Testimonials

I wanted to draw and paint all my life, particularly as this was not part of school in India at the time! So I waited until I retired and joined Peter’s class. I have had the opportunity to try different mediums and techniques. I even dared to draw in a museum setting with Peter’s encouragement. I have enjoyed learning and continue to do so because the atmosphere in the class is very informal and relaxed. I never thought I would be able to draw and paint but with Peter’s help, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Peter is a passionate, interested teacher

Dr. Prema Iyengar

I don’t usually write testimonials, but I have become so enthused about various forms of art since I started attending Peter’s classes, I thought I should let other people know. He encourages us to try all kinds of approaches, methods and techniques, which is both fun and instructive, and has helped me build skills and confidence. I was excited and scared in equal measure when he invited me to join him in oil painting classes. But I have since been quite seduced by it, hoping to continue. Peter is an excellent teacher, well prepared, knowledgeable and experienced, and I have seen him draw out talents from novices as well as challenge more experienced artists to new levels of ability. I would encourage anyone with a desire to explore this part of themselves to join one (or more!) of his classes
Alison

Peter is an inspiration and has a wealth of knowledge on skills and techniques gained through his ongoing work as a professional practising artist. I now totally embrace oils as my weapon of choice – what a fantastic medium! All this is down to, firstly Peters recommendation I should try oils and then his enthusiasm and guidance. Id recommend his classes unreservedly!”
Gareth

I learnt a tremendous amount about the materials, composition and painting generally over the duration of the course. I found the exercise in copying a famous artist’s painting so revealing. Overall the course was a lot of fun.
Helen

Art is a challenge, a pleasure and a struggle. It is also rewarding and a creative escape so a wonderful antidote to stress.

Since joining Peter’s ‘Painting for Pleasure’ group in 2015 I have experienced all of the above. But above all, my knowledge and skills in pursuit of progress have been nurtured, nudged, directed and guided by the most skilful approach and ‘light touch’ of Peters’ tutorledge. He invites you to join in his passion and delight of colour and ‘mark making’ whilst exploring art through the ages, both classical and contemporary styles, but above all through the sheer pleasure of ‘having a go’!

The atmosphere Peter creates is supportive and inclusive of all abilities. He knows how to guide, lead, and deliver what can be a challenging subject and is able to do this with skill, humour, experience and passion. All the ingredients, in my opinion, of a much valued teacher

Lynette

I have been doing lessons with Peter for over one year. Learning with him is quite fun but effective at the same time. Although he plans the topic for each lesson, he is quite flexible and allows people to go at their own pace. He is also happy for students to develop their own work during lessons if they prefer to, while helping them with comments alongside. He always looks at the work I do outside of the lessons when I email them and gives his views and suggestions on how to improve them. Thanks Peter, very much appreciated.
Shikha

I have been to Peter’s oil painting classes as a beginner and improver. His method of teaching is instructive without being too confining. When I first started using oil I was very unsure of myself but Peter’s enthusiasm and knowledge has helped me progress and become more confident with this fairly difficult medium. I highly recommend his classes, inspirational and fun
Rach

I initially contacted Peter to have one to one painting lessons which were absolutely great and I learnt so much. He then told me about the Saturday painting classes he runs in St Paul’s Church and I just had to check it out! From my first visit till today I am so amazed by the space in which we get to paint. The church itself is such an inspiration. Peter allows us through his own demos and guidance to try out new styles of paintings. Each week is a different style and I look forward to having a go (not always feeling confident to start but as there are other painters in the same position we all have a good time trying it out!) There are weeks when I just want to do my own painting and Peter has given me tips on how to do that. So the classes are what you make them too!

I absolutely love my Saturday painting class and highly recommended it to anyone wanting to paint, whether it be for the first time or someone who feels like they don’t have the time or space at home. It’s given me back my love of painting. I’ve now got the time and space to do it and have met some great people to paint with. Thanks Peter!

Vas

Peter’s classes are perfect for the novice. Everything is provided. You are only asked to bring a rag to wipe your brushes or take excess paint off the canvas. He takes the time to explain the materials and how to get the best out of them, setting tasks that help you explore and get used to oil paints and how they work. In the first few weeks, he also teaches how to stretch canvases and mix colours. Everyone is allowed to work at their own pace and he encourages each person with advice and guidance to help them achieve the best results and gain in confidence. I would highly recommend his classes.
Gill

I have been attending classes with Peter for three years. I have vastly improved my painting in that time. He draws on the positives of what you paint and builds your confidence. He also comments on how to improve. He makes the class interesting by setting various themes; paintings styles from different cultures or painting in the style of a particular artist. His classes are engaging and very interesting – he encourages us to explore different painting techniques and helps develop your own style of painting. He is a very enthusiastic tutor and passionate about his craft and keen to share his knowledge with students.
Ganisha