Tutors

We have some excellent tutors who are kind enough to give us their valuable expertise for a heavily reduced fee (and in some cases, gratis) which is one of the reasons we are able to keep the price as low as it is.  We aim to provide decent tuition because we take our art seriously, with a healthy dose of humour and in a leisurely atmosphere - no pressure here - but we'd really like for you to learn how to enhance your skills, learn new ones and produce pieces of art that you can be proud to show your families and friends - as well as enjoy yourself, of course!

Stella Brookes is a successful artist and a gifted tutor who has been with us from the beginning.  Sadly over the past few years she's been unable to be with us, partly exploring areas of Britain and painting, then exhibiting her work.  She is now able to return to our lovely group and share some of her new discoveries in art - we are always learning, even those who have been selling their own works of art for a long time.  Stella's style is funny and warm, she is clear and assuring, encouraging us to get stuck in (literally at times!).  We are delighted that she is re-joining our wonderful team of tutors and hope that you'll learn lots from her and feel more and more confident as the year goes on. 

Stephanie Glenn Morris has been with us for several years now, and is such a popular tutor. Stephanie brings her gentle, but confident skills in chinese painting style to our group, with  amazing results, so great that most of us are able to produce at least one piece of finished work within the two hour slot - and a highly creditable one at that!  Stephanie has a deep understanding of what it is like to live with health issues, and that really shows in her warm personality and teaching style.  She also runs regular workshops through Created by Hand (Chilwell's Creative Corner), and demonstrations at Attenborough Nature Reserve.

Oliver Lovley is the Artist-in-Residence at The Malt Cross in Nottingham and regularly runs teaching sessions there and exhibitions.  You'll often find him painting the building and people.  He's an artist who makes his own paints from beetroot leaves, coffee, and other house-hold items.  His style is changing and growing, which is very exciting to see.  We learn a lot from his wealth of experience, experimentation and laid back style. It enables and encourages those of us with less experience to know that having a go is the most important step to becoming an artist.  It helps take away that white-sheet blindness that so often scares us into starting a piece of work. Ollie sels his work in Mish Mash and at good craft events around the country.

Emma Owen is an accomplished artist and has a lively, vital approach to both her work and teaching.  She has a degree in art and teaching, so is well suited to working with us.  We've tried a range of media with Emma, even branching out into glass painting, which was a smashing success (get it?! ;) ).  She also runs glass workshops at her home, so if anyone is interested, do get in touch.  Do check out her website which is full of information about availability and also about the wonderful work Emma and her husband do with a charity in Eastern Europe.

Dawn Feeney has recently joined our group and has become a fast favourite.  She's a gifted painter herself, and runs workshops and sells her silversmithing art work at good craft events.  She also sells that and her copper pictures through shops in Sherwood and Chilwell.  With us, she uses fine copper sheets to create colourful, embossed artistic creations.  Check out her home page for more information on where you can buy her gorgeous jewellery and more.
 

Caroline Balfour is also the chair of our group and has been painting for over 20 years (not the same piece, you understand).  When we don't have a tutor, Caroline is often able to help us scale new heights of achievement.  She encourages us and shows us tricks of the artist's trade to compose and structure our work.  She has flair and elan and is ready with a kind word and a useful tip to get us on the right track when we feel like we've wandered far, far away!

Veronica Boorman will be sadly missed.  R.I.P. Veronica, love, NB.

All of our tutors are considerate, talented and supportive, that's not to say they won't offer constructive criticism if it will help, but each of them highly values the effort it takes most of us to get to the meetings, never mind create a piece of art work, and are a great encouragement to us all.