1. Are the courses suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, they are. We have a Beginners/STARTER course - click where Caroline paints with you, showing you compositon, brush control, technique, focal point, tonal values etc. Everything you need to know to start painting. We call this STAGE 1

1a. I am more advanced than a complete beginner but would like to learn some professional painting. What can you do for me?

We have a GET CREATIVE course - click We call this STAGE 2 where you are given a professional approach to painting. Most students who have been painting for years say this course has given them a huge insight and professional approach they did not know.

!This weekend was different, we were thoroughly spoilt with the best of everything. I've never been on such a good course. Feel as if I've crammed whole degree in one weekend! Thanks Caroline. I will be back!! Brian

1b. I want to learn oil painting.

Yes, we have an oil painting course click

1c. I have been painting for some time but am interested to learn more. Is there anything for me?

Yes, we have a course for more advanced students click THIS IS ALSO STAGE 3

1d. I want to paint in watercolour.

Yes, we have watercolour courses - click

1e. I would just like some time painting as a holiday/weekend break

Our courses are relaxed & educational but fun. Caroline is the most relaxed Professional Artist and wants you to have fun and enjoyment on the courses. She provides a great environment, the best materials and as much teaching as you require. She pays her attention to YOU and if you just want some relaxation with painting, that's what you can have. YOU control the pace and Caroline will just adapt to your requirements.

1f I want a painting holiday overseas

Yes, every June, we go away with a group, to their collective choice of destination (last year 2007 - it was Alonissos, Greece, the year before France) Caroline organises everything and is usually accompanied with another Professional Artist from the Studio - these weeks are usually fantastic fun but educational too. Tel: 0118 9724502 to join the group going on an 'Overseas' adventure. This year (2008) The Overseas Painting Week is now full - we are off to Lanquedoc - South of France. Painting on location in the morning and in the Studio in the afternoon. Look out for the blog when we get back!

1g. I want to paint 'on location' I mean I want to paint outside, in the countryside '

Yes, on most courses we go on location to the glorious countryside surrounding the Studio. (subject to the weather!) Caroline learnt painting at one of the best art schools and following the best masters, including Turner, she made tonal value sketches on location, then created her paintings from her working drawings. You will be able to do the same on the courses.

1h I am a student doing my 'A' Levels. I would like some motivation and some help with techniques. Can you help?

Yes, we have a lot of students doing their 'A' levels and portfolios for Art School. We even have undergraduates at Art school wanting to learn techniques. Caroline is very encouraging of young artists and will usually send them off with brushes and canvases to encourage their development. look here - click

1i. Why are you different from other art course providers?

We offer painting in a Professional Art Studio, with the best art materials and teaching from one of the most successful Professional Artists- click We DO NOT DO PRESCRIPTIVE COURSES but personal attention with emphasis on YOUR personal development. All of our courses are created by ourselves and offer everything you need to start painting professionally. Caroline does not 'just go through the 'motions' but really concentrates on your personal development.

"You really are an excellent teacher...allowing each member in the group to develop individual style,  sharing your time equally between all of us ( no favourites, very important!) In fact, you were really like some kind of super painting angel flitting between us all  offering advice and making suggestions, lifting flagging spirits as we all wrestled with this desire to create ! Thank you so much !" Rose - June 2007

2a. I want a 'special weekend' because we're celebrating something special.

We have a 'Celebrate Weekend' click

2b. I'm a bit scared about turning up by myself

Don't be! You are with like minded people who all just want to paint. No-one criticises and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Caroline is the nicest, friendliest, experienced artist you could have and the courses are so wonderfully crafted that you have no need to feel tense or worried!

Joan said
I was feeling excited but scared when I arrived, in fact I sat in the car for ten minutes! As soon as you walk into the Studio you feel OK. Caroline is there with a big smile and welcome - then you get a cup of tea or coffee or water (even wine!) and meet everyone else - it was great. Loved it, can't recommend it enough. Thanks to Alex as well for the help and endless cups of tea!

3. I am a Professional Artist - but I'm a bit 'lost'. Can you help?

We certainly can - the courses cover so much that you will go away inspired and exhilarated and have learnt things you never knew before - so we've been told! Most people say they've learnt more from us in 2 hours than 1 year at art college or evening school

Brian said:
!This weekend was different, we were thoroughly spoilt with the best of everything. I've never been on such a good course. Feel as if I've crammed whole degree in one weekend! Thanks Caroline. I will be back!!

and Grace said:
;I arrived at the studio totally clueless and I've come away with so much knowledge. In just 2 days, its quite unbelievable but I am very keen to learn more. I now look at paintings in a totally different way and I have joined the arts club at work'

4. Do I have to bring anything?

Nothing except a picture/photograph or some drawings you may want to copy. Except the Beginners STARTER course where everything is very easy and simple for you. Look at the programmes - click

5. What do I wear?

6. Do you provide painting overalls?

7. Do I take all my paintings home?

8. If I've come by train or the paintings are too large for my car - what happens then. How do I get my paintings?

We courier them to you. The largest size canvas we use on a Painting Day or weekend is 100cm - that usually fits in your car but if it doesn't, Annabel will arrange for the courier to collect and deliver to you. In fact everyone who paints in oils usually waits for the painting(s) to dry and then either comes and picks them up or we courier.

