FAQs
I bet you have a question! Here are a few answers to the most frequent. But if you don’t find the answer you are looking for, please just drop me an email on [email protected] or use the contact form https://lizchaderton.co.uk/contact/.
What makes your course special?
The groups are kept small so that you get lots of attention. All materials are supplied, so that you can work with artist quality supplies. Your tutor is a professional working artist, with experience in teaching everyone from beginners through to professionals. The workshops are held in a beautiful location, so there is peace and quiet to concentrate on yourself. They are relaxed and fun, tailored to your needs and experience.
I’m nervous
It’s normal to be nervous, but as everyone is in the same boat, the nerves will disappear in a flash. If you come on your own, you immediately have something in common with everyone else so it is easy to relax. Your tutor will do everything possible to make sure you have a great time and learn a lot. You might be exhausted at the end of the day, but no longer nervous!
What is included?
Everything – paper, brushes, paint, water…. Tea, coffee, biscuits. Bring yourself and a willingness to have a go.
What should I bring?
Your enthusiasm! All art materials will be supplied unless otherwise stated. Wear old clothes and bring an apron if you like. You might be asked to bring an image you want to work from, depending on your course. If you have favourite brushes or colours, of course feel free to bring them.
Why do you include materials?
If people are beginning, then they don’t want to have to buy everything before they know if they are going to enjoy it. If more experienced, all art materials are not created equal. Should someone bring lower quality materials, they may struggle to achieve the results they are after. If someone forgets things, there are no art shops nearby to buy stock. It is safer and less frustrating to have everything supplied.
If I bring my own materials can I have a reduction?
All materials are provided so that everyone has the right things to work with and get the most out of the course. While you are welcome to bring your favourite supplies if you want, no reduction can be offered.
What food is available?
Tea and coffee are available all day. If you need a special milk, please bring your own. Please bring your own lunch.
What time?
The course starts at 10.00, but please try and arrive 15-20 minutes before hand. We should be finished by 4.00/4.30. Timings are flexible to accommodate the speed at which people work.
Address and directions please
These will be sent out with course information, once you have confirmed. But if you want to look at the venue in Knowl Hill, please go to their website www.micklemsfarm.com. There is lots of parking. If the weather is nice we should be able to paint outside too. If numbers fall below five, I may move the course to my conservatory, which can accommodate four painters easily. I will give you as much notice as possible.
Help, I need to cancel!
You can change your mind, no questions asked, within 14 days of booking. Unless you have booked less than 14 days before the course starts. If you need to cancel more than 30 days before the course starts, you will be refunded minus a £20 admin fee. If you need to cancel within 30 days of the start of the course then sadly we cannot offer a refund. You can give your place to a friend perhaps? If we manage to fill your place from a waiting list, then we will refund minus the £20 admin fee. I understand that emergencies happen, so please talk to me if there is a problem.
Why won’t you refund me, why do you charge an admin fee?
Most people book courses well in advance, so if there is a late cancellation it is very unlikely a replacement will be found. Materials are ordered and paid for in advance, so costs have been incurred. A lot of preparation goes into each programme, whether printing reference material or preparing exercises. It takes time to answer questions and help people select the right course, then to book them in and make sure they receive the joining details in a timely manner. If there is a cancellation and a refund is required, it also takes time to set up transfers etc. All these factors feed into the refund and cancellation policy, which I believe is transparent and fair to both parties.
Are your courses suitable for beginners? What experience do I need?
Most courses are suitable for beginners and your tutor will pace everything for people with different experience. If experience is necessary, it will say in the course details.
Will I get notes after the course?
On some courses yes, detailed notes will be sent by email after each course, so that you have them for reference. You will be learning so much, that you might not remember it all!
I can’t carry my paintings back on the train, can you send them to me?
No problem. We can courier your work to you. This will be charged at cost, plus packing materials. Depending on how much you have to send, it is likely to be in the region of £20. We will confirm before you incur any fee.
Disabled access
Unfortunately while Knowl Hill is level access, it is not wheel chair accessible. If you have any access issues or need extra support, please discuss before booking and Liz will do whatever she can to accommodate you.
What about my non-painting friend/partner?
Liz asks that non-painting friends aren’t in the studio while we are painting as it can put other people off, though they are very welcome to come and have a look at the beginning or end of the day. There are loads of things to do locally, from a walk round nature reserves, to a day out in Henley on the river or shopping in Reading.
What about oils and acrylics?
Liz’s passion is for watercolour and water-based media, so she does not teach acrylics or oils. Talk to her and she may be able to suggest studios or tutors who can help.
Do you have a weekly class?
Liz no longer runs a weekly class, due to her other commitments.
Do you do overseas holidays?
Liz has in the past, but doesn’t have any in the diary at the moment.