Based in Bristol & Stroud. Trained Art teacher, former Head of Art. DBS checked. 20+ yrs experience I love to share my practice and you can find me teaching classes and workshops for adults and children around the city. I am a regular tutor at the Royal West Academy in Bristol where I offer workshops and courses in drawing, painting, comics and illustration. I'm also available as a private tutor and I offer workshops, tutorials and courses of lessons to adults and children of all ages, as well as Mindful Drawing workshops for organisations such as schools and businesses. I have a PGCE in Art from Oxford Brookes University and twenty years experience teaching Art at GCSE, A level and Key stage three. For several years I was the Head of Art at Didcot Girls' School, as well as the Fine Art course Leader for A level at Didcot Sixth Forms in Oxfordshire. I enjoy helping people to develop their drawing and painting skills, and to find their voice. If you're scared to pick up a pencil or paintbrush but have always longed to, my special interest is in helping you to feel the fear and do it anyway! I can teach individuals or small groups of you and your friends, sharing skills to enable painting for the sheer delight of it all. I can also tutor you or your child to work towards raising your grade at Art GCSE or A Level, or to develop a portfolio for applying to Art College. I'm familiar with most Art and Design, Fine Art and other Art related exam courses and exam boards, and I regularly work as a moderator for one of the largest GCSE exam boards. I particularly relish helping students to sort out their coursework and liven up their sketchbooks! Testimonials:
Emma has been my art tutor for the past year. During this time she has nurtured my fragile confidence and enabled it to evolve into my own artistic voice, allowing me to find my full expression whilst also helping me to stay grounded in basic technique and method. Throughout this time she has been patient, kind and encouraging. She has overseen my transition from drawing to working with colour/paints and clearly has a great depth of experience and knowledge in the use of both. Emma has challenged me where I’ve needed it but has always remained supportive when I found myself frustrated with my own abilities. She has been very helpful in developing my sense of experimentation whilst at the same time continually suggesting other artists that I might learn from. Emma has always been happy to answer my constant questions and we have had many inspiring discussions about art, artists and the artistic process. At the end of the year I felt I had enough confidence to apply for a BA in Art, much of this attributable to Emma's support. I would therefore highly recommend her as a private tutor. Andrew Moon, Falmouth
Emma has been tutoring my 11 year old daughter for a little while now. She has a lovely gentle manner and is clearly a very talented artist herself. My daughter regularly asks me when she will have another lesson with Emma, which can only be testament to what a great teacher she is! R. Channock, Bristol
I really enjoyed learning Art from Emma. She is gentle and patient in her teaching approach and very encouraging. She taught me important foundation principles and techniques which helped me develop my skills and enabled me to better address some of the technical elements of painting and drawing. She has a wonderful way of working and relating to colour which I found really inspiring. She has also helped me feel more confident in my own work and creativity. I would highly recommend her as a teacher. Charlotte Johnstone, adult learner, Totnes
Comments from participants at my course "Art for the Afraid: A course in Mindful Drawing" in Bristol:
"A very enjoyable, relaxing and peaceful journey to becoming/discovering the artist within, Changing perceptions and gathering skills"
"A very enjoyable course - my confidence in my drawing skills has grown over the weeks. Looking forward to more courses!"
"My fear upon finishing the course was that I would still feel just as rubbish (about my ability to draw) as when I started: I can proudly say I have done the best drawing of a sheep and of a hand that I could ever imagine!"
"Lovely atmosphere and great support!"
Feedback from participants at my course on "Exploring Colour" at Hamilton House, Bristol:
"Great workshop. I really enjoyed learning about art and exploring with a paintbrush again, something I've not done since primary school!"
"Life doesn't have edges. It's blurry. Exploring colour helps you feel comfortable with this." "I am as a result of the class more relaxed, feeling more in tune with my creativity, and more confident about creating. Brilliant." You can find details of classes I am teaching here:
https://www.emmaburleigh.com/teachingworkshops
