Sarah Colgate reviews

Tracey reviewed: Watercolour for improvers; developing further skills

"This is the fourth course I have done with Sarah and it has been as excellent as all the others. I now feel confident in tackling a wide range of subjects and techniques. Through the very clear instructions, given both in written sheets with photos and links to YouTube videos, I have continued to learnt new techniques through a range of interesting subjects. Although I could not imagine achieving many of the subjects and techniques this course covers, the very carefully designed steps that Sarah provided together with her detailed and encouraging feedback, have helped me achieve each one. In particular I thought painting people would be extremely difficult but I found I enjoyed this subject and have chosen to add people in more pictures. I have also enjoyed using paint and pen which has added a new dimension to pictures and I have the confidence to explore this further. Through my work with Sarah, I now have skills in watercolour painting that provide me with an activity that is relaxing, enjoyable and very rewarding. A huge thank you to Sarah. I very highly recommend this course. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you very much, Tracey, for your review. It is great to hear how much you have enjoyed and found useful the four watercolour courses and as a consequence now feel confident in your skills to continue on your own. Also nice to know how rewarding painting has become for you as an activity. All the best, Sarah "

Tracey Wilson reviewed: Watercolour for Improvers by Sarah Colgate

"I completed this course in November ‘23 and I highly recommend it. This is the second course I have done with Sarah and I have signed up for a third. Sarah’s style of teaching is clear with manageable steps. She gives detailed feedback on your work which is always constructive, informative and supportive. I am amazed how much I have learnt. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Tracey for your review. I am glad you have learnt a lot from the Improver’s watercolour course. You have definitely developed your confidence and skills in painting this term. Also great to hear how helpful the feedback is. I am very much looking forward to working with you again in January ’25. Sarah "

Tracey reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"This course is absolutely brilliant! As a complete beginner Sarah’s written information sheets together with great videos carefully guided me through manageable steps that built my knowledge, skills and confidence. The exercises are really interesting, using a variety of subjects and as the course progresses you are able to use skills learnt as you learn new ones. I have learnt so much, e.g colour mixing, colour strength, washes, brush techniques, textures and distance and perspective. I could not have imagined how much I would learn. Sarah has a lovely calm manner in her videos. She clearly puts much time and thought into giving helpful and supportive feedback on your work. This has added something special to my life. I highly recommend this course. I have already registered for Sarah’s improvers course in September which I am excited about. Thank you Sarah. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Tracey, for your review. I am glad you feel that you have developed skills and confidence (which I can see you have) in watercolour painting and liked the variety of subjects and techniques. Also finding the feedback on work useful. It’s excellent to hear that painting has become something special to you. I very much look forward to working with you again in September on the Improvers course. Sarah "

Pip Carr reviewed: Watercolour for improvers; developing further skills

"I have done several courses with Sarah and each one has been excellent, including this one. The lessons are very well structured, with a printable handout with instructions and also comprehensive You Tube videos, where Sarah shows you exactly step by step how to approach the technique she is teaching. She provides detailed, constructive and encouraging feedback on your paintings. This course included lessons on pen and wash techniques which I particularly enjoyed learning and which has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I cannot recommend Sarah and her courses highly enough."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Pip, for your review. I am glad you enjoyed this course and found the course materials and feedback useful throughout all the watercolour courses. Great to hear that you found the pen and wash sessions inspiring and a subject you can explore further. Sarah"

Ann Glover reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I really recommend this course if you want to start painting with watercolour. Sarah has constructed a course which is well paced, and has plenty of content. Both the written information and the videos are easy to follow, and the feedback from Sarah is comprehensive and encouraging. I've learned so much and made considerable progress - I'm signing up for the intermediate course. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Ann, for your review. It is good to know that you found the course materials and feedback effective, helping you to successfully progress in watercolour painting. I look forward to working with you on the next course. Sarah"

DW reviewed: Pen and Wash course of 10 sessions by Sarah Colgate

"Really enjoyed the first session and although I'd done Pen & Wash before I still learnt loads. Highly recommend. "

