum is very helpful and supportive. It has been both reinvigorating and refreshing and I found being able to work at my own pace in my own time a huge advantage. I am already thinking about starting my next sketchbook."

3 Oct 18'

Penny reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"This is a fabulous course. I was lucky enough to be away on holiday for the first part of the course and it really helped to spark up my creativity. Once I started drawing and doing the exercises that are set, I couldn't stop and the ideas and inspiration started flowing. When I found myself getting stuck, there was encouragement not only from Helen in the on-line feedback sessions but also from the online community that was created for the duration of the course. I can't recommend this course highly enough. There is an underlying respect and appreciation of each individual's own creativity, rather than a 'set way' of doing things."

16 Jul 18'

Jill Richards reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"Well structured course delivered in a logical, friendly and positive way. Great ideas for boosting creative approach to sketchbook activities. Ideas and processes achievable on location. Excellent to see video materials alongside written and photo descriptions. This course certainly helped to rekindle my creativity. I believe it will also have an on going effect on my sketchbook work. Thank you Helen."

25 Jun 18'

jane reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I really enjoyed this course as Helen has carefully thought out how she develops her sketchbooks and shares her knowledge and ideas . Her starting points are very good to take away the fear of the blank page and make sketching more fun. I also did mine at home which was fine but I didn't have as much time as I hope I will when I do the same on my holiday. My sketchbook is being prepared !"

17 Jun 18'

Rachel B reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I have gained some fabulous tips and ideas on how to approach a sketchbook and develop my work. Helen is a great teacher and will guide you though the process- sharing her tried and tested techniques to go on to produce your own interpretations of and memories from various elements of your holiday or stay-cation."

15 Jun 18'

Rachel reviewed: Travel sketchbooks online course with Helen Hallows

"This is a wonderful course if you're wanting to develop a sketchbook practice. The course is for a travel sketchbook but I've been doing mine from home in my local town which has also worked out well and I'm now looking forward to my holiday so I can really develop my practice further. The course material has been really thoughtfully put together and Helen is a lovely teacher. It's full of information and advice on artistic techniques and I'm feeling very inspired now to go out and start drawing."

31 Oct 16'

Corinne Lee-Cooke reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I have been on the Spring and Autumn sketchbook workshops and both were a joy to attend. Helen always makes everything accessible whatever your ability, which makes for a lovely mix of people. Inspirational and just a really nice day all round. Helen is fab!!"

30 Oct 16'

Sylvia Leaver reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I was very inspired at the Autumn Sketchbook Workshop, October 2016. Helen took our group on an artistic journey of drawing and painting techniques with unusual aspects of layout. We explored mixed media using her treasure trove of materials. Helen's friendly and easy manner and helpful advice had us all producing artworks that we were proud of. Following this creative day, Helen has inspired me to use more vibrant colour in my own artwork, and to incorporate new techniques and materials that I was unfamiliar with. I hope to attend another of Helen's workshops in 2017 to learn more !"

7 Oct 16'

Bettina reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I very much enjoyed the Painting The Season (Autumn) Workshop with Helen in October. Even though I am not an artist and have done little painting before I felt that I could fully participate, enjoy myself and be inspired in many ways. Helen structured the workshop very well and first helped us to connect to autumn by bringing in items from nature, reflecting on experiences and selecting colours before experimenting with different materials and ways to express these experiences creatively. I have found Helen's genuine enthusiasm about all our artwork very encouraging which made for a good spirit in our group. I was also given valuable advice and guidance how to make things work better or what alternative methods I could try. Overall, I felt very well looked after, creatively nurtured and spoilt by the choice of colours and materials as well as by her lovely lemon drizzle cake!"

4 Oct 16'

Pip Barfield reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"Painting The Season Workshop, October 2016 I really enjoyed meeting Helen and felt at ease within a well planned and supportive teaching and learning environment. Helen eased us into the day with her own spoken thoughts about Autumn. This was a new approach, and writing down my thoughts before beginning to draw and paint was immensely helpful and empowering, creatively! There was masses of materials, paints, inks, glues, paper, tissues and magazines for our mixed media inspiration and everybody became deeply involved creating autumnal images! I did not really want to break for lunch! Brilliant day and thank you, Helen for being such a great artist and teacher! I would recommend your classes to all my friends! Pip Barfield"

27 Jul 16'

Bev Popplewell reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"Helens Spring Sketchbook day course was a perfect antidote to the grey, cold February weather! Inspiring, energising, liberating and fun. Helen is a brilliant facilitator. Full of ideas, tips, encouragement she gently draws you into your own creative space until you are so buzzing with plans you don't want to stop! Much preparation had obviously gone into the day. Plenty of hot drinks/biscuits etc. Space for all to work and materials galore to choose from. The class size means Helen has time for everyone individually and she is very generous with her help. I would highly recommend this (or any of Helens) course for people of all abilities looking for an inspirational boost."

