E. W. UK
11 out of 10! A striking, unusual, original venue. A marvellous course and very thoughtfully prepared. Babette Adrian has a gift not only for art but also for teaching – seldom have I come across a teacher who understands her pupils so well, and so quickly (I think she would also make an excellent psychologist…).
The course really was first-rate in terms of the theory of art. One student said that the range of Babette’s talks was like the reduced Shakespeare company’s plays – I agree! Fabulously informative and condensed. Her is an artist who really knows her stuff. Another student commented that Babette’s teaching was “streets ahead” of all of the other teaching he had received. Again, I agree wholeheartedly.
Importantly, Babette understands the need for students to be given positive rather than negative feedback at all times. A most encouraging course and teacher. Is a move to London asking too much??
A. Whitehouse UK
Superb Location Wonderfully stimulating yet spiritual and serene environment. A haven for any artistic endeavour.
I attended the course having attended the equivalent two week course in East Grinstead last year as a beginner, and not having done much painting in the intervening year. I found the course challenging and rewarding, great fun and a life-enhancing (and possibly life changing) experience.
Babette’s great strength as a teacher is to treat every student as a serious artist, whilst accepting that for most it will only ever be a hobby – but a hobby that brings personal fulfilment. I feel that I have developed as a person in many ways as well as artistically in the last two weeks. I have developed the confidence to continue learning, recognising that it is a life-long process, but not being daunted by that. It has also been inspirational to see all the other attendees develop throughout the course in their own personal way. The combination of Babette’s teaching and encouragement in a truly inspirational setting has been a magic fortnight.
M. Dicecco, USA
I would love you to know how much I value the wealth of knowledge and experience that you have shared with me over the course of this past week at La Cartuja. I enjoyed the contrast of the nature of the course and the opportunity of having you as an art instructor. I hope that this year goes well for you, as I have appreciated the time that I have spent with you. I would love to be a student of yours in the future I fy life takes its course back to England!
W.E. UK
“One bit changed my whole life, when I understood “stop thinking, just look, just do it!”
A. W. UK
15 out of 10! Constructive, encouraging, very instructive.
B. P.
Course and teacher were really inspirational. Much harder work than I thought and much more achieved than I imagined. Really gave an insight into what painting is all about rather than “dabbling”.
L. M.
Cartuja is a beautiful setting. The scenery and the monastery are both lovely for this type of course. The course and teaching have been excellent. Your feedback, critique, help and advice has been sympathetic and very helpful! You are precise and clean and always explain why something works or doesn’t, which is great for a learner. The balance of practical and theory has worked very well. Your passion for art and teaching is infectious. I have been slightly frustrated by spending such a long time on one picture; but the end results have proved that this has been worthwhile. I feel I have learned a lot form you, but am also aware how much I don’t know! But I look forward to attending more classes with you, so I can develop my skills. my over-riding memory is of a fabulous course and a really special teacher, plus an opportunity to meet some lovely and fun people....
Thank you for a memorable fortnight.
Y. D.
Thanks for organising such a great holiday. The painting, the group and the location were fantastic.
I like the format of working in a group, seeing everyone’s work develop and having regular crits. I never spent three days on a painting before, though! Great to do one week of portrait and figure and one of landscape.
The venue has plenty of choices for landscape views. It is remote but the monastery was great which shows in the variety of pictures produced in the second week.
The group was fantastic. Pretty amazing since most of us had never met before.
A. M.
Of the three art courses I have been on, this one was the best. Very good on providing a structural theoretical base from which to develop one’s own style. This does not seem to be common on art courses and is a major plus.
The venue gets also 10 out of 10: beautiful, spacious, with plenty to paint.
I enjoyed the two week course very much and feel I have made progress in developing my painting – both technique and style. This was my aim and I feel I have achieved it!
N. L.
Thanks for some wonderful tuition - I learnt a lot and continue to find myself looking at things (and
pictures) in quite new painterly ways. You're absolutely right about the
effect of working on a bigger scale (enough space to put down what one sees); I don't think I will be producing any
more picture postcards after being liberated onto your large canvases.
Thanks too for all your remarkably energetic commitment over the two weeks
and for conveying so much through your own positive expectations and
detailed feedback. They really made a difference.
The course pack and drawing course CD are really excellent, easy to follow
and full of clear practical advice.
