The Phoenix Studio reviews

Karen George reviewed: Abstract stone carving course with Mark Stonestreet

"Such an amazing few days .. post COVID the studio is clean, safe, well equipped and thought out to make you feel totally safe and at ease. The tuition from Mark was fantastic and he ensured that everyone was made to feel comfortable and confident that they could achieve their initial ideas although none of us had attempted working in this medium before. Mark was always on hand to give support, advice and encouragement and with his help everyone on the course was overjoyed at what they achieved after just three days and I will definitely be booking on another course at the Phoenix studio as soon as I am able!"

Gill Naylor reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"A most wonderful two days sculpting clay animals. I've never left so revived and revitalised. I can't wait to try this at home. Thank you so much."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks for the feedback Gillian! I think we all needed that course after a pretty hellish year x"

Denise Barlow reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Really enjoyed the modelling tutoring given by James and Alison and a chance to create my own pieces over the 2 day course. Such a lot to get done in the two days and felt a little rushed to complete two pieces in the time allotted . Looking forward to glazing the figures to bring them to life if they make it through the first kiln firing. Thank you to James and Alison for their help and guidance on the course."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks Denise, we got there in the end and you did great, especially given the covid situation we had to cope with! See you both soon for glazing! x"

Belinda Dent reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Fantastic two days of food for my soul in wonderful surroundings and friendly, approachable and helpful teaching. Really loved it."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks Belinda! It was a lovely course and nice respite from all the covid madness! x"

Aynsley reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"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 !"

Margaret Harris reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"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."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Hey Margie, Ahhh thanks for the lovely review. It makes all the hard work worth it knowing that my students have a great time and go on to produce stunning pieces. Uncle Ben the giraffe was ace, just like his creator! x"

Jo Nicolson reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"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 responded:

"Ahhh thanks for such a lovely review Jo! Much appreciated. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time here. Do come back soon x"

Avril Bishop reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"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."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks for the glowing review Avril! It was lovely to have you come join us and we hope to see you again soon. Keep on drawing too! James x"

Deborah Jones reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"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 ."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"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!"

Jacky White reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"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!"

Barbara Berriman reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"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'!"

James Ort reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"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!"

Anon reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"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."

Elaine reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"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."

Steph Hudson reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"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."

Mrs Annette Smyth reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"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"

PAM ESSEEN reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"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."

Vivian Wichel reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"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."

Phil Reuben reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"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."

Sue Granshaw reviewed: The Expressive Portrait with Oliver Bedeman, 10/11 August

"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!"

Barbara Pearman reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

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

Patricia Lynch reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"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."

Adriana reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"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."

Carol Harris reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"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!"

Helen Wilson reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"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."