It is always useful to anybody thinking of joining a class, to have a little insight to whether it is any good......or not!

I asked students to add some comments about my teaching and the classes in general - Many thanks to those who contributed below.

MEMBER SINCE: April 2003 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: SHEELAH CARPENTER

Studying Watercolour, Acrylics, watercolour pencils, pastels

The art class atmosphere is informal making learning more easily achieved. The class members are very supportive and humour is welcomed. Maxine's approach when teaching is friendly, encouraging and inspirational. She is able to cater for all types of learning styles. She promotes self-expression through art, the same time as covering theory relating to whichever art medium she is referring to. Class members are able to choose their own art medium and subject, and Maxine has a wide range of experience and expertise of all painting medium and subjects. I am appreciative of this and the huge effort Maxine makes in ensuring we all use our potential to the full.

MEMBER SINCE: JANUARY 2002  WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: ROSENA STEVENSON

Studying Watercolour, Acrylics, watercolour pencils

As I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. I went along to a meeting of the ‘Tamworth Society of Artists’ to watch a demonstration of watercolour pencils. I really enjoyed watching this artist work, she was informative and not afraid to share her ideas, her pictures were wonderful. This artist of course is Maxine and I have been attending her classes ever since along with like-minded, friendly and supportive group of people who like Maxine are encouraging, helpful and we have a lot of fun. I particularly like the fact that we can follow a class or do our own project, in whatever medium we choose. Maxine always manages to get round to us all with her endless encouragement and help. I look forward to the class each week. My only complaint is that the two hours go much too quickly!

MEMBER SINCE: April 2003 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: KEREN JONES

Studying Watercolour, Acrylics, watercolour pencils, oils

With Maxine's infinite patience & good humour I have progressed from someone who "could not draw for toffee" to someone who can use, oils, acrylics, watercolour pencils and turn out a passable picture. Our classes are fun with plenty of laughter, apart from when we knuckle down to work. I have learned so much, not only how to draw and paint, but about colour and how to look at things around me with different eyes. There is no "can't do " with Maxine, she brings out the hidden artist in everyone and she's one of those rare people who know how to teach.

MEMBER SINCE: September 2002 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: PAT HOLMES

Studying Watercolour,  Oils

Maxine's classes are a delight, she has so much patience and gives us all encouragement. The company is very entertaining too

MEMBER SINCE: September 2005 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: OLIVE WHITMORE

Studying Watercolour / Acrylics / Oils

Since joining Maxine's class I have been able to explore various mediums and techniques. Maxine makes her classes so enjoyable I look forward to my lesson each week. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects and her own work is remarkable.

MEMBER SINCE: September 2002 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: LORNA STURDEY

Studying Watercolour / Acrylics

Not having painted since school days, Maxine has been an inspiration to me. I have produced paintings which I didn't think possible, under Maxine's instruction and encouragement.

MEMBER SINCE: September 2004 WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: CAROLYN BAKER

Studying Watercolour / Acrylics

When I first started, I didn't know if I could paint or not. Now I can't wait for the next week to come around. My only criticism is that the two hours goes too quick - nothing to do with the class, just that I enjoy it so much. Maxine gives everyone individual attention and helps in all needs. I hope that the classes never come to an end.

MEMBER SINCE: September 1994  WRITTEN  - NOV 07

NAME: WENDY CHERRINGTON

Studying Watercolour / Acrylics / watercolour pencils

Tuition has always been excellent and Maxine has always given me the confidence to try something different. There has always been a pleasant atmosphere in the classes. I can always choose which medium to work with and I would like to think that I am now a better artist than I was 15 years ago.

NAME: Maria Burleigh

Studying Watercolour / oils

I am only in my first term with Maxine, and I already feel I have leaned so much. I was looking for a course with someone whose work I admired. As soon as I saw Maxine's work, I realised I had found the course I was looking for. She is an excellent tutor, full of encouragement & enthusiasm. She has a wealth of knowledge & expertise and isn't afraid to share it!

MEMBER SINCE: January 2002  WRITTEN  - JUL 03

NAME: Anne Moore

Studying: Landscapes and portraiture in Acrylics, drawing media and watercolour.

After experiencing an awful art teacher at school it has been a delight to be taught art in a nice, relaxed, informed way. With Maxine's encouragement and techniques, I have produced work I never thought I couldn't achieve. Plus, everyone in the classes are so friendly and we all encourage one another.

NAME: Jenny Boonham

Studying Animals / landscapes in watercolour & acrylics

Facilities are good for painting. Class size is about right. Maxine is a very good teacher, she has a lot of patience with everybody and doesn't mind how many times she goes over things with her students. She has a wonderful knowledge of all media. If a mistake is made she will always know what to do to put it right.

NAME: Ann Dudley

Studying Drawing / watercolour and pastels

I find Maxine oozes out talent which passes on to her pupils, which makes being taught by her an uplifting experience.

NAME: Albert Price

Studying: Watercolour landscapes / seascapes

Whether a beginner or more advanced, (whatever medium), Maxine will give you the right amount of encouragement or cajolement to exceed your desired aims.

NAME: Ted & Anne Miles

Ted - Studying Architecture / landscapes in watercolour

Anne - Studying Portraiture / animals / landscape in pastels

In her own right Maxine is a truly professional artist who has the unique quality of being able to instruct and apply her knowledge to her class, enabling them to produce watercolours, oils or pastels etc, painted to a very satisfactory standard. I started painting some 7 years ago, never previously having put brush to paper. My Motto:- When you find an expert - stick with it - she's a real expert! 

NAME: Lillian Mann

Studying: Watercolour landscapes, portraiture

I have attended Maxine's classes for a number of years. her guidance has enabled me to increase my painting /drawing skills and she is an expert in a number of different mediums. She imparts her knowledge in an understandable manner and I have gained from both her teaching and the support of the group.

NAME: Marlene Gaskin

Studying:  Landscapes/ flowers/ figures in Oils & watercolours

I really look forward to Maxine's classes at the community centre. Over the last three years my drawing and painting has improved enormously, thanks to Maxine's help and advice. The classes are kept quite small so that she can give us one-to-one tuition. She encourages us to try all aspects of art and therefore brings out the best in our capabilities. I would thoroughly recommend her tuition to anyone who would like to take up art.

NAME: Celia Jackson

Studying Landscapes / figures / flowers in watercolour & oils

My tutor, Maxine has encouraged me since joining her painting class, not to be afraid to paint in the watercolour medium. I'd always painted in oils. Maxine has given me one-to-one attention and with her help I have now painted several watercolours. I have gained a lot of experience during my four years and enjoy my time at class,

NAME: Rosemary Rhodes

Studying Portraiture in pencils / watercolour landscapes 

I joined Maxine's Class a few weeks ago. As soon as I started, I felt comfortable and at ease. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Maxine is so encouraging and really takes time to explain everything. I have achieved something I have always wanted to:- to get a "likeness" of someone down on paper! I am really enjoying myself and can't wait to go to next lesson!

NAME: Ron Rhodes (NO RELATION TO ROSEMARY)

Studying: Watercolour & drawing media / landscapes & architecture

After 12 months, I am extremely pleased with my progress. No pressure - just a gentle nudge where required!