You can learn to draw with me here in beautiful Cornwall. As well as being a professional portrait artist, I am also an experienced drawing tutor. And when I say that you can learn to draw, I really mean it. I taught drawing for many years and the most common experience by far that my students spoke of was the belief that they were unable to draw, and that this skill was out of reach. Let me prove you wrong – in the nicest possible way.
You too can draw, and I can teach you
We are all innately creative, and there are as many different ways to express our creativity as there are people. Drawing and making art is one of the ways I love to create. I find it to be an engrossing, meditative experience. And I love that you get a tangible result for your efforts. Drawing has brought me so much joy over the years and it can do the same for you.
Something that I have heard countless times is how criticism of our art as a child knocked our confidence, and left us believing that it wasn’t for us. I find this very sad, in part because I too had a bad experience with art lessons in school and drew a similar conclusion. But I am here to tell you differently, and I want to share the joy of pencil with you.
Learn pencil drawing and pastel painting
I use drawing as a catch all term, as some say pastel painting, some say drawing. When I refer to drawing think sketching through to fine art, all in pencil, coloured pencil, pastel (the soft pastels that are similar to chalk) and charcoal.
I am a self taught artist, and I learned by practicing, being curious about how I could get the effects that I wanted, and experimenting. I have had no formal art training and honestly I work best when I am making it up as I go along. This approach has, I believe, enabled me to be a better teacher as I know exactly why I do what I do when I draw. And I am familiar with all the pitfalls along the way. I have been where you are, and I can show you what works for me, and the approaches that work for others.
I love to share what I know. Whether you are an absolute beginner, an improver, someone who draws in pencil but wants to add colour, or you are proficient in more realistic work but want to be looser in your style, I can help you. I teach graphite pencil drawing, coloured pencil work, pastel and charcoal, and would love to introduce you to my world of art.
My focus as a teacher is on three things: sharing techniques and exploring materials, my students building their confidence whilst developing their own styles, and having a lot of fun along the way. My style is informative and informal, likely nothing like you experienced with art lessons in school. We will laugh, be supported, and work at our own pace in a way that is both relaxed and encouraging.
Learn to draw with Tamsin in Cornwall
I live in St Austell, on the South coast of Cornwall, and I am planning my return to art teaching here in the autumn. Before Covid changed things for all of us I ran a number of regular classes and workshops. These were very popular and created many an artist so I am excited to be returning to teaching once more. I am currently in the process of designing what I will deliver, so have been in discussion with students past and future about what they would like to see available.
What I do know is that there will be one day workshops aimed at beginners and those who want to refresh their skills. There will also be progression routes for those wishing to further develop their art.
I will be running regular meet ups where people can come and draw together. In these you will receive individual support with your projects, and enjoy all the social benefits of being with like minded people.
I will be offering one to one tuition for individuals or small groups who prefer private lessons.
And if you are part of a group or art society that would like me to visit and deliver a talk, demonstration or workshop, I am very happy to come to you.
Art tuition opportunities
If you would like to be amongst the first to know about the workshops and tuition opportunities, the best thing to do is to get in touch and I will put you on my tuition mailing list. I will also share my plans through my newsletter which you can sign up to at any time at the bottom of the pages here on my website.
If you use social media you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where I will post updates regularly. And I will also write blog posts here in my Sketchbook with news as I have it.
Or if you prefer to chat, you can always call me, text or WhatsApp on 07967 416072.
Be inspired by my students’ art
If you would like to whet your appetite and see what has been achieved by my students over the years, you will find a great many beautiful artworks in the albums on my Facebook page. Have a browse and enjoy the amazing diversity of styles and abilities – art really is for everyone, and yes, that means you too.
