Student Testimonials: Plein Air Painting On The Thames with John Myers Summer 2015

Following the highly successful En Plein Air classes along the River Thames lead by  John Myers  the following is what some of participants had to say about their experience of the six Wednesdays course.

En Plein Class along the River Thames with TheESOP

En Plein Class along the River Thames with TheESOP

On how they found John’s teaching

En-Plein-Class-along-the-River-Thames-with-TheESOP-(Bob)“I found just about everything John had to say useful, encouraging, and instructive. I had the feeling that he wanted to leave me to find my own way,  and was reluctant to try to tell me what to do, but preferred to make suggestions and nudge me gently in a direction I would otherwise not have explored. I thought that was, on balance, the best approach…I really felt John was an excellent teacher.” Emeritus Professor Bob Hale

En-Plein-Class-Student-work-in-progress-watercolour-(Bob)“Perfection of course is impossible! He was very good – an excellent mixture of the practical – as he said, painting is a physical activity – and the artistic, historical and philosophical. Very encouraging and insightful. Exactly what I hope for in a tutor but rarely find.” Neil Hargreaves

On how the found the course

“Overall I was pleased to have gone, it was quite tiring but I was quite pleased with what I did and had an enjoyable time. I am thinking of painting something bigger in the studio based on what I have done or  maybe just working on the pictures a bit more at home. That might have been an interesting thing to discuss, how to do more at home based on the images. We could have gone further/deeper with the group crits I think but also as we didn’t know each other and time was a bit pressing its perhaps a bit much to expect.  I did enjoy being in the group and seeing others’ work. Overall pleased with it, thank you.” Harriet Lintott

Pano-of-works-in-progress-En-Plein-Air-course-with-@theesop-and-John-Myers

On the location

“The location gave me a huge amount of scope and all the inspiration I could have wanted from a view of the river Thames and city scape. I thought it was fabulous and will go back to paint there either on another course with John Myers or with friends to paint. I would also recommend this location to any one wanting to paint outside on the Thames. I am really pleased to know this location. En-Plein-Class-Student-work-in-progressThis course met all my expectations. It was excellent, I enjoyed every minute. A whole new world has been opened to me, and best of all I have gained confidence to continue with working outside. I am very pleased that I had this opportunity and what I have learnt.” Keta Bradley

 

About Andrew Wamae

Andrew Wamae is the Director and co-founder of the Essential School of Painting (ESOP). He has a deeply held belief in the power of art to transform lives and society, and a particular interest in exploring new models for art education beyond school; championing the twin ideals of excellence and affordability in a highly pressurised sector when university fees are soaring and student/ tutor contact time is at an all time low. Andrew is particularly keen to ensure that the visual arts continue to be supported and thrive well. A creative, innovative and visionary professional, Andrew, in conjunction with his co-founder Alison Harper, has transformed the Essential School of Painting from humble beginnings to an established institution holding from one-day to year-long courses and workshops for all levels of experience; from beginners to postgraduate and professional artists. He has managed to enlist the support of a long list of celebrated artists from multiple fields in the creative industry to teach or lecture at the school or in their studios.