“Someone asked me when I was 7 years of age what I wanted to be and I remember saying I wanted to be an Artist when I grew up.

So 4 children and a grandchild later I decided that I would like to learn oil painting and chose Ellen Michel at Art Maker Studio Gallery as my teacher.

I was such a challenge for Ellen as I had not even held a brush and I remember as I entered the front door I was finding it hard to remember back from school what colors made what when joined together.

I found that Ellen teaches from the start with a progressive program in oil painting that truly gives anyone an opportunity to realise their potential as an Artist.

I don’t really know why I left my run so late in life as family and friends and even myself didn’t realise I could paint so well.

Thank you Ellen for giving me the techniques in oil painting, your classes have been so enjoyable and challenging”

“From a novice artist like me, no matter how bad you think you are at the start, after attending just a few lessons with Ellen you can really see the difference and start to think “well I’m not that bad after all!”

Ellen is fantastic – she encourages you and helps you understand how techniques and procedures can make your paintings come alive. Lessons are informative and satisfying and so much fun. Once a lesson is over, I’m already looking forward to the next one!”

“I have been painting for a few years now, self taught and mainly copying from photos. I thought I was doing OK until I met Ellen !! She is teaching me to ‘see’. To see and understand colour, balance, tones and hues…edges (lost and found !)

I have a long way to go, but now at last my paintings are starting to have more life. I am excited about this journey I am embarking on, with Ellen’s keen eye picking up on my progress!!”

“Not only are Ellen’s classes informative and productive, but they are also extremely enjoyable. In a short period of time my skills and techniques dramatically improved. Ellen’s infectious enthusiasm has given me the drive to continue painting.”