Feedback & Photos

The Drawing Room - 2 workshops, en plein air and Abstract mixed watermedia Oct 2020

​Thank you Amanda. You've taught me so much and given me so much inspiration. You're a gem. I'm so glad I joined you for both your Christchurch courses at the Drawing Room.

I admire your work and your obvious love of watercolour and the approach you give to your students. It was challenging and exciting to do en plein air for the first time.  I've come home with an understanding of how to go ahead, from the concept, to the sketch and finally the painting. I so appreciate it. I had some lovely comments re my chimneys. We had so much fun expanding our abstract brains with all the ideas you gave us. Already 1 more painting under my belt. So inspired. I bought lots of goodies at the Drawing Room to go forward with. You are very patient and kind, answering all our questions and giving us fabulous demonstrations so we can better understand the direction to be taken. Have already been practicing some of the wonderful ideas. 
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Just wanted to say how fantastic the workshop was. Amanda Is a great teacher and so encouraging. I've done 3 abstract paintings so far thanks to her and have never tried this medium before.

Thank you so much for the inspiring and fun two days workshop at the drawing room in Christchurch recently. It was great to get your professional tips and advice on how to think out, plan and paint an abstract. I’ve never done abstracts before and was really pleased with my first go. Have done more since!  Thanks again for your knowledge and patience when teaching us.  

i Amanda, Yes we spoke in Christchurch about the 'need for speed'. The old habits are hard to break and I have to catch myself getting bogged down with overly detailed sketching, subject matter etc. I have learned so much from you that if I stop long enough I can recall some of the basics, like 5 basic shapes, the benefits of thumbnails (which I had always been remiss of NOT doing) and spending ages finding the the best photo op! I have been developing my sketching and yes, anybody who doesn't believe in the ability to be able to sketch is fooling themself. It was my first time painting en plein air, and there were the usual first time nerves, broken water pot (arghh... that was a laugh), the easel that wouldn't perform and the change of scene... however it won't be my last attempt. I can see the fun in it especially for a small group of like minded people, especially with you to guide and encourage us first timers. ps. I'm copying your tips onto my laptop for easy access. X

Thank you so much for coming down to Christchurch and putting on a fabulous watercolour abstract class. I was a little anxious beforehand as I'm a private artist but I relaxed immediately and immensely enjoyed it. Sam welcomed me so warmly, and you were so vivacious, and funny, and encouraging that I forgot to be anxious. You were very informative, with lots of inside artist tips, and helpful with the artistic creative process. I learnt some new stuff, and also got some things that I already knew reinforced. I loved meeting you, and hearing everything you had to say, and watching your demonstrations. Your artwork is awesome, and I feel lucky to have had a chance to learn with you.
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My Beginners workshop was the BEST EVER!! such great students - very cool!!

Typical of me, I was so focused on them I forgot to take photos!! DOH!!
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Please read lovely feedback comments below and use your imagination!! LOL!!

Thank you Amanda for your fabulous art class on Saturday... You have such a fun vibrant character and made the whole day seem so fun and easy. Some art classes can feel daunting... But you made us all feel very comfortable and relaxed.
Brilliant.
Thank you so much. I particularly love your camper van paintings and would love you to do a YouTube creating one of these.
​Thanks again. Kirsty

I really enjoyed the workshop yesterday. You are a fun and effective teacher and i do feel encouraged to keep trying.
I was pretty happy with my first effort at watercolour, which has given me a bit of confidence after a couple of less successful tries at painting with acrylics. Maybe the problem was the medium and not me!
My table mates were so nice and the whole experience was just a lovely treat. Thanks so much. Lesley

Just wanted to say a big thank you for your amazing class and your lovely charming character. 
I literally enjoy being at your class, it's so much fun and the way you teach us play with colors is amazing!
I was sitting in front of my computer at work and remembering how much fun I had yesterday painting that flower and jar! Then I felt I like to share this good feeling with you :) 
Have a great day and keep shining our beautiful teacher :* :) Mary H

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Pics from my workshops in Lucca Tuscany Italy

