OUR CLASSES
The Studio is Temporarily Closed
As it stands with Kent and much of the UK in Tier 4, we will sadly not be able to resume the classes as planned on Thursday, January 7th.
Before Christmas, the definition of ‘Education’ in its broadest sense, allowed us to continue with the classes. However, with Tier 4, apart from the reasons for leaving your house being more restrictive, ‘Education’ itself has now been now defined as only being that as part of the formal curriculum or for training ie schools and colleges, which we obviously do not fall under.
We will obviously keep you posted about any developments, which seem to come almost on a daily basis, but unfortunately and with great sadness we cannot at this stage give a date for the resumption of our art classes.
Let’s try despite all the adversity to remain as positive as we can and in the meantime keep painting and drawing – (and looking at art) – and we hope to see you back at the studio soon!
You can still contact us in the usual way via email or phone.
Ever wanted to paint that beautiful landscape or flower or that portrait of a loved one, but weren’t sure how? Then read on!
Class Dates for 2021
As we approach the end of 2020, we can but hope that the new year, 2021, will be an improvement! But, with things still so uncertain, unlike in previous years, we are not going to produce a yearly class dates calendar. Instead, we are taking things in stages and will produce quarterly calendars.
Our first, covering January to March, ends just before Easter, which falls in the first week of April next year.
Click on the button below to download a PDF of this first quarterly calendar. As you will see, for the time being, we are continuing to hold classes Thursday to Saturday on a weekly basis, still with our revised times and reduced class sizes, the details of which are outlined below.
The New Regime for Classes
To reassure you all, we will be fully compliant with Government Guidelines and the guidance of the Health and Safety Executive in terms of risk assessment, and the measures to be taken to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In addition please note the following:
1) Numbers per class:
You have all been to the new studio premises so are hopefully aware of the space that we have available. Before the crisis reared its ugly head we could easily accommodate 5 – 6 people at any one time – sometimes more!
However when we resume the numbers will be strictly limited to 4 per class, which with Danny and Val will make a maximum of 6 people. This will give ample space between those attending the classes – more than the 1-2 metres recommended. Common sense will hopefully prevail and we will not be marking out spacing and directional arrows on the floor.
2) Face masks:
We ask that you wear a face mask when entering and leaving the studio, but we do not expect you to wear it whilst working at your desk or easel, given the space you will have been allocated. Danny and Val will be equipped with masks at all times (Val looks the scarier of the two of us – no change there then!). We will not be in a position to supply face masks.
3) Hand Sanitiser Gel:
We will have plenty of Sanitiser Gel available for your use, on entry and leaving and at any other time you may choose! Please use it.
4) Doors:
Where possible doors will be left open to minimise the need to touch handles.
5) Cleaning:
You all know Val and cleanliness, so rest assured that all surfaces and places used by you, including the toilet, will have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in-between classes.
6) Gloves:
Danny and Val will not be wearing them, however, you are free to wear them if you so choose. There is a medical view that they can give a false sense of security, and it is far more effective to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
7) Kitchen Area:
The kitchen will be Out of Bounds to all. As for the coffees and teas and other drinks we normally supply, as well as all those hidden biscuits and cakes, (being in isolation hasn’t mellowed Val in that respect!) we will continue to do so for those that wish to partake. To facilitate the distribution of refreshments, Danny has been relieved of his waiter duties and you will be called up to the counter to retrieve your own drink. However, we fully understand if you choose, and prefer, to bring in your own refreshments, no prior warning is required!
8) Class Times:
For us to be able to operate with just the 4 in a class, and for this to work, we do need you to adhere strictly to the class time you have agreed with Val beforehand as we will not be able to fit you in if you just turn up, or come in at a different time, as we were able to do in the past.
This may mean our having to have classes at different times, including Friday afternoon, depending on numbers, and will possibly mean a slight change to the times that you were accustomed to before and also, perhaps not being able to have the same slot each time.
