Kate West reviews

Ali Wilson reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Thank you for your class on drawing techniques Kate. I hadn’t drawn for ages and this course gave me the tools to get started again rather than looking at a blank page. Lots of hints and tips too, as well encouragement which was confidence building. Kate readily zoomed in on my need to be more expansive and experimental. I am certainly going to try and build upon this very positive start and experience. A great 2 hour session which went in a flash! Good value for money."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Ali, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, especially such a lovely one, concise and to the point with everything I was aiming to achieve with this workshop. Remember to drop me an email if you need any pointers or encouragement! It would be great to see your work - I can put it up on here to if you wish?"

Christina Robinson reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"A relaxed, informal and informative workshop with the emphasis on enjoyment. Lots of tools and tips to help beginners see a subject through an artist’s eyes. Kate loves teaching - and it shows. Highly recommended."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christina, thank you for taking the time to leave a review it’s much appreciated as was your contribution to making it such an enjoyable afternoon (they are not always quite as good as this one as the artists themselves help make it, but shhh don’t say anything!) Kate ?"

Christine Wood reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"I attended Kate's 'Pastel Starter Workshop' last week and would recommend this course to anyone, who is either thinking of using pastels, or is coming back to using them after a period of time. The session was a real hands-on, 'have a go' afternoon. We learned about different types and brands of pastels and also about a range of papers and techniques. It was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop with participants encouraged to give their thoughts and opinions about the various brands being used and also about their experiences of using pastels. Kate offers participants in her workshops the benefit of her huge experience and very obvious skills, but alongside this she is hugely encouraging and supportive. Thank you, Kate for another very enjoyable afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christine, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and found it useful and huge thanks for providing yet another thoughtful review that will help others decide whether or not the Pastel starter workshop will be useful to them. I think you are my ‘star reviewer’! Looking forward to seeing you again in March ? Kate"

Christine Wood reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"A super workshop and as there were only two of us, 1:1 support from Kate! I hadn't previously considered portraits, but thoroughly enjoyed the session and have been completely inspired by pastels! Thank you, Kate for your encouragement and enthusiasm. PS I showed my sister the pastel picture of the Highland cow and she has asked me to complete one of her horse! I may need some help, Kate!!"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christine, Really chuffed you’ve fallen in love with pastels! My concerns over running such a small workshop successfully were quickly laid to rest, working with Pip and you was an absolute joy, so thank you. It doesn’t surprise that you have been asked to do your first commission, your Highland was a little cutie! Really pleased for you ? Help always at hand although I don’t think you will need too much! Kate"

Pip Carr reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Katy is very good at combining tuition, but also encouraging personal style discovery and also plenty of time to put techniques into practice. There was plenty of choice of materials, with lots of ideas of what to buy to continue practicing at home. All in all a very enjoyable and informative afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Pip, where do I start! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review that is such a thoughtful one that may be so helpful to others. Also thank thank you for sending a photo of the finished painting which is very accomplished, especially for someone who hasn’t used pastels before, it was amazing. Kate"

C Jaycock reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"I enjoyed this drawing workshop as I had never been to one before and it made me look at images in a different way. Trying out different types of pencils was very illuminating and has whet the appetite to pursue this hobby."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Caroline, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. You helped create a lovely 'working' group and so good to know that you now see the world a little differently and are inspired to pursue your creativity!"

Drawing Starter reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Excellent introduction to drawing. Kate was an extremely good teacher - patient and kind. The afternoon was very well structured with instruction and mini exercises first and then time to put it all into practice by creating our own drawing. Plenty of supplies available to try different pencils etc. All in all a very enjoyable and instructive afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hello Gilly, Caroline, Jane and Pip, not sure which one of you lovely ladies has left such wonderful review but whoever it was thank you! Kate"

Christine Wood reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Thank you for a very enjoyable workshop last Friday. The three hours passed so quickly! The workshop really encouraged me to keep going with my painting and to try out new ideas and techniques. There was lots of encouragement and support and you gave us lots of useful hints and tips. I very much look forward to attending another of your workshops. I would be very happy to recommend you and your workshops to friends and family. Thank you again, Christine"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christine Thank you so much for taking time to leave such a positive review and for recommending the the workshops to your friends and family. It is very much appreciated. You were all keen to experiment and very good listeners - an absolute joy to work with. Looking forward to working with you again when you join the Open Art group whom I’m sure you will love as they are such friendly and enthusiastic artists. Kate"

Joyce Purkis reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Enjoyable, very well organised course."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Joyce, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. You were all such a lovely group of artists to work with and I really enjoyed it too."

