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19 Painting courses in Witham

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Painting with Sophie James Decor Paint Workshop

By ReVamp Boutique

PRODUCTS & TECHNIQUE’S WORKSHOP Workshop Description: Want to talk paint? Have a play with colours and finishes? That's why we are so excited to team up with Sophie James Paints on this very special Two Day Technique Product Furniture Interior Workshop with Sophie James Decor Paint. ReVamp Boutique will be honoured to welcome Tony Cheeld from his Essex based family business. On this workshop you will have the chance to chat to him about technical queries, learn their sustainable ethos and how Sophie James Decor Paint products can transform every room of your home, furniture and garden with a Q&A . Day One you can experiment with all their latest products from their latest Light Dynamics range, paints, glazes and varnishes and discuss all those queries you have about preparation, application and colour mixing. Day Two you will using the techniques and knowledge you have learned on Day One and working on your own piece using Sophie James Decor Paint products and finishes. Interior design based Sarah Ashby-Bassett will be available to discuss paint colours schemes and interior colour choices for your home and how paint can transform your space. You will need to bring: * A small piece of furniture like a table, bedside cabinet or small chair * Any colour scheme ideas you may have for your furniture, colour drenching, feature walls and interiors What is included: All the materials, light lunch, refreshments through the days and a goodie bag to take away with you. 10% Off any purchases made for Sophie James Decor Paint throughout the two days Where & When: It takes places at our workshop at * Tom's Farm Shop & Garden Centre, Maldon Road, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0QA * 10AM to 4PM There is ample parking. Terms & Conditions: We have the right to cancel, change venue or date if we do not fill enough spaces. In this event we will give you 7 days notice with the option of rebooking or a full refund. Share YOU MAY ALSO LIKE * BARBOLA ART WORKSHOP [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/barbola-workshop?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=e2f68e164&pr_rec_pid=8078453539033&pr_ref_pid=7994870431961&pr_seq=uniform] Regular price£95.00 * POSH VEG PAINT [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/sophie-james-posh-veg-paint?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=e2f68e164&pr_rec_pid=7994833797337&pr_ref_pid=7994870431961&pr_seq=uniform] Regular priceFrom £5.95 * PAINT IT & UPHOLSTER IT COURSE [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/paint-and-upholstery-course?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=e2f68e164&pr_rec_pid=8166161449177&pr_ref_pid=7994870431961&pr_seq=uniform] Regular price£145.00 * CHRISTINGLE PAINT [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/sophie-james-christingle-paint?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=e2f68e164&pr_rec_pid=8091231650009&pr_ref_pid=7994870431961&pr_seq=uniform] Regular priceFrom £5.95 Write a Review [https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJY] ExcellentBased on 43 Reviews [https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Google&query_place_id=ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJY] Amanda TannerMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106760363044729526284/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYI had the most wonderful therapeutic and inspiring two days with Sarah at Revamp Boutique; and finished with a beautiful bespoke piece of furniture that I can now use in my dining room. I thoroughly enjoyed rekindling my creative side and learning about the different techniques and potential when upcycling furniture! I will definitely be coming back! Thank you for a fab day! 