To simplify things, we have numbered the classes 1-7 as follows and they are listed below for your information:
Class 1: Thursday 11.00 – 13.00hrs
Class 2: Thursday 13.30 – 15.30hrs
Class 3: Friday 09.30 – 11.30hrs
Class 4: Friday 12.00 – 14.00hrs
Class 5: Saturday 09.30 – 11.30hrs
Class 6: Saturday 12.00 – 14.00hrs
Class 7: Saturday 14.30 – 16.30hrs
Being flexible, for which we are renowned, is the key!
9) Gaps Between Classes:
In order for us to be able to have time to clean the studio in-between classes, we will need to strictly adhere to the 2 hour class time. This means that if you wish to discuss anything with either Danny or Val, you will need to do this either during the lesson or at another mutually agreed time, as we will not be able to do so at the end of the lesson as we have often done in the past. Parents dropping their children off will likewise have to make arrangements to discuss with us any matters at another time and not when you are collecting your child.
10) Parents Leaving and Collecting Their Children:
While most of you do so already, parents dropping off or collecting their children will not be able to come into the studio, but will have to remain outside.
10) Track and Trace:
As a final note as we will have your contact details already no further measures are required, other than ensuring your contact details are up to date! As an additional precaution, remember that there the NHS Covid-19 Test and Trace app, which many of you have already downloaded (unless you have antique phones!).
If you have any particular concerns that we have not covered here please get in touch with Val to discuss them.
“La vérité n’est pas l’exactitude.” (Exactitude is not truth)
Henri Matisse
Our Approach
Our Classes cater for the complete beginner as well as for those who are more experienced, from children (from age 7) to adults. Making Art is about enjoyment and while you are learning new ways of looking and different techniques we want you to enjoy your time with us!
We believe that producing a work of art is about showing your individuality. We do not want to produce clones!
Each person in our classes is doing something different. You tell us what you want to learn and we will help you to achieve your goals in your own style. You go at your own pace!
Classes are small, with no more than 4 to 7 students at any one time, thereby ensuring everyone receives individual tuition.
We will guide you every step of the way in your preferred medium and subject matter.
Where We Are
If you live in the Maidstone or the Tonbridge and Malling areas of Kent, then this is the place for you to learn new skills, or improve on existing ones, in all aspects of painting and drawing in a relaxed and at times lively atmosphere!
What We Teach
Classes are held in drawing, watercolour, pastel, oils and acrylics, and are geared principally to the wishes of each individual student. We can also cater for those who wish to explore the joys of linocut.
When
Classes are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and are of 2 hours duration at a cost of £28 per session. Please contact us, using the button below, to find out about availability.
We are fairly flexible in that you can change your class day due to commitments you may have or holidays, provided we have the space. All we ask is that any cancellation requires a weeks notice otherwise you forfeit that class’s payment.
Whilst we have a basic stock of the essentials for purchase to get you going – paper, pencils, canvas, brushes etc. given that everyone is working at their own pace on different projects, students bring in and use their own materials.
Many of our students have gone on to sell and exhibit their work through local exhibitons and galleries, whilst others have been inspired to embark on Fine Art Degree courses.
Many of our students have gone on to sell and exhibit their work through local exhibitons and galleries, whilst others have been inspired to embark on Fine Art Degree courses.
GIFT VOUCHERS
The Perfect Gift
We can produce a special gift card made out to the person of your choice, for that special Birthday, Christmas or other occasion. All you need to do is let us know who it’s for and where to send it!
The Vouchers
We offer vouchers for 1 to 4 classes – you choose.
Each class is of 2 hours duration.
When you receive the gift voucher, all that needs to be done then is to contact Val at the studio to arrange when the voucher will be redeemed.
Please note that vouchers will be valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Payment
Click on the “Buy Gift Voucher” button to buy your Voucher now.
Classes are £28 per 2 hour session.
Tell us your preferred payment method – either via cheque or with online or telephone banking via BACS/Faster Payments through direct bank transfer.
If you choose to pay via BACS we will email our bank details to you separately on receipt of the voucher request.
There is space on the form for you to indicate any special requests or requirements.
Alternatively, you can of course simply send an email or telephone Val on +44 (0) 7702 647816 with any questions you may have. Once payment has been received the voucher will be sent out.
We look forward to hearing from you!