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am glad you are developing and learning new skills in Pen and Wash. Sarah "

Pip Carr reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"This beginners watercolour course was excellent. Very detailed written instructions and very clear and methodical videos demonstrating the methods. A lot of thought has been given to ensure that someone new to watercolour has all the information and knowledge they need to get going. The lessons built on each other well, reinforcing the techniques at each stage. Sarah provided very comprehensive and constructive feedback, ensuring I could improve and build on what I had produced. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I will be going on to do the Intermediate course later in the year."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you Pip, for your review. I am glad you were able to develop and build up your skills as you progressed through the course and found the course materials and feedback effective. I look forward to working with you again in September. Sarah "

Eileen F. J. reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I had such a grand time following the beginner's Art Course, learning about different techniques and some I have never done before. It explains everything! I have really enjoyed the exercises, Sarah demonstrates clearly in her video U-tube which I have followed very carefully, able to pause when I needed to, rewind and watch again during my painting exercises. Sarah's feedbacks have been extremely helpful, giving solutions and advice along with encouragement and a "well done" which has given me confidence. I have put together a folder with the written instructions and including my weekly paintings so that I can refer back as I continue my journey into improving my Art! My family have shown a great interest in looking through my attempts at watercolours!! I highly recommend this course to those who have shown interest in painting but not sure where to start. Thank you Sarah!!"

Jo Russell reviewed: Watercolour for Improvers by Sarah Colgate

"I have really enjoyed my watercolour course with Sarah. She explains each step so clearly with hand outs and youtube videos. You can paint in real time with her and this helps when you are a beginner trying to assess how much water/paint to put on the brush. My painting has improved hugely. Her feedback on everything I send her is timely and very positive with lots of helpful tips. My confidence is growing and growing. I can't wait for each tutorial to arrive each week! Would thoroughly recommend."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Jo for your review. I am glad you are enjoying the watercolour course and finding the course materials and feedback useful for developing your watercolour skills and confidence. Sarah"

Liz Gale reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"Sarah's course was easy to follow. The Youtube demonstrations were very useful and it was good to have the paper copy too. I have learnt some useful tips and have really enjoyed doing it in Lockdown. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to try water colour painting."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Liz for your review. I am glad you enjoyed the course and found the course materials useful. Sarah"

Julia Lyle reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I found this course inspiring! Sarah has a very calm and organised way of presenting the techniques and the handouts and videos are excellent. She gave me really helpful feedback and built my confidence when I was getting frustrated and impatient with myself! I would highly recommend."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Julia for your review. I am glad you found the course inspiring and that you were able to develop your skills and confidence through the course materials and feedback. Sarah"

Howard Newby reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I cannot recommend this course too highly. It has been absolutely brilliant. I was a complete novice when I began and so was a little apprehensive, but Sarah’s learning materials are first rate and her feedback is always constructive and supportive. I now have the appetite to carry this on to the next level and, thanks to Sarah’s outstanding teaching skills, I have discovered a fulfilling new hobby."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Howard for your review. Lovely to know that you are enjoying the course and it’s great to know it is developing into a fulfilling hobby. Sarah"

Keith reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I am enjoying this course very much. I have wanted to have a go at painting but never had the time when I was working. About 18 months ago we went to my sister’s in France. She has an artist friend who has informal painting afternoons, we went to one, did a painting with his guidance and I got the bug! Now with your course I am learning a lot of the grassroots of ‘Watercolour “ painting, e.g. Graduation of colours, complimentary colour, graded and variegated washes. I know it is probably obvious but the first lesson of the colour chart is a great idea of seeing exactly what the different colours look like on paper and of course, their names. I am looking forward to completing the rest of the course"

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Keith for your review. I am glad you are enjoying the course and learning the basics of watercolour painting. It is good to know what you found particularly useful. Thank you. Sarah"

Sue Campling reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"Ideal as a complete beginner as I‘m learning a lot about colour, mixing, washes etc with a couple of exercises to complete each week building on what I have learnt"

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Sue for your review. Glad to know that you are finding this course useful. Sarah"