9. Do you charge for sending our painting to us?

Yes, we have to. You will appreciate the courses are a fantastic bargain, with all your professional materials included. The courier charges us £15 per kilo - which we don't mark up. 1 kilo is usually the weight of your paintings, so it's only a £15.00 payment.

10. Are the materials really included in the price?

Yes, they really are! Everything is included, paints, brushes, canvases, paper, etc We are a professional art studio, so there is every kind of material you would wish for!

11. Do I have to pay for anythingwhen I come on a weekend or day course?

Nothing, everything is included in the course. Materials, tuition, lunch. Refreshments, tea, coffee, water, juice - even red and white wine are available all day. Accommodation is included but you can chose - click. A meal on Saturday night is not included on the weekends. We've found students like to do their own thing although very often we all go out in the evening together. There is a pub/restaurant almost opposite Greendene B&B

12. Do I have to take notes during the course?

No, everything we teach you is included in the free teaching manual we give you. Each course has its own teaching manual. So they are not general notes but specific to your course.

13. I'm a vegetarian - do you cater for me?

Of course, you can even tell us what you would like for lunch

14. I'm coming by myself, I don't want to eat alone in the evenings. Can you help?

Yes, we will go out with you in the evenings to the local pub. Most of the group come along.

15. I'm coming by train. How do I get to your studio?

We can meet you at Reading station - pick you up and take you to the studio and take you back to your B& B after the course. We can also pick you up and take you to the pub later in the evening. (Although you often find you've made a 'friend' on the course and they will be staying at the same B&B and they will take you to the pub)

15a. Do you run courses anywhere else?

Our studio in Mapledurham is very near Reading. Only 30 minutes by train from Paddington, London. There is even a regular coach service from Heathrow to Reading. We like to think we are pretty centrally placed. Our students come from all over the country - including Ireland, Wales and Scotland. We also have students from overseas, Switzerland, France, Italy, Croatia - even the USA!

Because the Studio is in such a beautiful setting - it is a holiday in itself! and we will always help as much as we can in picking you up from Reading. Once you get here - it's like being in a 'time warp' Mapledurham is so beautiful and quiet and peaceful - go to the Mapledurham web site click to see how fantastic the area is!

16. If I don't need accommodation, is there a reduction in price?

Of course. All the Booking online facilities give you the opportunity to book the course with accommodation or without. Our accommodation is only £35 per night - which is a fantastic bargain - most B&B's around here will charge from anything from £55.00.

17. Why do you get booked up so quickly?

Because we offer very exclusive programmes, with all your professional materials and Caroline really is an exceptional teacher.
You can paint very large - up to 100cm (to fit in the car) and you have the best materials. The aim of the courses is to bring out the artist in you. There is nothing 'standard' or 'prescriptive' about our courses. They really are ALL ABOUT YOU and your artistic development and anyone who has been on the courses, will tell you the Studio, the materials, and the teaching is exceptional.

18. Has anyone complained about your courses?

NO! There are Questionnaires you can fill out at the end of the courses - everyone has raved about their day, week or weekend and no-one has ever said we can improve in any way!!

19. How long have you been giving these courses?

Caroline has been teaching for over 20 years and has honed the courses to perfection. Our Studio in Mapledurham is quite new - we've been here for 3 years in August 2008
Incidentally although it looks like a beautiful house it is only Caroline's Studio - she doesn't live there!

20. Can I take rests during the course, someone told me they are excellent but demanding!

Yes, the courses are demanding but very well planned - with sensible breaks and talk time. We like to think that at the end of the course you will be able to paint anything because you learn about composition, tonal values, use of colour etc - absolutely everything you need to get started - or carry on painting - but professionally!
We have a 'lounge' area where you are encouraged to take rests, read the art books, have a cup of tea or coffee or water or something. You can look at the paintings in the gallery. Alex is on hand to make tea and coffee and you can always help yourself to water, wine or soft drinks from the fridge

The course was outstandingly good. Intensive, yet somehow relaxed and inspirational. Course content just flowed from one subject to another with ease &, exceptional cleverness, so I was learning without being lectured! I'm sort of in shock as to what I acheived and after three days I'm still marvelling at how much I learnt in a casual but exceptional way.
Quite incredible! Bob Jan 2008

21. How many are in a group?

Generally 6 on a painting weekend but sometimes 7. You can have a one to one with Caroline on a Painting Day in the week.