🥰 Samantha DoughtyMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115138779064422505336/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYSarah is a really great teacher, lovely workshop, time flies when you're having fun!! Lots of tea and coffee and lovely homemade lunch...the best coleslaw ever! Skills learnt will stay with me and inspire my home decor x Anita HollandsMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110174839808361911346/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYThank you for a great day creating Barbola! enjoyed it all, you can tell the chef the Cream tea and sandwiches were exceptional. thought the workshop was amazing! Think I’m going to use the technique and create some handmade pressies. Thank you again. Helen OtterMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101662223033757597907/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYThoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Sarah shared lots of hints and tips, lovely warm person. Very pleased with my re vamped lamp table Lynne PintoMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102233134261702065814/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYFantastic day of learning how to upholster and paint a chair. A wealth of information and fun people to work with on the course. Thanks Sarah and Simon for such a great day - will definitely be back for more. Debra CrouchMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101562486463672475263/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYHad a fabulous time using paint and decoupage to upcycle a very drab and unloved Ikea chest of drawers, into something beautiful which will now take pride of place! Thank you Sarah for your advice and enthusiasm - also for the lunches (home made coleslaw was ridiculously good!) Louise WatsonMarch, 2024https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108006254833037467322/place/ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJYSuch a brilliant course! Very relaxed environment with lovely people and a tasty lunch. I learnt the fabric decoupage technique which was great, I completely transformed an unloved piece of furniture and gained the skills to go on and use the technique again for other items. I would highly recommend. Show all Reviews [https://search.google.com/local/reviews?placeid=ChIJyR0WlVMb2UcRHTFl_IozbJY] WORKSHOPS * Fabric Decoupage [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/fabric-decoupage-course] * Paper Decoupage [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/paper-decoupage-workshops] * Upcycle A Lampshade [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/upcycle-a-lampshade-course] * Painting With Sophie James [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/painting-with-sophie-james-decor-paint-workshop] * Make A Memory Journal [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/make-a-junk-journal-workshop] * Paper Mache Wings [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/paper-mache-wings-workshop] * Pimp Your Pumps [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/pimp-your-pumps-workshop] * Upcycle A Mirror [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/upcycle-a-mirror-workshop] * Barbola Workshop [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/barbola-workshop] * Paint It & Upholster It [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/paint-and-upholstery-course] * Kid's Creative ReUse Workshop [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/kids-workshop] WORK WITH US * Workshops [https://revampboutique.co.uk/collections/workshops-and-courses] * For Sale [https://revampboutique.co.uk/collections/upcycled-furniture-for-sale] * Commissions [https://revampboutique.co.uk/products/commissions] * ReVamp Retreat [https://revampboutique.co.uk/pages/revamp-retreat] * Sophie James Decor Paints [https://revampboutique.co.uk/collections/sophie-james-decor-paint] CONTACT US ReVamp Boutique, Tom's Farm Shop & Garden Nursery, Maldon Road, Tiptree,  Essex, CO5 0QA Privacy Policy [https://revampboutique.co.uk/policies/privacy-policy] Refund Policy [https://revampboutique.co.uk/policies/refund-policy] Terms Of Service [https://revampboutique.co.uk/policies/terms-of-service] Sitemap [https://revampboutique.co.uk/a/sitemap-tools/sitemap] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/RevampBoutique6] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/revampboutiqueuk/] * Pinterest [https://www.pinterest.com/RevampBoutique6/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/revampboutique6/] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SM2VvupuUPOVPF3CRWnaQ] Payment methods * * * * * * * * * * © 2024, ReVamp Boutique Furniture [https://revampboutique.co.uk/] Powered by Shopify [https://www.shopify.com/?utm_campaign=poweredby&utm_medium=shopify&utm_source=onlinestore] Chat1

