Reviews for The Phoenix Studio

Unbelievable that my first Portrait workshop was at this amazingly creative and peaceful centre. And more impressive, I was able to draw many portraits in a relaxed and comfortable way. Jake, the artist, was able to develop and extend my skill with much ease. Manko, the model, was superb with her striking poses which were held still as we drew with the most apt background music. The whole centre operated with much ease, love and creativity. Thank you.
Anon.

I've been to many portrait courses and this one superseded them all :)
Jake was an excellent tutor. The course was well constructed and I picked up lots of useful tips. Our model - Manko - was the best I have worked from. Not only was she beautiful and very interesting to draw - she held poses and returned to poses with great accuracy. I would recommend this course to beginners or more practised artists.

Had a really fun and informative day. Towersay is a great venue and always friendly and welcoming. Jake is an excellent teacher and explains every step well, his personality enthuses his students and l think we all looked at drawing from a new angle and Mike is a great model.

Wow
An amazing weekend with James and Alison from start to finish. Fantastic studio with plenty of space. Help and advice always available when needed. Great outdoor space for lunch with the chickens 😁
James and Alison gently encourage and lead you into creating your best work.
Can’t wait to come back again.
Ax

This is my second course with James. My first was the amazing animal clay course and this one was the wire mixed media course. Initially a frightening prospect but once James starts to explain and then to be at your side with advice and help it starts to come together. The final results were splendid and everybody enjoyed themselves and most of us will continue to use wire as a medium.

I was completely new to painting portraits and to using oils. I learnt so much from Oli. He has a professional but gentle teaching style that not only conveys techniques and method but inspires confidence. I was particularly challenged by Oli’s use of background patterns and feel inspired to develop my own work. Thank you, Oli!

Just a little note to say thanks for organising such a wonderful drawing day yesterday - I know how much work it is to organise these things so everything goes smoothly for everyone and you did a great job - the wonderful models, the sets, the live music and Jake's short tutorials all added up to a very inspiring day.

What a fantastic day! Relaxing, inspiring and exciting. Thank you so much for a brilliant day.

I really enjoyed my Saturday at the Circus. What a fantastic set up with such lovely models in a beautiful setting. Thank you to the Drawing Circus team, and James for making it happen. I loved it!

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising and hosting the drawing circus this weekend. It was absolutely fantastic and my daughter loved it. A very special experience.

What a wonderful summer’s day experience…quite out of this world. Excellent tuition and such professional and committed models who stoically melted in the heat for us! A very special art day.

Harriet is a lovely person and a good teacher. She provides guidance but ensures participants develop their own ideas. And her technique is fascinating and highly original. I loved the whole weekend. Phoenix Studios is a great learning space in a serene and rural location. James Ort (and his Mum) have created a wonderful learning space and having him participate in the class was a pleasure as well. I highly recommend both this venue and Harriet as a teacher. What a wonderful weekend it was!

What a fantastic course. I just loved it. Karin was a brilliant teacher, very helpful and patient! Never having done anything like this before, I was rather apprehensive but what a wonderful 2 days it turned out to be. It has inspired me to try more sculpting. I met some lovely people on the course too. I would not hesitate to recommend this course, and the Phoenix Studio in general. What a fabulous place - just wish I lived closer so I could attend more of their courses.

What a superb course. Entire absorption - everything thought through and provided. Karin explained and guided us all through, making sure no one was missed out, perceiving our attempts, alongside us all the way. The model was perfect, a difficult pose was kept all the way. If you have not been before, go - you will not regret the life skill you have gained, the kind nurturing place and people. Indulge all of you as soon as you can.