Olivia Clifton-Bligh, Cornwall reviews

7 Mar 22'

Jenny Farrer reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"A very absorbing day with excellent mentoring by Olivia. Gave the grey cells a lot of exercise."

23 Nov 21'

Julie Little reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I thoroughly enjoyed my lino printing day with Olivia. The day was beautifully crafted, with a detailed introduction to the processes. There was plenty of resource material available but some of us had brought along suitable images to use which were traced onto the lino. We were encouraged to practise with the tools before tacking our piece. Olivia was on hand to answer questions and give advice all through the day. There was a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with tea, coffee and refreshments readily available. After lunch we started the printing with different papers and colours to hand. We were all able to finish the day with a number of successful prints and a desire to carry on learning more about the skills involved. I would thoroughly recommend one or if possible two days to really immerse yourself into the course under the excellent tutelage of Olivia."

8 Oct 20'

Alice Clough reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I had a wonderful time on the 2-day Lino printing workshop with Olivia. She was an excellent tutor, offering lots of information and advice, but also giving us enough space to learn and experiment. She encouraged me to really explore my abilities, and as a result I came away having made a whole set of prints using two different techniques that I was really pleased with. I was able to achieve far more than I imagined, and felt I had really challenged myself and learnt a lot. Olivia's workshop was suitable for complete beginners, as well as artists and printers who are interested in trying something different or experimenting under expert guidance. I would highly recommend this workshop."

7 Oct 20'

Turid Monteith reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I attended a one day workshop last weekend with Olivia. I really enjoyed my day and came away having learnt loads about lino printing, and with several copies of a print that makes me smile! Olivia was an engaging, fun, inspiring and very informative tutor, and I imagine attending the course would suit the novice (like me) or more experienced printer alike. I would love to attend another workshop, and would try and book onto the whole weekend next time, as although it was enough time to complete a print, it would have been a real luxury to have the time to develop what I had learnt on a second day. I happily recommend Olivia and her workshops. It was a real pleasure to attend."

3 Mar 20'

Caroline reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"What a great workshop! Olivia was brilliant with her help and advice, the atmosphere was chilled and industrious. In six hours we all ended up with several printed copies of our days work which we were, at the very least, very pleased with. Makes you want to do it all over again!"

2 Mar 20'

Amy Down reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia is a cheerful teacher whose passion for her craft comes across when teaching the basics to complete beginners. I loved that she wasn’t too prescriptive nor restrictive in what she thought we could achieve. Her studio was well set up with a welcome log burner and plenty of refreshments. Although the day went too quickly she did not hurry us and allowed us to finish our pieces. I look forward to going again."

2 Mar 20'

Pauline Ward reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia gave us a very clear understanding of the process and was very helpful throughout the day. The workroom was organised with everything we needed including inspirational material and everyone had good results ..a happy atmosphere."

27 Jan 20'

Paulette Strong reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"This was a brilliant course, my little knowledge of linocut did not hinder me in any way. Lots of information and personal guidance provided. Olivia is a very enthusiastic and supportive tutor; her energy for the subject is infectious. I would love to come back for the next stages when I have a little more practice. Thank you"

27 Jan 20'

Caroline reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Loved it! So relaxing, informative and friendly. Olivia was enthusiastic, patient, calming and was very good at letting you make the decisions. She always had time for questions and you never felt under pressure. From complete beginner upward there's definitely something for everyone!"

24 Nov 19'

Jo atkins reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia is a brilliant and inspirational tutor. I came to the lino printing course a complete beginner and was amazed at the results. Olivia is so enthusiastic and supportive and generous in sharing her skills. The whole group came away with amazing prints. It was a great day and would thoroughly recommend to anyone."

2 Nov 19'

Linda Elliott reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I was gifted a day at the workshop for my 65th birthday. I attended as a complete novice. Olivia was very welcoming, attentive to everyone’s needs and an excellent tutor. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and I was able to stay on after the workshop ended to complete and print my project. I would not hesitate to recommend this to my friends and family."

30 Oct 19'

Ian whinfield reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"What an amazing weekend, did both days and it was well worth it. Olivia is full of knowledge and inspiration, everyone goes home with a finished article, and a happy feeling having had a relaxing but informative time. Thank you Olivia I will certainly be back. Ian."

30 Oct 19'

Bernardette Patrick reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia is a gifted artist and a brilliant teacher....works into being fantastic on her subject. All that we needed was supplied, even marvellous biscuits. The studio is perfect for a class of 10 and accommodates a mixed group of abilities. The teaching was excellent, and we completed amazing piece of work to take home/school. My daughter had a specific need to understand the method more and had to follow the school defined route. She got it and feels so much more confident that when she has to do again at school, Oliver will be standing behind, to give her confidence. Olivia got the group to mingle and that makes the day go with more ease. Thankyou Oliver and all in the session,."

27 Oct 19'

Sally Willoughby reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"What can I say but what a fabulous day all round. Went as a birthday party group with very varied ages with no or very little lino cutting experience. Even if your not very artistic you can produce a really amazing peice of artwork to be really proud of. I will definitely go on another course and will have a go at home. Very inspirational Olivia thank you xx"

27 Oct 19'

L Rosemary Keele reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia was most welcoming and she is an excellent tutor. All materials were provided. My course was a 70th birthday gift. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would recommend it to anyone."

9 Sep 19'

Angela Whinfield reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia is both a gifted artist and a wonderful teacher....a rare combination. We were supplied with all the materials we needed, with plenty of space in the lovely studio. The teaching was excellent, and we all completed an amazing piece of work to take home, despite some of us having doubts about our artistic abilities! Really relaxing, supportive and inspirational. Highly recommended"

17 Jul 19'

Brigit reviewed: Sculpture at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"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."

2 Jul 19'

Corinna reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I was given this workshop as a birthday present by my two thoughtful sisters-in-law. The day was perfect: Olivia is a generous and inspirational artist and tutor, and it was wonderful to be immersed in printmaking, surrounded by like-minded people, in such a beautiful setting. Thank you for a magnificent experience. I would quite happily do this every month - there's an idea, Olivia? (cue: cheesy grin)."

22 Apr 19'

Duncan Cameron reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"The lino printmaking course was a thoroughly enjoyable and completely absorbing day. Olivia's relaxed presence and guidance helped to build confidence to the extent that even highly self-critical newcomers like myself were really pleasantly surprised with the results!"

10 Apr 19'

Kate Westcott reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia is a very inspiring teacher and it was wonderful to be able to engross myself in this workshop, supported by her wide and in-depth knowledge, which she very generously shared with all of us."

8 Apr 19'

Sally Hughes reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"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."

7 Apr 19'

Hannah reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"This workshop was everything and more I hoped it would be. I finished the workshop feeling really inspired and eager to do more linocut art. A great day."

7 Apr 19'

Michelle reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"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."

7 Apr 19'

Clare Baker-Smith reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"this was a days course which was educational & fun. Olivia is a great teacher explaining the process clearly & well. Would recommend highly."

29 Mar 19'

Pippa Shennan reviewed: Sculpture at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"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."