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I have been on three courses so far and hope to book another for next year so that must tell you how much I enjoy it ...
The course is in a very relaxing surroundings and you are made to feel so very welcome.
Not being that experienced in clay modelling I just wanted to find something for me. To get away once in a while to spend the time with my own thoughts . To do this gives me that space, I relax and do my clay and my mind clears , I just love it.
James is such a wonderful teacher, kind and considerate, as is his mother who has tutored me too.
Highly recommended trying a course to anyone .
Deborah Jones - - #26396
Response from The Phoenix Studio:
Ahhh what a lovely lovely review, thanks Deborah! Im so glad that we can help provide you with a nice environment to loose yourself in your thoughts and creativity. Yes please to you coming on more courses!I went on my first art course at The Phoenix studio a few weeks ago. I loved it. The tutor was gently encouraging with her advise, and I learnt a lot about various techniques. The studio was beautiful - light and spacious, and fully equipped with everything anyone should need! It was a lovely learning environment. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was also a nice touch to have a shared table for lunch, and even some homemade cake. Im sure i’ll be returning at some point. Thank you to all involved!
James Ort - - #25738
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'!
Barbara Berriman - - #25739
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!
Jacky White - - #25742
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.
Anon - - #24818
Highly recommend this course, the surroundings are so relaxing, James and Alison are inspiring, and the clay animals you produce are almost unbelievable, your confidence just grows.
It's a full on day, with lots of fun, a great lunch break where you get to know fellow students, it beats any courses I've been on.
I'm looking forward to having more fun, learning new skills, and immersing myself in producing amazing animals in such a caring environment.
I'm looking forward to doing more at the Phoenix Studio, what a place.
Elaine - - #24747
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.
PAM ESSEEN - - #24731
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.
Steph Hudson - - #24740
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
Mrs Annette Smyth - - #24733
I am writing to thank you for putting on the ‘Drawing the Circus’ event at the Phoenix Studios in Towersey this summer. It was a magical experience and a visual feast. Professional models in wonderful costumes and imaginative sets. The musicians, the Ring Master- teacher/model and the organisation in general was done with competence and friendliness. I was very impressed. It was really special and I found it so inspiring. The memory will be with me for a long time. Thank you so much. If you do decide to repeat the event I would love to be involved again.
Vivian Wichel - - #24098
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.
Phil Reuben - - #24068
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!
Sue Granshaw - - #23995
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.
Patricia Lynch - - #23715
What a fantastic day! Relaxing, inspiring and exciting. Thank you so much for a brilliant day.
Barbara Pearman - - #23716
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!
Carol Harris - - #23713
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.
Adriana - - #23714
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.
Helen Wilson - - #23681
My daughter and I took part in the drawing circus for the first time this year and despite the searing heat it was the most amazing day! The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, the other participants were friendly and there was an air of excitement and an artistic buzz. The models were professional and yet not intimidating.
This was my daughter's first attempt at life drawing and she is now hooked. The master classes with Jake Spicer were really helpful. We came home with a pocket full of drawings and a desire to find a regular spot to be able to develop our skills.
Looking forward to being able to participate in further workshops at the Phoenix studio.
Sally Lloyd - - #23336
Thank you for such an informative, hands-on free motion sewing course in the beautiful serene setting of Phoenix Studios in Oxfordshire. I was a complete novice and was made to feel relaxed and welcome, in spite of a personal lack of confidence.
The course emphasised some drawing techniques to apply to your stitched piece. I liked the chance to experiment to music, to learn from each other and to have some individual help when needed. I learnt so much and was amazed at what could be done in such a short time.
Harriet is a warm, kind teacher with a natural passion for her unique work which enthuses out of her. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and for me an extra treat to be a part of the whole Phoenix Studios experience. James Ort himself sat down and tried his hand at the stitching course which was a compliment in itself. Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It was a real privilege to attend.
Katie Smith - - #22888
I have been a fan of Harriet's since she embroidered my portrait as part of the affordable art fair in Bristol a few years back, and was fascinated by her technique. It was such a huge privilege to be able to learn from her at the Phoenix studio.
Harriet's teaching method is fun and relaxed and I loved the way we began with drawing without looking and the free embroidery to music.
James Ort the studio manager created a fabulous atmosphere of inclusivity, regardless of experience.
This weekend has been my favourite of 2019 lovely people & a great learning experience ! Highly recommend this little Oxfordshire treasure.
Rachel Smith - - #22847