Hi all,

I'm thinking of taking an Online or Correspondence Painting Course as I don't live near a big city. However part of me wonders just how effective this type of tuition might be?

Anyone tried it?

Looked at the OCA and the London Art College so far.... both look OK. OCA expensive enough..

Regards
Kieran

check out drawspace.com it is by the woman who did the drawing for dummies book. It is mainly for drawing but there is a little painting in there as well. Don't know what level your at, I'm pretty much a newbie but thought it was ok. It is made up of free lessons at different levels, also can pay for online workshops etc.

Hi, Go to www.simplypainting.com by world famous artist, Frank Clarke. you can get free lessons, which are limited, and if you join up, there are lots of extra lessons you can access. About £40 for the year, but as far as I know you get a starter kit as well for that price, ( anyway I did, but I'm not sure if that's still on, I've been a member for a good while now).
Doesn't offer any qualifications though, but is very useful, for Watercolour & Acrylic painters. hope this helps
Cheers, and good luck.

Hi Kieran, Have you looked at www.peterwoolley.com? Peter Woolley does online courses which cover both painting and drawing. Each session has a video demonstration, a step by step demonstration and personal, private feedback on everything you do. . . and the great thing is that it isn't expensive! He is a brilliant teacher and I speak from personal experience! Best thing I ever did!
Cheers!

Hello
As a professional artist and tutor I can say with some confidence that correspondence courses work for some BUT on the whole being in a class with others and having a tutor review your work and give you practical instruction as you go is invaluable. He or she can then give you guidance and show you face to face and that can't be beaten.

I suggest you seek a local workshop and see if you can get on it. Any questions I'd be pleased to help.

Max Hale SAA PA

A word of warning - I've taken 4 correspondence art courses, 3 brilliant and 1 an expensive disaster.The former was one provider, the second another. The customer service (friendliness and help provided) was the issue here. When I encountered a legimate problem (this is rare in painting courses) the last provider had to be prompted to reply and then was close to rude. They 'had my money so tough' was the attitude. What would I do differently now? Check the medium you are to use - does it agree mentally and physically with you. Two, read the small print - when can you return the course for a refund or some compensation - don't write or deface any of the material. Set up a chat with the college involved before committing yourself. Don't be put off by this - I learned how to draw well from these courses - classes with other people are good for other reasons. A mixture of the two is ideal.