N. S.
Very good, exactly what I wanted and needed. Good balance of right-
side inspiration and really succinct left-side analysis. Good use of
examples from books. For me the right level of direct intervention
to show me the way. I think the strategy of training judgmental
skills to enable people to go away and develop on their own is
exactly right. I guessed that this course would be effective which
is why I did not do alternative courses at a time when my wife could
join me. You are a gifted artist giving people an incredible opportunity to learn from you in a very beautiful setting. Your humble student salutes you.
S. B.
Hope this doesn't find you too exhausted after giving so much of yourself at La Cartuja.
I so enjoyed my time at La Cartuja. You were absolutely right that I would regret only having a week painting....Initially I thought this would not be an issue as I have never really thought about landscape painting, but having seen Isobel's painting and hearing your views on the joy and freedom of landscape, I am now itching to have a go!
The surreal setting of painting in the nave at La Cartuja, the quiet grace of Pablo (the model) and the tranquillity in never having to think about food or drink or responsibilities enabled me, with your wonderful support as a teacher and person, to find a freedom and joy in painting I have not experienced before. And surprise: I now have 2 BIG paintings unlike anything I have done before. Wow! I had a wonderful week. Thank you so much Babette.
Isa A.
It was extremely important to devote the whole day to paint, one day after the other for a week, it was a sort of meditation around the same subject, with nothing to distract my attention from the main subject which was always to get to the core of the things and see them with different eyes, having at hand all the elements to express what I felt, trying to grasp the magic light. No doubt it´s difficult to grasp the magic side of the things around you, but these days Babette was there to give me a hand and advice with her patience and invaluable experience. Thanks for that. you´ll be always in my mind when I start a new painting and I´ll try to look at things with the eyes of the heart as you taught me.
Jane H
Just a note to thank you for organising the trip to Cartuja. I really enjoyed the complete experience, felt I learned a huge amount, feel inspired to do a lot more work, and have come away feeling better than I have felt since becoming ill. Cartuja is a wonderful and perfect location. The diversity of the group in age, ability and backgrounds also enriched the experience, the food was good, and the spiritual calm of the location could not fail to bring peace. I was impressed by your teaching style, your passion for developing everybody's skills, and your ability to make helpful constructive comments in an objective way, without prejudice. My energy and strength are at higher levels than they have been for nine months, I just hope I can hang on at those levels!
I wish you all the best on the Summer course and hope I will join you on another course in a year or two.
Thanks.
R. Nagi, Solicitor
Dream come true
After years of dreaming about painting, about three years ago I decided to do something about it and joined a Saturday class. I stayed there for a term and then joined another Saturday class and have been to various painting workshops and met some very good teachers. There is something, even if only very little, to gain from very teacher of art but we are always looking for someone who can make a real difference to our work and help us move forward and Babette is one of the few I have come across who can make a difference.
I came across Babette searching on the internet for short, week-end courses and discovered her website. At first I decided East Grinstead was too far to travel all the way from North London, even if only every other Saturday, so instead signed up for a week-long Summer course in August this year, staying locally for the week. I have since joined Babette’s Saturday class and the two hour commute each way is worth it.
Babette’s talent as an artist is without doubt as is obvious from her work on her website but Babette also possesses that quite rare talent to teach and infuse her students with the same passion that she obviously has for art and does not try to hold back anyone, whatever their level. At the Summer school I felt like I was on a full time art course surrounded by enthusiastic students and a very enthusiastic teacher who was just as interested in the philosophy of painting as the mark made on the canvass. Each student’s idiosyncrasies were appreciated, assessed and they were encouraged to change from the mould holding them back. It was a great experiment and very liberating especially as we were encouraged to work on a very large canvass with the same model for the full week.
The time Babette spends with each student, her approachability and her determination to make you see how you need to improve your work rather then leaving you to slowly progress makes you feel like a professional in training rather than a mere hobby artist.
Andrew
I arrived in East Grinstead on the first morning having never painted in oils
or done any life drawing or painting. I was confronted by a model and a
blank canvas and surrounded by people who, unlike me, clearly knew what they
were doing. Babette's encouraging approach of treating everyone as an
artist, whatever their level, gave me the courage to take the huge step of
starting to express in paint something of what I observed and experienced.
After the rigours of the first week of life painting, the second week of
landscape painting by a secluded lake was more relaxing, but no less
educational. As I drove home in the evenings my perception of the
landscape was changed, seeing everything in terms of painting. I learned so
much in two weeks in that nurturing environment, from Babette's instruction,
her support and that of my fellow students and from my own direct
experience. It was truly a life enhancing two weeks.
