Teaching

Brenda Parnham BEd.

Background

I qualified as a teacher in 1991 (as a mature student) and have been teaching ever since.
I have taught children at all levels from infants, juniors and secondary and adults during daytime and evening classes.

My teaching degree allowed me to specialise in Science and Art and I particularly enjoy the history of both subjects.

I have been painting since childhood - at first with watercolours, then in oils and finally returning to my first love of watercolours.

I retired from teaching in schools some years ago in order to specialise on teaching watercolours.
At first I taught groups of up to 16 students of all ages during daytime and evening classes at local community halls. But I now work from home in a purpose-built studio in which to teach watercolours to no more than 4 students at once. Such small groups ensure that degree of personal tuition which is essential for rapid progress.

I particularly enjoy teaching beginners as it is great to see someone who perhaps has not experienced painting since they were at school, blossom into a competent and confident watercolourist.

My students include children aged from 5 to 13 plus those of more 'mature' years.
Some of my current students have been coming to me for over two years and many are personal friends.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that you need skills to be able to produce high standard art work.
For this reason I concentrate on teaching watercolour techniques. Once these have been mastered you can then begin to develop your own style of painting.

Do not expect to create a masterpiece or even a recognisable picture in the first few weeks. It is an arduous journey to painting self-sufficiency. However with the right skills, sensitively taught and dutifully practised between lessons you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

Practicalities

I will provide materials for the first few lessons to give you the chance to 'try before you buy'.
Art materials vary in quality and mistakes can be expensive. I can give you access to a range of paints and brushes to help you decide what materials to buy for yourself.

Classes are limited to a maximum of four students at any one time to give an element of personal tuition and a certain degree of flexibility of subject matter according to skill level.

The subject matter varies. We paint from a variety of sources including photographs, still-life and locations around the area.

You will be expected to practise the techniques learned that week for at least 1 hour between lessons. Only this way will you develop your skills and thus become a confident and independent painter.

Adult Teaching sessions

Sessions are usually between 2 to 3 hours duration.
Morning sessions start at 10am and afternoon sessions at 1.30 or 2pm

Classes consist of a minimum of 2 students and a maximum of 4 students per session. Start times can be varied to suit the whole group if required.

Evening Classes for Children

For some time, I have taught early-evening classes for children, aged 10 years and over, at an art and craft supplies shop called ARTWORKS, in Beeston near Nottingham.
These lessons have been so successful that I now have a waiting list.

For further details about these classes, please use the Contact Me button above or use the details on the Links page.

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