Reviews for Olivia Clifton-Bligh at Bull Mill Arts

Paul talked us through each step individually as each piece had its own peculiarities and managed to divide himself equally between 8 of us.
He knew exactly what stage each one of us was at an any one time and guided us through accordingly. It didn’t seem to matter how many times he had to explain. Patience of a saint.
Lovely surroundings and coaxing on from our host Olivia. An exceptionally talented artist with a gift for imparting her vast experience and knowledge.
Always excited to sign up for any course run by Olivia as it is always high end professionalism in creativity at its best.

Olivia is an excellent teacher. The email sent in advance provided clear instructions for finding the workshop, how the day worked with refreshments and what size of image we would be working with. This enabled me to arrive with sketches ready to work into a design for the day. The workshop places were ready when I arrived with everything needed for the day. We were welcomed with tea, coffee and biscuits. We started on time with an introductory explanatory talk that included very useful examples of her work including the lino blocks supplemented by examples of prints by professional artists and students from earlier workshops. These were both informative and inspirational. Then we started the day's work while Olivia came to each of us giving personal tuition. These individual and tailored sessions continued throughout the day with occasional whole group guidance as our progress moved through the processes to printing. Everyone completed their designs to printing stage; some people producing a number of prints. Olivia encouraged those of us who had not finished the number of prints we wanted to stay on after the ending time. The day was very successful. I achieved my objectives and happily recommend this course.

I was given the Linocut Printmaking Workshop as a gift and what an amazing gift it was, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
The day was well planned and broken down in to sections to suit all abilities, including a beginner like myself. Olivia was warm and welcoming and the whole atmosphere of the day was perfect. The guidance and motivation she gave to each individual was excellent. I came away from the workshop extremely pleased with what I had achieved and I feel that I have been provided with the skills required to continue printmaking.
Thank you Olivia for such a great day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the three days spent clay modelling at Bull Mill Arts. Olivia and Vicky made a fantastic team, guiding us through the process from start to finish. Both these ladies are highly experienced in their field and are very generous with their advice and encouragement. Bull Mill is a wonderful setting too, being very peaceful, with the only sounds being bird song and the odd baa of a sheep.
I highly recommend this course and I will definitely be attending other courses offered by Olivia and Vicky in the future.

Very well structured course. The processes were clearly and persuasively explained, skilfully demonstrated where appropriate. Two tutors, both aspects of the work covered therefore and help and advice always on hand. I liked the fact that there was no time wasted. Excellent tea and coffee were readily available so we didn't have breaks and clearing up forced upon us-- the time was a full 10-4 each day. It was also very enjoyable and everyone came away with a finished piece. I'd certainly come again. Perhaps the best art/craft course I've been on.

I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who thinks they would like to have a go at lino cutting. Olivia is an inspirational and talented teacher, and she has obviously put much thought into making this course so good. She is a highly skilled artist and her enthusiasm for this art form is infectious. We were provided with all the equipment we needed, and even boxes of assorted pictures, postcards etc in case we needed any inspiration. With the wood burner lit and gentle piano music playing in the background we were all soon happily creating our own works of art. What a lovely way to spend a day!

An excellent workshop, far better than one I had attended previously elsewhere. Lovely location and workshop, very welcoming and a very friendly dog. We were provided with all the equipment we would need as well as lots of pictures as inspiration. Olivia was an excellent teacher and I now understand some methods I couldn't grasp on a previous workshop elsewhere, as well as learning new techniques such as masking and how to create repeat patterns. Olivia spent time with each person at the workshop, giving advice and hints and tips. The follow up email with links to suppliers is also extremely useful.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, a real tonic and I came away with a number of prints. I am now determined to do my design again, making changes. I feel confident enough to do more at home but as the workshop was so good I might treat myself to another to develop my skills further.

The workshop is very professionally run by Olivia with all tools and materials provided. The standard of teaching is excellent. Olivia has a way of ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the processes and the highest level which might be achieved. With her artists eye she guides you towards completing a piece of work to the very best of your ability. Never doing it for you but rather explaining how to get over possible problems or design weaknesses. Absolutely recommend the course for location, setting, facilities and teaching.