Anthea, UK
I didn't realise that a week of painting could be such a cerebral detox, who needs Prozac! I did the summer course at East Grinstead in August and it felt right, as though this is the 'bigger picture,' dabbling around with messy colour - the world out there seemed to pale in comparison. It can be quite tiring since it's very easy to lose track of time whilst standing for hours and you can't get away with short cuts either, Babette will remember! If it's constructive, professional criticism you're after whilst being encouraged to explore your personal style, this is good fun.
Shane, UK
Firstly a big thanks for an excellent, extremely enjoyable course. Before going I was sure that if I painted every single day for such a long stretch I’d either lose all painting energy or be utterly sick of it. Well, the reverse is true. I arrived home on Wednesday and have just completed my first painting since being back – I had to do a test – I painted the view from my workshop – I’ve done it twice before (think I sent you one) and I wanted to see how my approach had changed since painting with you. The result is quite radical – have a look at the attached. In case you miss me, you can find me in the top right hand corner.
Michael, UK
La Cartuja is beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring -- the perfect place to spend two weeks concentrating on doing something that really matters. Babette worked hard to make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves, and that each individually got what they wanted out of the course. Everyone was enthusiastic, generous, and supportive.
The best of many memorable experiences was perhaps when we were painting from a life model in the nave of the 15th century monastery church, while swallows flew in and out of the windows above, and a folk group sang at the other end of the church, practising for their evening concert.
Best holiday ever!
Karen, Scotland
I write to thank you for the life changing trip to Cartuja! I have come back so inspired and full of new knowledge. I have been reading and learning lots from your information pack, and have spent much time drawing and painting since my return. My colour mixing and use of colour just excites me, where before I hated not knowing where to begin. I thank you so much for this long awaited start, I couldn't have chosen a better one! I look forward to our next meeting.
Jose, Honduras / America There are days when I dream of being in La Cartuja, relaxing and enjoying the summer. Meanwhile I look out my window and you can see the cold air throw the colored leaves out of the trees and into the streets. I have been taking a course, so I
continued painting... and I got a new easel... a very proper one I have to
say! So about my painting course, I am enjoying it very much, but I
must say I miss you as my teacher, you helped me get out there and conquer
my fears of insecurity, unfortunately my professor is very much more like a
critique and she is a hard critic which sometimes makes me feel
uncomfortable. But she does teach the basics and I am now in 4th level with
4th level painting students so I have improved when it comes to the basic of
drawing.
I am excited for this Halloween, we will have our first Cartuja reunion, Karen is coming to New York from Scotland so Brendan and I will meet up with her. I am happy for that.
Once again I thank you Babette, getting involved in this painting course was
one of the best experiences of my life, it gave me a sense of direction of
what I want to do, plus it helped me mentally and it helped me realize that
there is so much more in life that can make me happy. I also realized the
amazing talent and gift that you carry to teach others, I believe I have
never had a teacher so capable of doing exactly what she proposes, and I
believe will never have another teacher as yourself. You are one of a kind.
Kirstie, UK I loved Cartuja; it helped me make some life changing decisions. I learnt so much over the two weeks - I'm still battling to try and put it all into practice. The setting and people were very special; it was simply inspirational - and you can quote me on that! The time spent there is still very much with me and will be for a long time to come. It's made me think about my surroundings so much more; I look for colours and changes more now.
I started back at college a couple of weeks ago. I'm taking my holiday work in to show my teacher in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping to get a portfolio together. Hoping to get on to the foundation course at St Martin's for this time next year. I'm also interested in art therapy and have a day course booked to find out more. So we shall see.....
Gijs, Singapore The course at Cartuja was very special to me. It was the perfect combination of art tuition, a great bunch of people, the magical setting of the monastery. I enjoyed every bit of it. I learned a lot about painting and I enjoyed the fact that the level of accomplishment from all of us was so different, so that we learned not only from what your tuition, but also from each other. I think you saw my somewhat moist eyes as I got on the bus to leave.
Beth, America I had a wonderful experience at Babette's summer workshop held in Cartuja, Spain. Having not painted for several years, I was a little anxious about my abilities and the expectations of the course. I am happy to say that Babette's style of instruction put everyone at ease. Unlike other instructors I've had Babette was able to meet each artist at their individual level and style. She didn't try to get me to paint "her way". I think we all learned a lot from her critics of our works and she was always patient and encouraging. The scenery was beautiful, the food and wine was great, and the company of all was wonderful. I describe my trip as going to "adult camp". In two weeks we all grew very close. We learned from each other, laughed with each other, traveled on the weekend together, and cried when the "Good-Byes" came at last. It is two weeks I'll never forget!
