TESTIMONIALS
I was quick to ditch art at school as soon as I had the chance but as the daughter of an artist I had always been curious to know whether I have inherited any artistic ability and if so, what it might look like. When a flyer came through my letter box advertising art classes for beginners with Will Stevens I decided this was my moment. What I loved about Will’s teaching style was the way he took the mystery out of drawing and encouraged us to simply have a go. I found his down- to- earth approach enabling, supportive and practical. Each lesson began with a brief but inspiring demonstration, a bit of teaching about how the great masters did it, and some practical tips to help us with the new technique of the week. Techniques included pencil, ink, charcoal, acrylic pastel and watercolour. Much to my delight all art materials are included in the price of the course so there was no additional expenditure nor anything to remember to bring along.
I chose my own subject matter from a collection of images pulled from magazines and after several weeks had my first go at a still life. Sitting and concentrating on the task in hand, I could almost feel that a different part of my brain was being exercised and urged into life. Switching off and simply concentrating on what I am trying to achieve in the moment makes me realise that I need more of this in my life.
My partner was genuinely interested in seeing my weekly masterpiece and I gained a sense of satisfaction at turning “can’t” into ”can”. I am suitably inspired to enrol on a further ten-week session. It is the perfect antidote to autumn/winter and long cold dark evenings and at £47 for ten sessions is fantastic value for money.SPARK MAGAZINE REVIEW AUTUMN 2006
Having never been taught art before I have really enjoyed the classes, learning about some of the mysteries of drawing and painting in such a relaxed and informal atmosphere. My friends have been impressed with what I have produced and I look forward to returning at the end of April.
Maria Nicholas
"As with all great teachers, Will's demonstrations made every technique look so easy. But the startling thing was, that following his guidance things did become easier than I'd ever imagined. Whether it was simply copying, drawing freehand or using a wide range of paint materials, he made me realise that I could draw and paint and achieve recognisable and pleasing results. I am delighted that his classes have awakened a creative streak that I was essentially unaware of, with the result that I am now spending hours each week engrossed in my new hobby." Barry Fowler, 58
In my youth I had wanted to be an artist but my family were so hostile to this idea I had to get a proper job – so I became a scientist. My husband found an advert for Will Stevens lessons in Painting and Drawing and encouraged me to go. It has been so incredible going each week to Will’s classes and getting in touch with the old me. Every week we have examined new techniques and learnt new skills. I have come to realize that the way the great masters worked was full of scientific logic, experimentation and painstaking planning. I have learnt so much from Will. It has made me realise how bad my art teachers at school were. They believed in talent as an accident of birth. I now see artistic ability as something everyone has but that needs developing with a good teacher like Will Stevens. Diana Elliot
Thank you for all your help Will we really enjoyed the course. Theresa & Mairead
Happily I found myself among a small group of like-minded people of mixed age and ability.
As well as all the required materials, Will provides expertise, encouragement and boundless enthusiasm for 'giving it a go': this ranges across a variety of techniques and approaches to various media. As well as a short demonstration, each session includes a mini-slideshow explaining how various artists have mastered the challenge. This, coupled with Will's compendious and seemingly effortless expertise, builds up to a real appreciation of 'Art'.
But there is nothing stuffy about our evenings: everybody is inspired 'to give it a try' -sometimes with surprising results, sometimes not -but there is no competition, only friendly encouragement from the group.
I don't normally respond to leaflets through the letterbox and I don't normally write commendations -but as I sign up for my third series of classes, I am so glad that I did the former and am delighted to do the latter! RICHARD FORD, BATH
As a keen and interested 'mature' beginner, I have found the classes pitched at exactly the right level. During each session, Will gives one or more practical demonstrations on each technique and explains some of the pitfalls to avoid and what to notice or aim for. He also provides guidance and encouragement on experimentation and to not be too 'frightened'! The course is excellent value for money as both materials and instruction are included.
Meena Aggarwal
I joined Will’s Paint & Draw course in Cairns Road on Wednesday mornings in January 2008. Although a number of years ago I had been in a painting group for several years elsewhere in Bristol, this is the first time I have had formal teaching in line drawing, using different mediums. I am absolutely delighted with the course, for various reasons. First is Will’s own talent as an artist and as a teacher, second is his friendly and supportive nature, third the fact that he supplies all the materials we need for any lesson, fourth is the instruction itself. Each week he takes us into a different aspect of drawing or painting, or colouring in a succinct and cheerful manner encouraging us to try it for ourselves. He gives confidence and the fact that many in his groups have been coming for years is proof enough of his manner of teaching and skills. Last but not least is the very good value for money of 10 lessons of 2 hours each – and if by any chance you can’t get to a lesson, Will is always willing to fit you into another of his classes at another time. Thank you very much Will, you give me confidence to keep trying to improve any drawing talent I have and strengthen and hone other skills where I am weak (which is in the area of colouring and painting). Jane Bragge, Bristol
Hi Will! I had the good news this morning that I got an overall distinction for my HNC course, and I’ve got a place on the Drawing and Applied Art course at Bower Ashton. Yes! Here’s a few words for your website:-
I found Will Stevens’ courses both stimulating and encouraging. So much so that I decided after a couple of years to do a Foundation Diploma course in fine art, followed by an HNC in fine art. I have now been accepted onto a degree course. Thank you, Will!. JANET ROOME
I didn’t have the opportunity to do art at school and thought that I couldn’t do it. Going to Will’s class is easy - he provides all the materials, gives demonstrations and away you go! You get a chance to try many different mediums and you don’t have to be good! He has given me the confidence to try things out, not worry about making mistakes and have a lot of fun. Now I am thinking of moving on to an art foundation course. Dee Jarlett St Werburghs
A very friendly and enjoyable way to spend a few hours a week. With no pressure to produce masterpieces, you can simply relax and let Will guide you through using a range pf materials to explore your creative side. Karen, Henleaze
Just a quick email to say sorry I cant come tonight to art class as morning sickness has taken its toll, and unfortunately Im on holiday for the last session. …but just say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your lessons and Ive picked up SO many tips, as well as trying things Ive never tried before…my school art teachers were really not encouraging and we could never do A-level art, so its great to have another stab- you do have a good way of explaining things and making it seem possible for anyone (and if its not possible, then HEY! it doesnt matter! Just have a go!) J URQUHART,BRISTOL
I've always had an appreciation of art (in all its forms) and been extremely envious of those able to produce it - something I've felt was definitely beyond my capabilities. But I've just had a confidence boost - I found Will Stevens Art Classes for Beginners! The classes are non-competitive, relaxed and informal, with the emphasis on enjoyment, having fun and just "having a go" rather than pressured to produce brilliance. With Will's encouragement and support and a knowledge of techniques (and with lots and lots of practice!) personal achievement can now be realised! Thank you. PAMELA D BRISTOL
Really enjoyed your classes. E Wright, Bath
Will's classes started me on a new life journey, bringing out a creative element that had been dormant since school. Will's enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. He nurtured and encouraged me in all aspects of art. Will's good teaching gave me the confidence to move onto a Fine Art Foundation course and now work towards a Fine Art Degree. Karen H Bristol
I'm so glad I can rejoin the class--not only are you so helpful but it is also very therapeutic!! Barbara K, Bath
This course demystified a lot of things for me, as well as teaching tecdhniques employed by artists over history. I learnt more about drawing to scale and shading, as well as more about painting than I learnt as GCSE years ago!Emma Wiles
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