Painting with Sophie James Decor Paint Workshop
Delivered In-Person in Colchester6 hours, Jun 10th, 09:00 + 3 more
£180

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting

By BAB Business Group

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting is appropriate for individuals aged 16 and over working in the construction sector who specialise in painting and decorating activity and are looking to become eligible for the Blue CSCS Card. The aim of this qualification is to recognise the knowledge, skills and competence of individuals who specialise in painting and decorating activity. Upon completion of the qualification, you will be awarded the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting. CSCS Cards We can provide CSCS tests and CSCS Cards alongside the qualifications without the need to attend the test centre. Speak with our friendly and helpful team for more information.

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in Heywood
£825

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting Occupations (Construction)

5.0(29)

By Site Competence

Blue CSCS Card NVQ Level 2 Craft This qualification provides you with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills and understanding in their chosen craft. You will have the relevant experience in one of the trade specific areas. You will work in one of the following areas: * Trowel Occupations (Bricklayer) * Painting and Decorating * Wall and Floor Tiling * Stone Masonry * Site Carpentry * Plastering * Roofing Induction - As soon as you register you will be given a dedicated assessor. They will arrange an induction and together with your assessor, you will get to decide on the pathway which best proves your competency. The induction is used to plan out how you will gather the relevant evidence to complete the course. During the course - The assessor will work with you to build a portfolio of evidence that allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The assessor will also regularly review and provide you with feedback. This will allow you to keep on track to progress quickly. You will be assessed through various methods such as observations, written questions, evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion, and witness testimonials. On completion - Once all feedback has been agreed, the Internal Quality Assurer will review your portfolio and in agreement with your assessor the certificate will be applied for.

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing & Industrial Painting Occupations (Construction)
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in Market Rasen
£840

Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

By ReVamp Boutique

What you will learn: Sarah will be sharing her skills of upcycling with you on this workshop and helping you transform a drab piece into something creative and desirable, having fun along the way in this relaxed workshop for any level! The perfect Mother's Day gift! The workshop covers painting and decoupage and we teach a further creative technique of "how to make your piece yours" and alternative inspiration and techniques will be discussed throughout the two days. A picture of your chosen piece and wallpaper will need to be emailed to us latest 5 days before the start of the workshop. You will need to bring: - A small chosen piece of furniture. - Wallpaper or a poster to decoupage with. - Please Bring your own mask ( one spare). T&C  We have the right to cancel, change venue or date if we don’t fill enough spaces. In this event we will give you 7 days notice with the option of rebooking or a full refund. To book please click 'See available dates' or click 'message the tutor' and we will contact you with any further details you may need. Once booked the tutor will contact you directly with all the details you need on the email address you have given, so please check your junk files too. What's included in the price? *A light lunch, tea and coffee will be included on this Two Day Workshop (two consecutive days). *Paint by Sophie James Decor for you to paint your piece (colours can be     chosen prior to the workshop or on the day) *A take home "Student Pack" with handouts ready for you to carry on     your skills at home once you have completed the workshop. *There is ample parking at the venue for you to use. Cancellation policy Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique
Delivered In-Person in Colchester6 hours, Jul 1st, 09:00 + 1 more
£180

Paint It & Upholster It Course

By ReVamp Boutique

HOW TO PAINT & UPHOLSTER FURNITURE COURSE Workshop Description  You have asked us if you can come along to ReVamp Boutique and transform a chair  using paint and reupholster its drop in seat ( or very similar) with fabric. So yes! You now can! You will be using traditional upholstering techniques on your chair. painting your chair using colours from Sophie James Décor which are included in the workshop and can be selected on the day as we stock their whole range. All tools, paint and other upholstery materials will be available and provided as part of the course. Although you will be working on your own piece throughout the day, alternative inspiration and techniques will be discussed. A fun, relaxed workshop for any level!  You will have a transformed piece to take home with you. You will need to bring: * A chair with a drop in seat * Your chosen upholstery fabric * A picture of your chosen chair and upholstery fabric will need to be emailed to us latest 5 days before the start of the workshop What's Included: A light lunch & tea and coffee will be provided on this One Day Workshop. ( Please forward any dietary requirements latest 1 week before the workshop) Sophie James Decor paint to paint your piece ( colour can be chosen before the workshop) An Information folder for you to keep with handouts about the course so you continue your upcycling at home. Where & When: It takes places at our workshop at * Tom's Farm Shop & Garden Centre, Maldon Road, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0QA * 9.45-4.15pm There is ample parking. Terms & Conditions: We have the right to cancel, change venue or date if we do not fill enough spaces. In this event we will give you 7 days notice with the option of rebooking or a full refund.

Paint It & Upholster It Course
Delivered In-Person in Colchester6 hours 30 minutes, Jul 9th, 08:45
£165

WYLLIE FOX ART TUITION

By Wyllie Fox Tuition

Francesca Wyllie (BA Hons Fine Art) has an amazing north-facing art studio at El Retiro in Andalucia, which was purpose-built to accommodate painting groups. Bespoke painting and sculpture workshops can be arranged or Francesca can travel locally to guide you in your own studios or locations.