And, I have exciting news. I entered my charcoal nude drawing in a juried show and it was excepted. I've never entered a show before. It is a charity show put on by a new art league in town. I'm itching to paint.
Commission Testimonial “Dear Babette,
I'm really very pleased that you're enthused by the painting. I have no idea why things do or don't work visually. I respond to pictures - but mostly don't know why (I really have no aptitude for creating them)... But, from seeing the representations of your work on your website, I do know that I trust your judgement - and I'm sure I shall feel the same way about this painting when I see it at first hand. The (progress) photos you have sent are great - but I also know that I shall really have to see the original to have the full experience. Photos are not the same as originals and I'm looking forward to seeing the real thing...”
“ importantly, thank you for your work. I am genuinely delighted by the end product and feel that I have been very fortunate to have the painting done by yourself rather than settling for something at all run of the mill or ordinary... :-) :-)
I feel very honoured by all the work and dedication you've put into it and am very glad to have waited until you were happy with it.
I think I shall put it in the living room after all. It is going to be a very special possession... so there's every reason why it should be very prominently on view. It seems like it should have pride of place in my home. I very much liked, and empathise with, the things you had to say about the figure being "at peace" in contrast with the seeming turmoil of the surrounding sheets... It's something which was not very evident in the original image but which your eye has unerringly spotted...
I rather like the effect of your framing and may well keep it exactly as it is...
Anyway, thank you again, and best wishes...”
“Forgive me for raving on about the painting - but I am hugely pleased with it.
I'm just looking at it in the different low-angled and warmer light of the evening. It looks hugely richly saturated in terms of colour. And the drawing of the figure suddenly looks hugely "sculptural" (which is perhaps no surprise in view of your other work). But the shapes stand out in an almost 3D manner...
Anyway, the more I look at it, the more I enjoy it. And I want you to know that you have one very satisfied client...
It is truly a pleasure to see... Thank you - very much.”
“Dear Babette
I just keep looking at your painting and feeling absolutely amazed by it...
It is so very, very skilfully executed - more so than I can express... I love the "mass" and "physicality" of it - it really makes me feel like there's a "reality" to it that I hadn't imagined . You have somehow made it feel like so much more than something beyond a mere depiction.
And I am already regretting that I didn't say yes to you using an even larger canvas... Seeing the large paintings on the walls of your home made me realise that such large images are not "overwhelming" (as I had assumed). But they are truly arresting and create a terrific mood...
Anyway, I love your commissioned painting and am truly very happy with it... it seems to have such a lot of different things in it which it will keep revealing...
However, if you would like to do something for me on the scale of the pictures on your living room wall, well tell me... There is a stunning quality about such large images.. I rather think I would like to have something on that scale... “
“You'll be delighted to know that my partner was surprised, amused and genuinely delighted by the painting. She is considerably younger than me and (though I didn't explain it to her in these terms) it is something she will be able to have and keep when mortality catches up with me - which greatly pleases me. But she genuinely loves it - and she too loved the "at peace" aspect of it...”
“Just thought I'd report back that everyone who has seen your painting (and it is prominently displayed) has been knocked out by it.
There has of course been a certain amount of surprise about the subject matter being me (!) - but, once over that, literally everyone has expressed pleasure and appreciation about the execution of the painting.
It has created huge enjoyment and pleasure amongst my friends. And I'm utterly delighted by it.
The whole experience of being painted by you was so much fun that it's hard to describe. It was a really life-enhancing thing to have done. And it's a bit sad that people don't commission more paintings. We should. They are important... “
“Your painting remains hung prominently on my wall - it's the most striking object in my home and I love it very, very much.”
Ray, UK I was very happy with your tuition and my constant questioning of your suggestions was because, in all areas of my life, I do not accept a statement without knowing the reasoning behind it. I suppose that is the left side of the brain taking control !!
I learnt a lot about painting during those days in Spain and especially during Wednesday & Thursday of the first week when I struggled to leave behind the "painting what I think I see" and take on the "painting what I can see" attitudes.
I know that those 7 days in Spain will help me a lot in the coming years of drawing and painting.
Thank you again for all your help.
John Hollingsworth
It was really wonderful to see you the other week at the exhibition. It was also great to see a few "old faces" from the classes I did. I hope you managed to get some sales!
I was really impressed by the quality & sheer variety of the work on display.You know, it is a great reflection of all the hard work, support & inspiration that I know you put into your teaching. You should feel really proud of that.
It also really reminded me of how much I enjoyed your classes & what I've been missing since I had to give it up a couple of years ago.
