Reviews for The Phoenix Studio

I would highly recommend the Wire & Mixed Media Sculpture course and the Clay Animals course to anyone. It is quite amazing what everyone is able to produce in a relatively short period of time - with the expert help of the course tutor. One can only hope a little of James' skill rubs off !

I loved this wire sculpture course. James was an excellent teacher- very encouraging and positive and above all accommodating of each person's ideas however challenging ! His teaching was all delivered in a relaxed and warm environment that tea and cake contributed to .Margie Harris.

First time at Phoenix Studio and first time on one of Jake's classes. Had a great day as Jake is an excellent and inspiring teacher and Katie was a great model. Couldn't believe how much work we produced in the day but learned a lot and looking forward very much to the 2 day portrait course in May. The studio and facilities are perfect too. Thanks to all!

The Phoenix Studio is a super, well equipped, light and very friendly location and Jake Spicer was absolutely excellent, a relaxed, knowledgeable and outstanding teacher. I cannot recommend both highly enough. Model Katie was very professional and friendly, the best model I have observed. She struck really interesting poses. This course was a Christmas present to me and it exceeded my expectations. I will be back and don't hesitate to give it 5* and highly recommended.

Please pass on rather belated thanks from my daughter and myself to Karin for a hugely enjoyable clay portrait weekend. As the only complete novices, having never picked up a lump of clay - other than in the garden - we were feeling rather out of our depth on arrival but we quickly felt completely at ease, had plenty of help and advice, a lovely model and the whole two days flew by at incredible speed - far too fast, in fact. We look forward to collecting our 'masterpieces'!

I enjoyed the weekend immensely there was such a pleasant atmosphere and i am very pleased with the outcome. I was struggling to make a face that didn’t look like voldermort’s sister. I have now created a near likeness to the model and will be able to make a presentable face on any new sculptures that i make. Course worth every penny!

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.