WYLLIE FOX ART TUITION
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in UK Wide
£26

PORTRAITS, PET PORTRAITS AND COMMISSIONS

By Wyllie Fox Tuition

Commission an original, traditional and quirky Portrait in oils, acrylics or digital sketches

PORTRAITS, PET PORTRAITS AND COMMISSIONS
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in UK Wide
£75 to £645

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)

5.0(29)

By Site Competence

GOLD CSCS CARD NVQ LEVEL 3 ADVANCED CRAFT This is the NVQ that provides those with the relevant experience to showcase their knowledge, skills and understanding in advanced craft. You will be required to provide evidence of more technical projects. The award requires you to support a team through setting constantly high standards. You will work in one of the following areas: * Trowel Occupations (Bricklayer) * Painting and Decorating * Wall and Floor Tiling * Site Carpentry * Plastering * Roofing Induction - As soon as you register you will be given a dedicated assessor. They will arrange an induction and together with your assessor, you will get to decide on the pathway which best proves your competency. The induction is used to plan out how you will gather the relevant evidence to complete the course. During the course - The assessor will work with you to build a portfolio of evidence that allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The assessor will also regularly review and provide you with feedback. This will allow you to keep on track to progress quickly. You will be assessed through various methods such as observations, written questions, evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion, and witness testimonials. On completion - Once all feedback has been agreed, the Internal Quality Assurer will review your portfolio and in agreement with your assessor the certificate will be applied for. To download our PDF for this course then please click here [https://sitecompetence.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/NVQ-Level-3-Advanced-Craft.pdf].

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in Market Rasen
£1080

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)

5.0(29)

By Site Competence

GOLD CSCS CARD NVQ LEVEL 3 ADVANCED CRAFT This is the NVQ that provides those with the relevant experience to showcase their knowledge, skills and understanding in advanced craft. You will be required to provide evidence of more technical projects. The award requires you to support a team through setting constantly high standards. You will work in one of the following areas: * Trowel Occupations (Bricklayer) * Painting and Decorating * Wall and Floor Tiling * Site Carpentry * Plastering * Roofing Induction - As soon as you register you will be given a dedicated assessor. They will arrange an induction and together with your assessor, you will get to decide on the pathway which best proves your competency. The induction is used to plan out how you will gather the relevant evidence to complete the course. During the course - The assessor will work with you to build a portfolio of evidence that allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The assessor will also regularly review and provide you with feedback. This will allow you to keep on track to progress quickly. You will be assessed through various methods such as observations, written questions, evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion, and witness testimonials. On completion - Once all feedback has been agreed, the Internal Quality Assurer will review your portfolio and in agreement with your assessor the certificate will be applied for. To download our PDF for this course then please click here [https://sitecompetence.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/NVQ-Level-3-Advanced-Craft.pdf].

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction)
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in Market Rasen
£1080

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plastering (Construction)

5.0(29)

By Site Competence

BLUE CSCS CARD NVQ LEVEL 2 CRAFT This qualification provides you with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills and understanding in their chosen craft. You will have the relevant experience in one of the trade specific areas. You will work in one of the following areas: * Trowel Occupations (Bricklayer) * Building Maintenance * Painting and Decorating * Wall and Floor Tiling * Stone Masonry * Wood Occupations (site Carpentry) * Plastering * Roofing Induction - As soon as you register you will be given a dedicated assessor. They will arrange an induction and together with your assessor, you will get to decide on the pathway which best proves your competency. The induction is used to plan out how you will gather the relevant evidence to complete the course. During the course - The assessor will work with you to build a portfolio of evidence that allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The assessor will also regularly review and provide you with feedback. This will allow you to keep on track to progress quickly. You will be assessed through various methods such as observations, written questions, evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion, and witness testimonials. On completion - Once all feedback has been agreed, the Internal Quality Assurer will review your portfolio and in agreement with your assessor the certificate will be applied for. To download our PDF for this course then please click here [https://sitecompetence.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/NVQ-Level-2-Craft.pdf].