26 Jul 16'

Debbie Matz reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I went to Helen's Summer Sketchbook Course as I wanted inspiration to move forward with different ideas and ways of using a sketchbook. It was fabulous as we were guided through approaching the blank pages by creating backgrounds which we then sketched onto either in the studio or outside in the park. Helen gave guidance and support and lots of ideas in a very friendly atmosphere. It was good to meet other people who felt the same as myself. The day flew by and I learnt so much and definitely felt more confident about my approach to sketching and having so many new ideas to work with. It was a lovely day, I achieved so much and it has helped me to do so much more on my own. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone."

25 Jul 16'

Kevan Porter reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I thoroughly enjoyed Helen's excellent Spring Sketchbook class which filled me with renewed creativity and self confidence. Helen's friendly approach to teaching meant I immediately felt at home in the studio where the class was held enabling me to very quickly absorb all the useful tips and skills she passed on. Since the course I have regularly used my sketchbooks and see them now as a great place to 'doodle' my ideas and thoughts filling the pages with lots and lots of drawings, sketches and ideas. Thoroughly recommended."

23 Jul 16'

Ruth Riches reviewed: Season's Sketchbook: mixed media at Long Eaton Art Room

"I adored this day with Helen. The group size and mix of abilities was perfectly balanced. She was able to share her time with ease and comfort across the group. We listened to a reading, written and performed by Helen, which set the mood for our Spring sketchbook class. We wrote a short peice about Spring and what it meant to us, then taking key words and phrases to find our colours. We even used some of our own wording in our final pieces. Making our creations personal and unique. I still use the technique she shared to create a colour palette. I found her enthusiasm for creation infectious. We created our own backgrounds in an imaginative way, that it didn't matter whether you could draw or not. Pressing, folding, cutting, smudging, printing. There was a feeling of freedom and for that moment I found the ability to play, carefree as if the child within me had been released. The relaxed, friendly and personable style of this very talented artist, made this day one of the most inspirational days I've had in my art journey, searching to create that illusive perfect artwork. I highly recommend her classes and you'll never regret any time you spend with Helen."

17 Jul 16'

Frances Ryan reviewed: Back to Nature Art Retreat Holiday

"My work is mainly figurative, so prior to the start of the art retreat I was wondering how I could benefit, since the emphasis was on landscape. However, I need not have worried as there were plenty of sheep and cows to draw and I even managed to sneak in some people into my finished picture! The demos that Helen did were very instructive and I now have a better understanding of aspects of mixed media and have been inspired to experiment with it further. Helen was an encouraging and empathetic tutor and I thoroughly enjoyed the three days. She also suggested ways to prepare a sketchbook beforehand, which I found really useful."

17 Jul 16'

Helena Clarke reviewed: Back to Nature Art Retreat Holiday

"'Back to Nature Art Retreat Holiday' is a creative break away- and for me it was a real self indulgence!. An artist and friend Helen Hallows ran the retreat with nothing short of perfection. Every day was structured, organised and personal, delivering an array of new ways for you to think, draw, print, mark and create highly skilled responses to the landscape around you. Helen is a very talented artist ( who will not let you tell her she is) who created an experience that wasn't just about ensuring we all produced artwork by the end of the course, Helen was more interested in how this course would empower us as artists by learning about layering new thought processes and actually engaging your hands and head together. Words can't really describe how much i have gained from engaging in this retreat With Helen Hallows. -It is just the perfect location, tutored by an amazing talented artist, with fantastic food catered by Beechenhill Farm and was absolutely amazing as they catered for my specific dietary requirement.. It was just an amazing experience i wish i could do all again. All i would say is you need to go.... otherwise you may regret it later. I know i would !"