Classes Restarting in September 2026 - Maidenhead, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring, Cookham Areas and Online
GDS Artschool FAQ
Where is GDS located?
GDS Artschool is currently located in the Maidenhead, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring and Cookham areas, making use of local publicly-accessible halls and other premises.
How much does it cost?
Session are currently £20 each, though paid for termly. Terms vary in length, usually between 10 and 12 weeks. A term, therefore, might cost between £200 and £240 altogether. The first taster session is always free for newcomers, so you can see if it suits you with no further obligation. 50% (£10) of your the fee is reimbursed if you miss a session. Online Zoom sessions are £10 per session.
Do I need to bring my own tools and materials?
You will be generally responsible for your own materials and equipment, and GDS Artschool does not generally provide these. It is important to get to know and maintain your own equipment, especially if you might follow-ip class work at home. However, I do provide certain materials occasionally, and always have a supply of basic materials (such as paper to work on). I always have some things available, such as masking tape, pencils, paints, paper-plate palettes, brushes, drawing boards, scissors, glue, etc. I also provide printed reference images if you requires them.
What materials do you use?
I currently have an emphasis on the use of acrylic paints, though I occasionally look at other media such as oils paints, watercolours, pencil, charcoal, pastels, pens, inks and collage. Some tasks are very much mixed-media based. Surfaces used to work on are canvas, board and paper (usually this is a preference, but sometime I specify in advance).
Is it step-by-step instruction?
Not exactly. I often give a demonstration on ways of getting started, but I strongly believe that part of learning to be a artist is to look at how we develop and understand our own individual ways of working (including what we consider to be a resolved painting). This might involve some clearly explained steps with examples, or it might be advice given for your specific response to a given task. Painting is a very broad subject, and while there are technical issues that are common to most painting (such as light, tone, space, colour, line, shape, texture, edges, contrast, proportion, mark-making, composition and design, basic drawing skills etc), your personal understanding and use of these elements is what makes you an artist.
What kind of painting do you teach?
I teach a range of styles, subjects, methods and ideas, and like to share new and emerging contemporary ideas as well as great traditions. I do not believe there is a single definition of painting, and aim to reflect the eclectic nature of painting, while also considering fundamental approaches. Recognising the varied nature of painting practise is part of learning in painting, and helps us to clarify what we ourselves are doing. The greatest teachers of all are other artists and artworks that inspire us.
Do I need to know much about painting to start with?
No. Based on my experience as a teacher, I have seen absolute beginners make use good use of the same tasks that more experienced artists use to further their explorations even beyond the task. I monitor who might need more specific guidance during the class, and aim to make suggestions that work at a level that feels appropriate for that individual. My demonstrations always look at simplifying the task in hand, and tips and advice are given in relation to this.
Do you do evening classes?
Not at present, though this might change. I have run them previously and this might happen again. If so, it will announced on this website.
Who are your classes aimed at?
The members of my groups are varied in their experience of painting (so can be quite diverse in terms of interests and abilities) though the thing they all have in common is a willingness to work, discuss, explore, and take risks! Being curious is the single most important requirement for learning and creating, and I believe if you have that, then a great deal can follow! People can join for reasons of personal development, to use time in an interesting and productive way, to develop a potential new career, or simply to see what happens, as well as using the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. Those already with me are friendly and supportive, and will welcome anyone else who wishes to join.
Are the Zoom sessions the same as the hall classes?
These are very similar in terms of themes, ideas and approaches, though some naturally interactive aspects of the class are limited due to the online format. Tutor demos, on the other hand, tend to be longer, for example.
What happens if I miss a session?
You will be reimbursed 50% of the payment for each hall session missed. You will be expected to catch up with outstanding progress if appropriate, but I will make suggestions on how best to do this. It may be possible to join a Zoom session to help catch up if the sessions are in sync with each other.