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plastering (Construction)
Delivered in-person, on-requestDelivered In-Person in Market Rasen
£840

Educators matching "Painting"

Show all 7
ReVamp Boutique

revamp boutique

Colchester

Described by Essex County Council as a  "A sustainable role model business!" Our story....When Sarah & Simon met in 2007, Sarah had just renovated her home and Simon had no idea what change of direction was coming his way! A few years on, after the birth of their son, they both recognised that they had more in common than just love!  Their passion for creatively ReUsing everyday items became fun and constant ReThinking anything from a shells to furniture to their most recent project an Upfurbished Lodge ReTreat in Suffolk. With Interior Design experience Sarah started to incorporate ReUsing in her schemes, recognising a “gem” that needed some ReLoving and clients started to offer her pieces to upcycle. Not long after she had her first furniture sale and commissions followed!  And so ReVamp Boutique was born! With basic carpentry skills from school Simon started to adapt some of the pieces under Sarah’s design eye and soon Simon took an interest in the upholstery side making this a formidable creative team. Sarah’s passion is to share some ReVamp secrets, and returning to her teaching experience she  gleaned at a local college, she now runs creative ReUse workshops which are not just sustainable but fun, sociable, excellent for your well being and the best gifts for family, friends and loved ones! The business has now undertaken many commissions, with Simon now an accomplished upholsterer and Sarah a furniture artist seen at Grand Designs and Westfield Stratford & London. The couple now have premises to run their workshops, take commissions and sell their statement furniture as well as their Retreat, the complete ReVamp experience, available for booking now. We would love you to get in touch to catch the infectious bug of upcycling and ReUsing with us!

Creeksea Place

creeksea place

Essex

Creeksae Place Manor House Wedding Venue in Burnham, Essex has a rich history and meticulously kept gardens. The ideal venue for your weeding or event. Arthur Harris built Creeksea Place during the reign of Elizabeth 1st in 1569. It remained in his family for five generations after which it passed to the Mildmay family when Arthur’s great grand-daughter married Lord Mildmay. The current owners are the Bertorelli family and they too, coincidentally, have had five generations of ownership of this lovely historic Manor House during the reign of another Queen Elizabeth. In the intervening four and a half centuries much has occurred including many changes of ownership and usage. Now it is the determined wish of the current owners to continue the task of restoring this picturesque House to the glory it once was and to open the house and grounds up to the public at large. Once government restrictions allow, we will be hosting a myriad of varying and exciting public events. Arthur Harrys, as he was known in 1569, came from Prittlewell near Southend and was an important figure in those times. He had pledged to his Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, to raise a hundred men who would defend the monarchy if civil unrest ever occurred. His family flourished and has continued to do so today. There are literally thousands of Harris descendants around the world, particularly in the United States. Lord Mildmay who married his great grand-daughter, was also a man of importance. Charles I appointed him as ‘Keeper of the Crown Jewels’, a post equivalent to Chancellor of the Exchequer today. Lord Mildmay owned many other properties in England at this time and was a man of influence and power. So much so that he was one of the twelve men who signed the death warrant of his King. Upon the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 with Charles II, Lord Mildmay was also sentenced to death for regicide – the killing of the Monarch. He was fortunate though. Due, no doubt to his power and connections, his sentence was commuted but his power had waned. The next significant Creeksea moment occurred in the late 17th century. Due to the imposition of the Window Tax – tax on large houses with many windows; the North Wing was demolished. This was a wing that extended into what is now the car park. The footings of this part of the House was actually traced-out by an American Harris descendent in the last few years. There is also a story that the bricks from the North Wing were taken by barge to London where a street called Creeksea Lane was built. In a House with so much history, myths and legends remain abound. There are tales about secret tunnels from the House to the nearby River Crouch used for smuggling. However, what is true is the fact that there are no cellars in Creeksea Place, due no doubt to the relatively high water table. This would certainly prove a problem for tunnelers. Nevertheless, there is the remains of a gravity-fed fountain pipe that runs from the House to one of the lakes on the Estate and also evidence of two ten foot deep ice houses that would have been used for the preservation of vegetables and grain. There are many ghosts! The most prominent of which involves the marriage between Lord Mildmay and the great grand-daughter of Arthur Harris, who was not entirely happy with the union, and so the tragic bride is said to have committed suicide. Her ghost, known as ‘The Lady of the Lake’ has apparently been seen meandering her way across the Lawn, down to the lakes.