"It was a delight to welcome Amanda Brett to teach at Watershed Studio this summer.  She was efficient, easy company and put every one at their ease immediately. Her method of tuition suited everyone present on her full course. Several students felt strongly that she had opened their eyes to a new way of looking at painting and all had been inspired and encouraged.  One student who has been coming to us for several years declared that that one of her paintings was the best thing she had ever done and another who had only booked for a single day stayed for two – a real testament to Amanda and her skills as a tutor. We have rebooked for next year and I can’t wait!" Allison Bond, Watershed UK

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Go to my studio page for a slideshow demonstration of "Eight Bells"

Weekend Workshop Cambridge Society of Artists, Sept 2015

Beginners One Day Workshop 22 August 2015

​FAQs

COMMENTS FROM
​WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

​"Thank you very much for a wonderful week in Lucca. You taught me to look much more closely at the environment I'm in and gave me as a beginner the confidence to keep painting. We also loved the social program and interaction with other participants". Wendi

"You will always be in great demand because you are an outstanding watercolour artist and tutor. Your advice on techniques and materials have been invaluable. All my paints are artist quality now and the difference is truly amazing. I have bought several other colours as well. I love watercolour and the more I learn the more I like it." Cheers Phil.

"Thank you Amanda for your inspiring and  enjoyable painting tuition. You gave such encouragement, seeking out the parts of my work that were "juicy, brilliant and cool." I feel I have learnt so much in our week and would love to join you again. Lucca sounds great. It's the kiwi in you that makes you such an open minded artist." Fondest regards, Noelene

"Your course gave me the confidence to play with watercolour!! Many thanks to you for your fun approach to teaching, it really helped me to have a go for the sheer pleasure of it." Carol J.

"Amanda, I had the best time and would really love to do another course, it really was inspirational. Looking forward to catching up again" Kay

I am primarily a portrait artist but you’ve given me skills to work in other areas I want to pursue too and watching you paint was invaluable. You are a very talented and generous woman, and a wonderful tutor. Yours is only the second watercolour workshop I have ever attended – you can get good artists and you can get good art tutors but it is hard to find the two in one person, and you are gifted at both." NS

"Thank you so much for a fab weekend workshop - I enjoyed every minute, even though my amateurish effort seemed an absolute disaster. However, after applying some of those newly learnt salvaging techniques the results are looking more hopeful!  (Even positive praise from the husband!) I am encouraged to attempt the next one, having already sketched your last demonstration masterpiece. I'm sure our group will be very enthusiastic of another workshop with you.
To be honest, I probably learnt more in the limited time from you than with previous watercolour sessions that were far too expensive - Your style of relaxed teaching, interspersed with little helpful gems and adroit demonstrations were brilliant! - Most definitely great value and absolute enjoyment!" MH

"Was so worthwhile Amanda. Thank you so much for all of your teaching, sharing and encouragement. Can't wait to play!" Lulu

"It was a pleasure to catch up and watch you pull those paintings together, you are a very good artist and love your work. Great day thanks Amanda" Lindsay

"To be honest, I probably learnt more in the limited time from you than with previous watercolour sessions that were far too expensive - Your style of relaxed teaching, interspersed with little helpful gems and adroit demonstrations were brilliant! - Most definitely great value and absolute enjoyment!" Merle

"I just wanted to say how lovely it was to see you again - you’re like a breath of fresh air with your openness, sense of humour and willingness to share of your wealth of information." Virginia

"Thanks for the great day painting on Saturday. I have reflected on my first efforts at watercolour and am looking forward to playing around some more." Patrick.

"Thanks again for the generous and fun way you share your knowledge and skills!" Anna

"Loved the workshop on Saturday and am going to persuade my husband and sister to do it too!" Beryl

Beginners One Day Workshop 21 March 2015

I can't believe I forgot to take photos again!! 


I get so involved in the class and helping everyone it just all goes out the window!! For the next workshop in August, I promise I will put a sign around my neck for everyone else to remind me!! :)

anyways, here's some lovely feedback in WORDS!! THANK YOU Sheryl and Anna!!

