3. I am more advanced than a complete beginner but would like to learn some professional painting. What can you do for me?
'This is Brilliant. I don't know how you do it. Such energy,
such enthusiam, such exceptional teaching & great products.
As I think I told you - I've spent 3 years at art school and never
learnt any of what I learnt with you. I think I said during the weekend
'this is brilliant' at least 321 times! ' Nancy - Feb 2009 |
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All of our courses offer you professional painting. Most of our students tell us they have never learnt what we teach them - some after 3 years at Art School(!)
Even the basics of 'preparing your canvas' and 'composition' have never been learnt. Then of course, there is knowing which brushes and paints to use. We still get students from art schools wanting to learn 'technique'.
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4. I would just like some time painting as a holiday/weekend break |
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Our courses are relaxed & educational but fun. Our tutors are the most relaxed (but enthusiaistic and encouraging) Professional Artists you can find(!). They all want you to have fun and enjoyment on the courses. JoeDaisy Studio provides a great environment, the best materials and as much teaching as you require. The artists pay their attention to YOU and if you just want some relaxation with painting, that's what you can have. YOU control the pace and we will just adapt to your requirements. Our Studio is in a tiny hamlet of Mapledurham, a million miles away from 'real life'! Quiet, peaceful, relaxing and a great get away.
The studio is in a Grade II listed building - so lots of atmosphere. The surrounding countryside is the River Thames, stunning trees and landscapes, as well as strong architecture - a great church, the famous watermill and stunning old houses. click for holidays |
5. I want a painting holiday overseas
'Never enjoyed anything more" Sara July 2009
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YES - Our new studio is open in Spain - click for web site We are in the best part of Spain - Andalucia and a beautiful white pueblo village called Monda. The studio is equipped with new Professional Studio easels, field easels (for location work), paints, brushes, canvases, huge rolls of watercolour paper and of course the service is the usual friendly, generous and exceptional teaching you have come to expect from JoeDaisy. (Incidentally Thompson Holidays have selected us for their 'Gold' programme holidays in Spain!)
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6. I want to paint 'on location' I mean I want to paint outside, in the countryside ' |
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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. |
7. I'm a bit scared about turning up by myself
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! " |
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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. Our artists are the nicest, friendliest, experienced artists you could have and the courses are so wonderfully crafted that you have no need to feel tense or worried! |
8. I am a Professional Artist - but I'm a bit 'lost'. Can you help?
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!! |
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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 |
9. Do I have to bring anything? |
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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?
Caroline's work shoes!!
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Clothes that you don't mind if they get paint on them. Any paint except watercolour is impossible to remove from clothing.
Our Teachers always wear casual clothes and Caroline is always 'scruffily' dressed - look at an article on another web site - click where the student has described Caroline(!) |
10. Do you provide painting overalls?
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Yes, we have aprons which people borrow to cover their clothes. They are washed after every use - obviously they still have paint on them! (Acrylic and oil paint are impossible to remove from clothes) But they are fresh from the washing machine
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11. Do I take all my paintings home? |
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Of course - everything you have created - which will often be drawings as well.
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12. I'm coming by train. How do I get to you?
If I've come by train or the paintings are too large for my car - what happens then. How do I get my paintings? |
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We pick you up from Reading Station and take you to the Studio - then onto your accommodation after the course.
We courier your painting 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. |
13. Do you charge for sending our painting to us? |
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Yes, we have to. You will appreciate the courses are a fantastic bargain, with all your professional materials included. The courier charges us £18 per kilo - which we don't mark up. 1 kilo is usually the weight of your paintings, so it's only a £18.00 + VAT payment. |
14. Are the materials really included in the price?
In case you didn't know 'Da Vinci' are one of the best Professional brushes and our paints are always 100% pigment and 100% binder - so the best quality.
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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!
And PROFESSIONAL materials!! |
15. Do I have to pay for anything when I come on a weekend or day course? |
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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 included on the weekends - if you stay in our new Guest house (click). |
16. Do I have to take notes during the course? |
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That is up to you. There are hand outs/course notes- which you can collect for free. |
17. I'm a vegetarian - do you cater for me?
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Of course, you can even tell us what you would like for lunch but generally lunch is a fresh buffet; salad, cheeses & fruit. Fresh french bread. There is usually chicken, pate & meats for meat eaters!.
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18. I'm coming by myself, I don't want to eat alone in the evenings. Can you help?
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Yes!! Evening meal is now included in our Guest House. (With wine!!) |
19. Do you run courses anywhere else?
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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! WE ALSO PICK UP FROM HEATHROW AIRPORT - There is a charge of only £35.00 to pick up and take back to Heathrow |
20. If I don't need accommodation, is there a reduction in price? |
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Of course. All the Booking online facilities give you the opportunity to book the course with accommodation or without. Our accommodation is only £50 per night - (to include evening meal) which is a fantastic bargain. |
21. Why do you get booked up so quickly?
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Because we offer very exclusive programmes, with all your professional materials and our Artists really are exceptional teachers.
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. |
22. Has anyone complained about your courses?
'This is Brilliant. I don't know how you do it. Such energy,
such enthusiam, such exceptional teaching & great products.
As I think I told you - I've spent 3 years at art school and never
learnt any of what I learnt with you. I think I said during the weekend
'this is brilliant' at least 321 times! ' Nancy - Feb 2009
"I would like to thank you very much for a
most fantastic week end. I really enjoyed the wk end
& learnt so much ! Your approach is so good .
