Judith
Judith is a regular at Long House Studios, having been on three courses since October, with another place booked for the spring. We must be doing something right! Here she reflects on her experience of the Friday short courses.
Based near Ulverston, on the Furness Peninsula, Judith describes herself as a keen amateur artist. She has previously attended an art/ craft group and 3 formal courses including Ink & Charcoal outdoors and Acrylics (landscape, abstract and florals).
I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions...
What appealed to you about the course?
So far I have done two courses; Into the Wild! and Loving Colour!
The first one appealed to me because it promised working outdoors in all weathers, which I love!
Loving Colour! attracted me because of spending full days to immerse myself in learning about colour theory and also the cognitive side of learning about artists and their impact and influence on style.
I was attracted by the structured content and outcomes and the interesting & inspiring aims and content of the course.
Which aspect of the course did you most enjoy/learn from?
Your artistic skills and natural talent at teaching enables people to develop in a happy, confident, supported environment in which they felt free to produce in their own style without having a sense of the outcome being wrong.
The location and the natural environment for Into the Wild
Art 'History and Theory' & eclectic work during 'Loving Colour'
Is there anything that surprised you about the course?
The extent to which I have been inspired to widen my (very poor) knowledge of artists, artistic styles and art history.
The extent and depth of my learning and confidence in such a relatively short time.
My shift in focus from being an amateur artist enjoying doodling for leisure to having an aim of creating a collection to exhibit (no idea when, where or how!)
Fridays are addictive!
What are the benefits of learning in a small group in a new place?
The quality and quantity of support from you.
The quality of peer support.
More personal
Studio set up and access to the outdoors.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of coming on a course at Long House Studios?
You have no idea what you are missing! It's South Cumbria's best kept artistic secret!
Jane
Jane came on a 'Walk and Draw' week last August. It turned out to be one of the wettest weeks of the summer! But, undeterred we were out every day, walking up onto the fells on the day that the sun came out, and wandering through the lanes and woods of the valleys on the wettest days, trusty umbrellas at the ready!
Jane comes from Hexham and she stayed the week at Maggs Howe Bed and Breakfast, in Kentmere. She describes herself as having 'done a bit of dabbling with watercolour and since Jan 1st 2024, a sketch a day plus some. I hated the art teacher at school (50 years ago!) who made me believe I couldn’t draw, which had turned out to be twaddle!'
Here she answers my questions...
What appealed to you about the course?
•I did “Walk and Draw” and loved the idea of the two combined in such a beautiful place.
Which aspect of the course did you most enjoy/learn from?
I particularly enjoyed sitting down with a huge piece of paper and some charcoal for an hour or so and getting really stuck in.
I was astonished by how much I achieved with the encouragement of a sympathetic ,experienced and highly talented teacher!
And we went out under umbrellas too which made the paper drippy and interesting! I learned a lot by looking at the way the other artists dealt with similar subjects.
What are the benefits of learning in a small group in a new place?
Being in a small group means there is time to sort out any difficulties you may be having.
The other artists result in plenty of chat, support and fun.
Being away from one’s own home patch means everything you see is fresh and exciting.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a course at Long House Studios?
I would encourage anyone to enrol on a Long House Studio course whatever your experience!
Tom
Tom came on the Landscape Week last June. He comes from London and describes himself as a 'complete beginner, from a family of artists, the only one not to even do art GCSE!' ( He has it in the blood though...) He stayed in Tricia's lovely Shepherd's Hut with his girlfriend who spent the week walking and writing.
What appealed to you about the course?
My girlfriend wanted to spend a week writing, so we started by planning where to go. The Lake District is one of our favourite places and we had walked the Kentmere Horseshoe before, so knew how beautiful it is here. I have always wanted to dip my toe in making some art, which was very much part of my life when I was growing up, but I have always been a bit anxious about having a go. The combination of being in Kentmere, the small groups, the experienced teaching and what looked like an inspiring course all persuaded me!
Which aspect of the course did you most enjoy/learn from?
I was absolutely amazed how quickly I relaxed and enjoyed trying so many different media and approaches to landscape drawing. Louise was excellent at breaking new experiences down into manageable chunks. By the end of the week I was happy to spend two hours on a large drawing.
I especially enjoyed working with ink, but everything was great.
Is there anything that surprised you about the course?
I was surprised by how quickly I improved
I didn't expect to become obsessed with noticing how the light falls on the walls and branches. It has changed the way I see!
Drawing is such an incredible experience. You completely switch off from all external stresses and strains. It is like active meditation.
Who knew you could draw with a brush attached to a long stick!
What are the benefits of learning in a small group in a new place?
The place is endlessly inspiring to draw. Everything looks amazing, and drawing makes you look and appreciate it even more.
Being in a small friendly group is fun and there's lots of time to get to know each other and learn from each other.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a course at Long House Studios?
Definitely, go for it. This has been one of the best weeks. I have learnt so much and feel that I have broken down resistance to something which I am sure I will love doing for the rest of my life!
Amanda
Amanda describes herself as a keen Hobbyist. She lives in Kendal and has been on two short courses on Fridays. Into the Wild! and Loving Colour!
What appealed to you about the courses you chose?
The subject matter, location and tutor's
experience
Which aspect of the course did you most enjoy/learn from?
Into the Wild - painting en plein air which I had never tried before and I loved.
Loving Colour - trying all different styles of painting, albeit ‘trying’ being the operative word!
Is there anything that surprised you about the course?
Not about the courses per say, more about myself. What I thought I might not like/enjoy, I actually did.
What are the benefits of learning in a small group in a new place?
It’s easier to get to know fellow students if it’s a smaller group and feels more intimate and familiar, creating a more relaxed environment to be creative in.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of coming on a course at Long House Studios?
Go! You won’t regret it. Turn up with an open mind and no preconceived expectations and let loose your inner artist!
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