Why Learn With Me?
I have been teaching art and design since 1992. For many years I worked as a full-time lecturer while also developing my own practice as an artist. Over time I gradually shifted my focus towards my own work, while continuing to teach in ways that felt meaningful and rewarding.
Today I teach improvement classes, host critique evenings as an invited artist, teach printmaking techniques at the Glasgow Print Studio, and offer one-to-one teaching to artists of all levels from my studio in Glasgow city centre.
After decades of making art and helping others develop their skills, I’ve realised how much I enjoy the teaching process itself. Few things give me more satisfaction than helping people discover new techniques, strengthen existing ones, and gain the confidence to develop their own artistic practice in a way that feels right for them.
How I Teach
I love helping people grow in confidence as artists. If you connect with my work or the way I approach art, I may be the right person to guide and inspire you.
As a multi-disciplinary artist I enjoy exploring and mastering new techniques and processes, and I’m always excited to share that knowledge with others. My studio is full of books, images and references that can spark ideas and help you develop your own visual language.
Over many years of teaching I realised that showing someone how to do something is only the beginning. My aim is to help you learn to truly see the world with an artist’s eye — developing the ability to reflect on your own work, understand what makes it stronger, and build your confidence as an artist.
Practice is important, but practice combined with thoughtful guidance can help you progress much more quickly.
Sessions take place in my small but welcoming studio in Glasgow city centre, usually on a one-to-one basis or in very small groups of two to four people. This allows plenty of time for discussion, experimentation and constructive feedback in a relaxed environment.
Whether you want to explore a new medium, develop techniques, receive thoughtful critique on work in progress, or get advice on presenting and selling your work, I aim to offer practical help and encouragement at whatever stage you are in your artistic journey.
I offer one-to-one tuition and very small group sessions from my studio in Glasgow city centre. Working in a small setting allows plenty of time for discussion, demonstration and constructive feedback tailored to your individual goals.
Sessions are shaped around what you want to achieve. You might want to improve a particular technical skill, explore a new medium, develop ideas for a project, or receive thoughtful critique on work in progress. I can also offer guidance on developing a body of work, preparing pieces for exhibition, or navigating the practical side of selling and commissioning artwork.
With many years of teaching experience, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Further and Higher Education), I specialise in working with adult learners in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Who is this For?
Over the years I have taught a wide range of students: from complete beginners in community classes to experienced artists and university-level students.
Because of this, sessions can be tailored to suit your current level. You might be:
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A beginner who would like guidance on where to start
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An improving artist wanting to strengthen technical skills
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An experienced maker looking for fresh ideas, critique, or a new direction
What matters most is enthusiasm and curiosity. I particularly enjoy working with people who are open to experimenting, trying new techniques and developing their own creative voice.
My formal teaching qualifications are focused on adult education, so sessions are primarily designed for adults. If you have a younger person needing help with an art portfolio or exams, please feel free to get in touch to discuss whether I might be able to help.
Subjects and Skills I Can Help With
Over the years my curiosity has led me to explore a wide range of artistic techniques and processes. Some of the areas I particularly enjoy teaching include:
Drawing & Observational Skills
∙Line, tone and mark-making using pencil, charcoal and ink
∙Learning to observe subjects more carefully
∙Building confidence in sketching and drawing
Travel & Urban Sketching
∙Sketching buildings, people, landscapes and city scenes
∙Combining materials such as pencil, ink, watercolour, gouache and pastel
∙Creating lively and expressive sketchbook pages
Painting
∙Oil painting using both classical and expressive approaches
∙Mixed-media painting using water-based materials
∙Moving from observation toward more expressive or abstract work
Printmaking
∙Monotype printing using a small press
∙Relief printing including lino cut
∙Drypoint etching using plastic plates
∙Experimental printmaking techniques
Colour & Composition
∙Colour mixing and practical colour theory
∙Choosing palettes and using colour to create mood or emotion
∙Composition, cropping and identifying the “big shapes” in a subject
∙Developing finished artworks from sketches and reference material
Subjects You May Wish to Explore
∙Portraits and the human figure
∙Landscapes, trees and seascapes
∙Buildings and cityscapes
∙Flowers and still life
∙Narrative and storytelling through art
How Much Will it Cost?
£40 per hour for one-to one sessions , critiques & demos
£100 for a half day (up to 3 hours)
£190 for a full day (up to 6 hours)
Start your creative journey
Please visit my contact page where you will find my phone number and email address along with details about my city-centre studio and its access.
I don’t run scheduled courses for set periods of time as I find it tends to work better for both you and me to organise classes as and when they’re needed. If you would like to spend a day with me in my studio the best thing to do is to get in touch and we can work out the best day for us both and I’ll get that in my calendar.
A typical half-day in my studio would be from 10:00 to 13:00 0r 14.00-17.00 and a full-day from 10:00 to 17:00 with an hour for lunch. It may be possible to adjust these times.
