Alison Harper: Art Consultant for the BBC’s primetime art show The Big Painting Challenge and The Founder and Artistic Director of The Essential School of Painting
“The course is beautifully structured and presented.
On the first day we were given a course plan with week by week breakdown. We have had excellent hand-outs that were not simply photocopies from text books, but pieces written by Alison. I felt her session on the Colour Wheel and Colour Harmony was one of the most illuminating I have experienced. Having attended many visual art courses over the past seven years, I feel privileged to have worked with some wonderful teachers/artists. Alison I regard as one of the best. This is just to let you know how much we value Alison’s knowledge, teaching and personality”
Student’s first exhibition
“Guess what? I’m going to have an exhibition at Gallery Café in January. I painted all summer after your wonderful course –you really gave me a big kick start. Thanks so much … your course was brilliant!” Anna Tareshvari Robinson
The impact you’ve had on my life
Body and Movement: Study charcoal and crayon by Alison Harper
“I always meant to thank you. The last time we met – more than twenty years ago – I was still reeling from my Art School experience and had given up on art, more or less, completely. When I met you in the street your parting words were, ‘Don’t let them take away something from you that you love. Re-claim it for yourself. It was once really important to you and it could be again, but just for you, you don’t have to show you just have to create’. I can’t tell you the impact that conversation had on my life. I thank you, Alison – long overdue. I do hope you have had a good life. I have.” Kenny Little
Structure and well thought out
It was very structured and well though out. Alison tailored it to ability and covered a lot of ground. It was better than I expected, covering areas I have never been taught in other life classes.”
“Alison deconstructed drawing and observation so that we could improve our skills. I liked the exercises- building knowledge with simple tools.”
A wonderful inspiring teacher
Lucy Smith Expressive Portrait Drawing
“Absolutely fabulous and inspiring teaching. Broad ideas, supportive and enthusiastic teacher!! Many different approaches brought together in very good planned days- lots of demos and very inclusive atmosphere.”
“Clear explanations and demos. Lovely, encouraging way of teaching. Covered a lot of ground. Course was better than I imagined. I learnt a lot and feel stimulated to take forward skills learned.”
“Alison is a wonderful teacher. Clear explanations, lots of enthusiasm, very encouraging. Course was different from what I expected, no still lives – fantastic!!”