Gilly reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"I had another very interesting and friendly afternoon with Katie and a really lovely painting gang. I had never used pastels before and struggled a bit at first but with encouragement from Katie I ended up with a picture of a fox that was quite cute. I have already booked on another course with her."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Gilly thank you for this lovely review, it was great to work with you again. You were all a joy to work with and full of enthusiasm... Your Fox was definitely cute too! Looking forward to working and hopefully inspiring you on the next one, Kate"

Paula Harmer reviewed: Create beautiful animal portraits in workshops on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

"I am quite experienced with pastels, but learned something straight away! I came away knowing more than when I arrived and having had a very enjoyable time. Teaching was good .... a very mixed ability group! My only criticism - too short!"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Paula, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it’s really appreciated. Great to know you learned something in spite of being accomplished in pastels... When you told me you could transfer the skills used to draw the Fox to any pet I knew I was speaking to a teacher... I used to teach mixed ability groups in FE and think the group as a whole can often benefit from this mix of skills. Following the group feedback I’m thinking of making a 5 hour workshop for next year ? Kate"

Colin Barden reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"I've attended 2 of Kate's workshops (Watercolour Starter, and Drawing Starter), have signed up for the Pastels Starter and hope to be able to attend one of the Pastels Portrait workshops. Kate's very keen that you take away not just plenty of information at the end of the session, but most of the time is hands-on, with opportunities to try new techniques. She keeps the number of attendees low, so there's plenty of time for one-to-one guidance. Thank you, Kate."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Colin, thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your kind comments. Thanks also for the enthusiasm and participation you brought to the sessions! Great to know that you have enjoyed the sessions and looking forward to working with you again for the pastel workshops."

Dave reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Great workshop, learnt a lot"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Dave, thanks for taking the time to leave a quick review, it is very much appreciated! Kate"

Caroline Jaycock reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"I really enjoyed this workshop as I learnt some basic tips and it has encouraged me to start painting again after a three year gap."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Caroline, so good to know you are encouraged to start painting again after a 3 year gap! You and the other artists were a joy to work with and it was one of the most enjoyable sessions with wonderful trees created - these will now be added to images advertising this course... I have taken on board the suggestions you all kindly made."

Emma Nock reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"I really enjoyed this short introduction to watercolours. I learnt several important techniques and have gained the confidence to get started with watercolours at home."

Kate West responded:

"The main aim of the workshop was developing the skills to work confidently with watercolours, something that you did really well - your mix of gray from tertiary colours was amazing! Good to know you had a successful 'launch' into this wonderful medium and thank you for taking the time to provide this review. Kate"

Alison Abrams reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"Loved Kate's course. Her passion for pastels is infectious and her kind, gentle and interactive approach to teaching made it very enjoyable. I have had pastels for years and not done much with them, but Kate has given me the motivation and inspiration to really get going with them!"

Miriam Wilson reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"Give it a try you won't be dissapointed I had a lovely morning with Katie and the small group that attended that day. Course moved at a nice pace and I learnt some great tips. I was by far the most ammateur in the group having not lifted any piece of art equipment since leaving school some twenty years ago!! However the friendly nature of the group and tutour meant that I did not feel intimidated in any way and hope to be going on another of Katies courses very soon. It has given me some passion back and I hope (if I can find the time!!) to put what I have learnt into practice. Thank You Katie :)"

Verlie McCann reviewed: Open art sessions in Skipton for all abilities, your art your way guided by Kate

"Art and painting has come to life for a true beginner with the patience and knowledge of a very understanding tutor. Kate has been amazing and the classes a joy to attend."

Julie reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"A lovely three hours, lots of information given and a host of materials to experiment with. I didn’t finish my pieces, but left with lots of enthusiasm!"

Rita reviewed: Open art sessions in Skipton for all abilities, your art your way guided by Kate

"This is a wonderful course. I have learned so much and produced work that I would never have thought possible, improving all the time. Thank you Katy."

Pat Dew reviewed: Mini Art Projects

"Having recently retired I wanted to have a go at trying out some art work but have not done any drawing or painting since school days. Katy suggested I tried pastels after having a chat with me and almost immediately I was totally absorbed. The group were all very supportive and friendly and I quickly stopped worrying about 'not being arty'. It was amazing how everything else just faded away and I concentrated fully on the picture I was making. Katy made suggestions and showed me how to use basic tools and mix colours but was never obtrusive. I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone interested in trying out some art projects - and I walked home feeling on top of the world."