The time passed so quickly & although we were all
working so intensively for the two days,
I felt exhilarated , very uplifted & invigorated!. Aruna
"Just wanted to thank you both for a fabulous weekend. I am feeling very
depressed this morning as the reality of work has hit and all I want to do
is paint. You are very clever Caroline, and your teaching is brilliant! The
whole atmosphere of the studio was lovely and Alex's hospitality was
appreciated. The paintings from Saturday have already been put up in my two
daughters' bedrooms, but I think 'Whitby' will be a 'work in progress' for a
long time.
Hope to get back as soon as possible probably on the abstract weekend" Jane |
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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!!
FOOTNOTE. Tracy Stone has asked us to change this page and state that we have had a complaint from her.
The complaint was received on 9th November 2009. 12 days after her painting day on October 28th. She joined the first day of a 2 day course and had approximately 6 hours of painting tuition. The tutor was painting with her all day, demonstrating composition, focal point, tonal values and brush techniques. She used the best professional brushes and paint and a large canvas. After the day she told the tutor she would have liked to come back the next day but was unable to. (During the day she did not express any discontent with the course, although she had brought along a photograph she wanted to paint but elected to paint our image instead).
The complaint from Tracy Stone stated she had not received the Painting Day that was offered. In fact she had more than is stated. 6 hours (instead of 4 usually given on a Painting Day) of painting demonstration and excellent painting tuition and techniques. She requested in her email - another Painting Day at HALF PRICE - having already had the best Painting Day possible!
I guess you can't please all of the people all of the time. If anyone has a complaint about ANYTHING on our courses, please state them at the time and we can then take remedial action. We are committed to outstanding service and tuition but can't really do anything 12 days AFTER the event! Thank you!! |
23. How long have you been giving these courses?
"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 |
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Caroline has been teaching for over 20 years and has been a professional artist all her life. She has represented 'Britain's Painters' - is described as a 'Master Painter' and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Her paintings are in important commercial spaces and in private homes. She has honed the courses to perfection.
She only choses the best artists as her tutors - not just artists who are excellent at what they do - but have patience, clarity of instruction, encouragement and an ability to assess your needs and assist your own personal painting. Our Studio in Mapledurham is quite new - we've been here for 5 years in August 2010.
Incidentally although it looks like a beautiful house it is only Caroline's Studio - she doesn't live there!
You are encouraged to make the Studio 'your home' for the weekend. Really relax in the space. There are no doors you can't open - no materials you can't use - everything is there JUST FOR YOU!! |
24. Can I take rests during the course, someone told me they are excellent but demanding!
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 |
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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. You can always help yourself to water, wine or soft drinks from the fridge |
25. How many are in a group? |
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Maximum of 8 on the weekends (which we have been told is a perfect group number!) - 6-8 on the weeks and usually 4-7 on a Painting Day. You can have a one to one with Caroline, Colin or Cat on a Painting Day in the week. Or you can join 1 day of a 2 day weekday course. (subject to availability)
Telephone 0118 9483155 to arrange a 'one to one' day. The price is slightly more for personal tuition. |
26. How do the painting weeks vary from the painting weekends? |
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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. (Subject to availability). 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 |
27. I've been on courses where the Tutor/Artist spends her time painting her own paintings - or thinks a course is just her painting her own painting - do your artists?
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 |
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NO! Our Artists only paint in demonstration.
On the 'Beginners STARTER' courses (click) they will paint along and create everything with you. BUT they are not creating a painting for themselves - they are demonstrating.
On the 'GET CREATIVE' course (click) they illustrate technique when necessary and on the 'Oil Painting' (click) and 'The More Advanced' (click) course they will do whatever you ask them - paint or not paint!
The emphasis is on YOU and making sure you work the way that suits you. All the tutors give excellent advice and help. Anyone on the courses will tell you how fantastic they are. |
28. When I've done the course - is there any support you offer? |
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You can email the tutors any time with any questions on composition, what colour first wash etc etc.
Also you can come and use the Studio and the materials any time you want to - on a week day. Subject to availability - just telephone us on 0118 9483155 to book a day. You only pay £55 - for the whole day, which includes a canvas (up to 80cm) and acrylic or watercolour paints. Small supplement for oil paints. (Fantastic service! and unique opportunity!) |
29. Sounds fantastic - what is the down side?
It was a great weekend. I really enjoyed it and liked the work you helped me produce.
As I said at the weekend you delivered exactly what it said on the 'tin'. Give my regards to Alex.
Big hug to you both
Noor |
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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. |
30. Ok - so how do I book?
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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 - the Studio is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6.30pm |
31. I want to get a painting course present for someone - how do I do that? |
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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 us on 0118 9724502 and tells us when they want to come. Dates/Prices - click
Or you can book online here - click with your voucher. |
32. I have more questions to ask
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Please do, we answer all emails within 12 hours - generally within 4 hours - email address is studio@joedaisy.co.uk
or telephone 0118 9483155 if the line is engaged - or you get the answer phone - we really are engaged - so leave a message or call again. |
33.I would like a Painting Holiday with Caroline in Spain |
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Caroline is offering painting weeks in Spain - in her Studio. - click for details
The Studio in Spain is open all year round for Painting Holidays. There are permanent other professional artists in the Studio for other painting weeks. |
34.Why have you opened your own accommodation? With JoeDaisy Guest House? |
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We are into 'Well Being'!! We wanted to make our painting courses a COMPLETE experience with accommodation also reflecting our high standards and creativity. We are always looking for new ways to offer the very best and now we think we have cracked it! Your painting course with accommodation should now be a WHOLE painting experience. Just come along and see. Then TELL US!! We really do look forward to seeing YOU!
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