Today's class was great. A big leap forward in my understanding of watercolours. Thank you. See you in August. Cheers Sheryl

Thanks again so much for the fantastic workshop today. I loved it  - you are a wonderful teacher.   I've just booked and paid for 22 August workshop.   I hope you enjoy your trip and the gin and tonics!! Cheers Anna 

Absolutely super day, thanks for letting my join your beginners class to get to grips with watercolours. A medium I have always been to afraid of. Joanne

Class Demonstration painting

All ready for the Te Tuhi Student Exhibition opening 5 December, 
all welcome

NEW FEEDBACK

"Amanda is easy to get on with. Like spending the day with a friend. She's very talented and we really enjoyed the day." Gudnee

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Amanda was so "efficient", if one can use that word for an artist, but she shared all her super secrets with us so freely, and gave each student equal time and attention. That was appreciated very much. A very pleasant way to spend a day, and lots learnt. Would love to do it all over again. Nice students to mingle with.” Shirley

SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR UPDATES

Ready for the Student Exhibition at Te Tuhi, 
opening 29 Nov 7pm all welcome!

Aren't they fab?? such good work, I'm so proud!! all framed and ready 
to hang!! more photos to come soon!!

A Word From My Students
"Just want to thank you so much for the class last night - your encouragement and grace is so wonderful. I still can't believe I actually painted! And I'm thrilled with my effort, please tell me that tomorrow is Wednesday!!!" :) Katherine

"All credit to Amanda Brett Artist my wonderful encouraging teacher. Without her I would not have got this far." Catherine

New Feedback

"Thank you for a great workshop on Saturday...I DID enjoy it....love your enthusiasm and laid back approach." Hilary

"I enjoyed your workshop very much. You generously imparted a huge amount of information. 
I particularly enjoyed your demonstrations. I learnt a lot over the weekend. Thank you." Trevor

"I LOVED your class, it was fantastic. Showed me new ways of using the paint. I learnt heaps." Stephanie

"Thank you Amanda - you were awesome! and very generous with your knowledge, technique and time. Best regards and thank you for a great 2 day w/shop - I really enjoyed it!"  Shelley

Warm up Your Winter Blues

Some new feedback


"the best thing was learning new ways to do things and to watch Amanda doing a painting" Hanna

"Very good and enjoyable weekend course- Amanda is an excellent teacher!" Judy

"the best thing for me was the tremendous amount of instruction and guidance" Andrea

"Great class and Amanda so friendly, approachable and caring" Janet

"thoroughly enjoyed the course, the best thing was our enthusiastic and inspiring teacher!" Charmaine

"Amanda is encouraging and passionate, embracing mistakes" John

Watercolour Secrets I, 26 May

some new feedback (forgot to take photos!!)

"It was such fun to learn water-colouring amidst a lovely bunch of people and a very learned and supportive tutor."

"Learnt so many new techniques.  Different to my initial perception of water colour painting (freer approach), whereas I thought it would be controlled, detail techniques.  Teacher was very passionate which inspired everyone."

"I really loved the enthusiasm of the tutor.  Her encouraging attitude and her sense that we could “do it”.  Loved her colour choices."

"Enjoyed every moment!"

Summertime Shadows in Watercolour!! Feb 2012

A summer painting workshop focussing on leaving whites and using super darks to make them punch out.

We also explored wet in wet washes, water to pigment ratios and shadow shapes and colours and quick drawing techniques so you can get painting quickly.

We had a really fun group of people with great interaction, lots of questions and discussions and hard work: painting is tiring, your brain's buzzing about everywhere making split second decisions!!

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Some feedback ...

"Thank you for a really good workshop this weekend...everyone went away happy and enthusiastic,  thank you so much."  Christine

"Thank you so much for your time and instruction. It was a most enjoyable day and my appetite for painting has certainly increased." Nick G

"I truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Amanda and was very encouraged by what I was able to do in the workshop.  Amanda's enthusiasm is contagious and she has a way of making everyone feel comfortable and accomplished, no matter how much of a mess they feel they have made.  She makes your accidents happy opportunities to learn and your fears and lack of confidence disappear.  I look forward to being able to participate in another session in the near future." Paula H

"Thank you. I really enjoyed participating in your class and now think that I have enough knowledge to get me started. The classes are small enough to get some one on one with you and plenty of time for any questions we may have." Jude

"Excellent tutor...manages to talk and paint at the same time .... practical and theory basics well covered....plus more advanced information and demonstration.  Highly recommended." Hilary

"Your course was one of the best things I have done for myself. You're a great teacher." Colleen