Reviews for The Phoenix Studio

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.

Such an enjoyable weekend! I arrived, total beginner and completely intimidated by the prospect of a life modelling weekend, and was quickly put at ease and enabled to get on with it with advice and support when needed. I've come away feeling proud of what I have done and learnt and can't wait to come back for another course. Many thanks Karin!

A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created.

A very enjoyable weekend with excellent tuition in a very pleasant environment. The course is extremely good value and the major surprise is just how good a head you have created.

I really enjoyed the course, it was so refreshing and therapeutic after spending so much of my time looking after my 2 children. I have done one or two short courses in the past but none like this one, I love the more free technique and this was the first time I'd actually ever seen a kiln! They're usually hidden and locked away so it was good to see especially as firing is quite an important part of the process.

Had a wonderful time over the last weekend! Thank God that James and Alison were there! Sooooo helpfull. Lots of nice people and a good rapport. Good luck in the future :-)