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Painting Tuition

"I have been running painting courses and mural workshops for sixteen years initially based on my first practical book explaining how to paint murals – The Art of Illusion (New Holland)"

Although it sold very well and was printed in three languages, it is now sadly out of print. It is still available in most libraries either as this original title or, in paperback, as ‘Janet Shearer’s Trompe L’Oeil Painting Course’. My second book, The Artists Guide to Perspective (also New Holland) is still available in two languages.

My workshops have diversified from the original structured five day ‘trompe l’oeil mural’ session geared primarily towards wall-painting, and I now invite visitors to my studio to revisit childhood artistic inclinations or to develop their own current art work, gaining confidence and expertise with lots of help from me. It doesn’t matter at all to me if you consider yourself to be a complete beginner! You are very welcome, whatever your level of expertise!

I now prefer only to be committed to teaching during the mornings 10-1pm Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, although what people often do is to stay on during the afternoon working on their own and I’m happy to help if I’m in the studio.

This means I can be free in the afternoons for my own work or my equestrian pursuits and my guests are free to decide whether to explore Cornwall or carry on painting. You need to arrange your own lunch but the nearby campsite has a great little shop!

  • My Studio
  • Painting a Landscape

Accommodation..

My house, Higher Grogley Farmhouse, is rented out as superb self-catering holiday accommodation weekly/fortnightly or monthly through Unique Homestays – http://www.uniquehomestays.com. Have a look at it – Grogly Farmhouse/Artists Farmhouse. It is fully booked almost all the time, which is good news for me but makes it difficult to fit in my painting guests!

  • Higher Grogley
  • The Living Room
  • Kitchen
  • Bedroom

As the house sleeps seven, it’s not practical to have just one guest in residence, so for individuals or small groups it’s worth checking availability at www.thewatermill.uniquehomestays.com or www.homefarm.uniquehomestays.com, which are both a stone’s throw from Grogley Farmhouse, whilst a little further afield, but worth the journey if you are looking for an inspiring coastal setting is www.thebeachhut.uniquehomestays.com (although it is necessary to book well in advance for this property!) If there are a group of you interested in coming on an art break, then, availability dependant, staying at Higher Grogley is of course an option, and more feasible for out of season breaks.

If you are looking for a more affordable option then you can stay locally at Ruthern Valley Holidays, which is very close and the people that run it, Andrew and Nicky Johnston, are delightful – good friends! They will be very happy to discuss excellent rates for groups and are especially helpful if you want to stay during the Autumn or Winter months. Their log cabins are warm and comfortable and walking distance from the studio. Prices vary depending on time of year but as a rough guide £220 for a lodge (sleeping 4 people) for four nights off season.

I myself am living in converted barn next to the studio. I generally teach from 10am to 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, guests can choose to spend afternoons staying on and painting in the studio or exploring Cornwall if you prefer!

Please see the Self Build Design article here for more information.

  • Colour Matching
  • Paints
  • Withiel Church
  • Painting Tuition

Tuition fees

For a one-to-one three hour session it's £100.00, for groups of four or more £75.00 each. Materials are extra but you can use my paints for a nominal charge. I don't share brushes so you would need to bring your own or buy them from me. The same applies to canvasses/boards etc

Everyone gets really good value for their money as I'm sure you will see. Quite a few people have sold what they have done in the studio for more than they have paid me and as a rule, if you paint wine glasses, you get to drink it at the end of the day!!!