A popular subject

Bamburgh Castle really has been a popular little painting these last 3 months. It's the most demanded 'private' painting subject too. My equipment has been set up for 4 consecutive private lessons - all of them are for Bamburgh Castle. I'm really getting quite a collection of these paintings, creating a new one each time I teach it. I'll have to put them on sale I think. I was delighted to hear that one of my students recently entered her version of Bamburgh Castle in a competition. She came 3rd in the contest with a professional artist taking both 1st and 2nd place. She's thrilled to bits with the result and I am very proud of her. Well done to Maxine, here's her painting.

Private class chit chatter

With a private class, it's quite a different experience to a group class painting. For a start, it's up close and personal. The students and I get a good chance to chat as we paint. Today's lady, Anne and I certainly had a lot to talk about. Apart from our mutual interest in art, Anne spent several years in the Middle East and is more than familiar with the Emirates. So we covered ex-pat life in sunny Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. My first proper job at the age of 16 was in the Sharjah Carlton Hotel. There were only 2 hotels in Sharjah at that time. My office was opposite the reception, see here, on the top left, just behind that row of plants. Anne is also the mother-in-law of a student of mine who emigrated to Canada several months ago. It was great to go through the photos of Anne's recent visit there to see how the family are getting on and what their new surroundings look like. If you fancy indulging yourself in a private class, at the moment it's only an extra £20 above normal class price and includes a lunch. If you bring a friend you can take advantage of a £5 discount each. I can take up to 4 students in a private group booking too, if you prefer to have an exclusive painting party with friends. Plus YOU get to choose the painting subject from the ever growing gallery. Call me on 01473 311938 for more details/availability.