I have completed 3 terms over 2 years with Dawn and thoroughly enjoyed all the classes and levels. Having not painted much since school art many years ago, I wasn't sure what to expect of myself or the classes. But Dawn's teaching was fantastic for increasing confidence, learning some basic skills, and bringing awareness to the creative process and finding ways of nurturing your own personal creativity.
The classes were varied with discussion, exercises and individual projects. The group atmosphere was really friendly and supportive and the Richmond venue terrific.
I would recommend "Recovering Your Creative Spirit" to anyone thinking about doing just that ... recovering a sense of creative energy both for your art and life!"
Hannah Lewi, 2011
In the last three years I have attended several of Dawn's courses ranging from an Introduction to Painting and Drawing through to Level Two of Recovering the Creative Spirit.
When taking on a course I want to be engaged as a whole person. That is to say, I want to go away from a session, not just with more knowledge (though I do expect that) nor even more skills (vital of course in any art course), but I want to go away at least a little different as a person. I find all of these needs met beautifully in Dawn's teaching.
This is particularly the case in the Recovering the Creative Spirit courses, but it was evident to me even in the introductory course. Dawn treats each person as an artist. Thus she provides constant and genuine encouragement, constructive criticism and advice about each work in progress in a way that takes into consideration the needs of each person.
I believe, too, there is a beautiful balance among general instruction, actually painting or drawing with guidance, and processes to facilitate reflection and interaction. All of these I believe encourage us as participants to move beyond the class to being an artist at home. This has certainly happened for me. Testament to that is not only the development in the work I have done but also the fact that I felt confident enough to arrange an exhibition at a local library gallery space.
The Recovering the Creative Spirit sessions warrant a special word: here there is more focus on reflection as part of the art process and indeed art as part of the life process. Personally I have found these particular courses enormously beneficial for my whole life including my art.
Fran Sheehan 2011
Thanks Dawn for the wonderful art classes. Your teaching was inspiring, gentle and most of all I valued the mindful approach you brought to each session. I was surprised at the progress I made in such a short time and felt that you really encouraged us all to connect more deeply with our creative abilities. The sessions were very freeing and I hope I will have the opportunity to attend more of your courses in the future. Thanks again!
Mooky Bialylew 2011
"As a relative beginner to Life Drawing, I found Dawn to be an excellent teacher, guide and support.
Her enthusiasm and ability to communicate this enthusiasm to the whole class is inspirational and I finished the course feeling much more confident about my drawing ability.
Dawn will always encourage you to move out of your comfort zone and push yourself into new techniques, styles, and in doing so, you find your overall ability improving at a rapid rate.
Her classes are a lively engagement between her and the members of the class, which results in a great learning environment. Her classes are never dull!"
Nigel Peckham 2010
"My new year resolution was to learn to draw. After years of working on a PhD and focusing on work I decided I needed to develop a different part of myself. It’s not easy to branch into unfamiliar areas. Whilst I have always loved looking at art and nature, I had no idea how to start drawing what I saw.
Dawn has been fantastic at enabling me to gain confidence to do this. She teaches skills as well as providing encouragement, and pushes me out of my comfort zone to improve what I do.
I think Dawn has changed my belief that being able to draw and paint was purely dependent on innate ability and she has shown me that skills can be learnt.
My long-term goal is to use the skills of drawing and painting to express what I think and feel and I am sure Dawn will be a support for me on that path too.
Dawn demonstrates the importance of teaching as a basis for individual change."
Amanda Scott 2010
I have been developing my life drawing skills under the guidance of Dawn and her classes since early 2008 and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. Dawn is sensitive to both the stylistic strengths of the individual and the overall temperament of the class. She continually provides constructive criticism to push one’s boundaries but also values group discussion for the exchange of ideas and information.
Dawn’s classes have combined an education on traditional drawing techniques and self-experimentation. This has allowed me to improve my technical understanding of drawing a figure but also be confident in expressing myself and my changing creative interests through the work.
I would highly recommend anyone to become a part of Dawn’s classes in order to develop a high and professional standard of creative skills.
Nicole Mechkaroff 2010