The 'lesson' started with the usual introduction and welcome for new members (two women and myself, one of whom had already signed up for the rest of the term). This was followed by a very short demonstration by the tutor of a single colour tonal sketch. We then watched a 10 minute Ray Ranson video of the same technique. After this, brushes were handed out, I was given some paper and paint and shown where the palletes etc wer kept. Then it was "off you go, let's see what you all can do!"
I'd had less than 5 minutes of the tutor's time and was expected to paint! Very unnerving in a room full of strangers. Along with everyone else, I set to, using the same reference photograph that we'd all been handed.
Here's my first attempt (well, part of it - it's too big for the scanner!)
After this, we were recommended to have another go, either with the same picture, or with a different one. I noticed that the two other newbies stuck to the same picture, and so did I. "Try another colour this time", the tutor said "Paynes Grey gives a good range of tones". So I had another go.
I was pleased with the wheat stalk at top left of this one. The tutor circulated, making encouraging noises and suggestions as he went round, and all too soon the two hours was up.
My impression of the evening? I really needed/wanted more tutoring rather than just encouragement. I wanted to be told how to handle the brush properly, how to load the brush with paint, those kind of basic things. Maybe how to compose and build up a picture from looking at a photograph... Maybe it was the wrong level for me, or my expectations were too high. I'm told they don't run Complete Beginner's courses all that often - not enough demand. Instead they do these Beginner/Intermediate courses. At something like £170 a term, I'm not sure I'd personally get enough value out of them, based upon tonight's experience.
I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that they do a Beginner's Course in the future at a time that I can make - there's an Acrylics Beginners course in September, but it's in the daytime, which is no good for me.