22. How do the painting weeks vary from the painting weekends?

The painting weeks are for; a holiday or professional development. Look at our dates/prices - click to see what we offer. An Easter week or holiday weeks and you can also book any week of the year to come to the Studio. We often have students creating Portfolios for entry to art school or GCSE or 'A' Level exams along with people just wanting to paint for a week. Some artists create very large art works and use mixed media and experiment with exciting 'new' stuff!
Caroline is very encouraging on developing 'contemporary' works. The Studio are leading coporate art suppliers and often the students work on the courses is so good that it can be placed in one of our many 'corporate' spaces. Caroline has taken on quite a few artists to represent. look at www.art-foroffices.com to see The Studio's Corporate work

23. I've been on courses where the Tutor/Artist spends her time painting her own paintings - do your artists?

NO! Caroline only paints in demonstration. On the 'Beginners STARTER' courses (click) she will paint along and create everything with you. On the 'GET CREATIVE' course (click) she illustrates technique when necessary and on the 'Oil Painting' (click) and 'The More Advanced' (click) course she will do whatever you ask her to - paint or not paint! She wants you to develop your own style and she pays all her attention to you. She's excellent at making sure you work the way that suits you. She gives excellent advice and help. Anyone on the courses will tell you how fantastic she is.

In fact Sue, who came on a course in August 2007 said:
I have to say - NOBODY does it better! Great environment, excellent materials, I was like a kid in a candy shop so relaxed but just right for learning and Caroline is the BEST! She gave her all and her all is JUST PERFECT!

and Max said:
'SO loved the week-end. After a nights sleep I'm brimming with enthusiasm and good intentions. You were wonderful; you provided us with an instinctive balance of constructive support, encouragement and space to get on uninterrupted. Thank you. It's not difficult to see why people return to you again and again' August 2007

and Rose said
'You really are an excellent teacher...allowing each member in the group to develop individual style, sharing your time equally between all of us ( no favourites, very important!) In fact, you were really like some kind of super painting angel flitting between us all; offering advice and making suggestions, lifting flagging spirits as we all wrestled with this desire to create ! Thank you so much ! June 2007

and another Sue said:

This is above EXCELLENT. This was the BEST two days I've ever spent painting. I painted in acrylics, oils and mixed media. Learnt everything I thought a degree course would cover - in JUST two days. Couldn't believe it. STUNNING. Caroline is the best tutor I've come across, immensely talented but able to COMPLETELY assess our needs and correct our painting. BREATHTAKING - HONESTLY it's such a revelation to find something like this. I think she needs a medal or tea with the Queen OR SOMETHING! Thank you SO much! Sue - Sept 2007

and Ed said:

Caroline was brilliant - she has a unique ability to inspire and encourage yet pointed out my shortcomings in a refreshingly direct yet unintimidating way. I learnt a huge amount. There was a great atmosphere in the studio - we were really made to feel at home and relax. Fantastic tutor, great work space, terrific atmosphere. What more could anyone ask for? Ed - August 2007

24. Do you offer painting holidays overseas?

Every early summer - usually June, we go with a group of 8 or so artists abroad - to a place of their collective choice - often France, Greece or Italy. Last year we went to Alonissos, Greece (it was FANTASTIC!) but we have to say, the speciality we provide is painting in a Professional Art Studio with all amenities - all year round. If you want to book on an overseas 'adventure' email or telephone 0118 9483155

25. When I've done the course - is there any support you offer?

You can email Caroline any time with any questions on composition, what colour first wash etc etc. She will answer within 2-12 hours.

Also you can come and use the Studio and the materials any time you want to. Subject to availability - just telephone Annabel on 0118 9724502 to book a day. You only pay for the materials you use. (Fantastic service! and unique opportunity!)

26. Sounds fantastic - what is the down side?

There is no down side - everyone will tell you - we deliver what we promise. Everyone in the Studio is welcoming and friendly and makes you feel at ease and most people come back again and again.

27. Ok - so how do I book?

Look at the Course programmes click - decide how long you want to come for and you can either book online - there is a facility against each weekend/course. We have the best and safest ecommerce provider - EPDQ. Or telephone 0118 9483155 and speak to Annabel - the Studio is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6.30pm

28. I want to get a painting course present for someone - how do I do that?

Click on our 'Vouchers' page click Vouchers are valid for 12 months and it is very easy for the recipient of the Voucher to book. He or she just telephones Annabel on 0118 9483155 and tells us when they want to come. Dates/Prices - click

Or you can book online here - click with your voucher.

You can also chose your own dates if there is nothing suitable on the dates page. The Studio is open daily. (Subject to availability)

29. Have you ever had a course where people do not get on?

No never! The courses are so well structured that you can either 'socialise' or just be independent. A lot of our students have struck up friendships though that have gone on from the course. You all have your own easel, painting table, high stool etc, so you can be as independent as you want to be! In the twenty years Caroline has been teaching she says she has had four 'very difficult' students but Alex said she handled them so well, they were no longer 'difficult' but immersed in their painting!

30. I have more questions to ask

Please do, we answer all emails within 12 hours - generally within 4 hours - email address is studio@joedaisy.co.uk
or telephone 0118 9724502 - if the line is engaged - or you get the answer phone - we really are engaged - so leave a message or call again.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! And assure you of an excellent, different and professional rewarding time.

Caroline was brilliant - she has a unique ability to inspire and encourage yet pointed out my shortcomings in a refreshingly direct yet unintimidating way. I learnt a huge amount. There was a great atmosphere in the studio - we were really made to feel at home and relax. Fantastic tutor, great work space, terrific atmosphere. What more could anyone ask for?
Ed - August 2007