Colchester Institute

colchester institute

Colchester

Colchester Institute provides first class education, professional development and technical skills training to over 8,000 young people and adults every year. The College supports individuals to launch or develop their careers, and local businesses to access the skills and talent they need to thrive. The College has two main campuses in Colchester and Braintree.  Programmes include full and part time further education courses, degrees and Apprenticeships as well as short courses for industry. Vocational learning is an integral part of all of our courses, where the knowledge gained from practical activities with cutting edge, industry standard resources, work placements and theory provides students with strong knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Our ambition is to ensure that all students achieve the best possible results they can, giving them a competitive edge when entering employment or taking their studies to the next level. Colchester Institute is regionally recognised for its outstanding facilities, which are constantly being renewed and refreshed. In Colchester, we have recently added a fantastic new facility for training in Health and Social Care to our £10m development supporting STEM subjects, and we now have a great new fitness gym for use by all students. At Braintree we have just completed a whole campus transformation programme, providing outstanding learning environments for all subject areas, including some of the very best facilities in the country for Digital Media and Engineering. Recent developments have included a brand new STEM Innovation Centre at our Braintree campus, extensive new facilities for Creative and Digital Media in Colchester and Braintree and a welcoming library and study zones in Colchester. These developments complement our existing fantastic facilities for Hospitality and Food, Performing Arts and Art and Design and many well equipped classroom spaces. Our degree students, enrolled at University Centre Colchester enjoy their own building and facilities and study on a wide range of degrees and apprenticeships, which are also focused strongly on preparing them for work, or progression at work. University Centre Colchester has an excellent track record for its graduates gaining work or further study on leaving the University Centre.

Alison Burchert.

alison burchert.

Essex

Encouraged as a small child by an artistic mother, I always sketched family members and pets, being able to capture a good likeness. From school through to college, my ability to draw became apparent and was recognised throughout my home town of Colchester in Essex. I had taken to pastels after years of painting in watercolour. The transition happened when working on a portrait….. "With watercolours I couldn't keep the smooth texture of the skin and the more I worked at it, the rougher the 'skin' got. Frustrated, I picked up a box of pastels that I'd had from college and almost closed my eyes as I chalked over the face I'd been working on for hours, cringing with the fear of having to throw the whole picture in the bin…. I smudged it over with my finger. The result was amazingly smooth and definitely 'skin' like. I put away the watercolours and invested in many shades of quality pastels". In 1997 and keen to enter into the art world, I offered my services to organisations to produce promotional portraits which came with good media coverage and helped my business catapult within its first year. I was introduced to various artists and teachers and was offered a place to work alongside Royal portrait artist Richard Stone who had admired my work through the local press. In 2003 I took up teaching art within local clubs and private classes, holding exhibitions and encouraging 11 to 16 year olds to develop their artistic talents with workshops using different mediums. From 2008, I had the immense pleasure of working with Colchester Zoo in Essex when I became their Artist in Residence. From holding art classes in the Zoo and working with children during the school holidays to portray their favourite animals, one of my greatest adventures was to work closely with the Zoo's great managerial team on their 'Stand Tall' project for their 50th anniversary. This saw many local artists give up their time to design and create personal works of art on 2.5m giraffe sculptures. These were then displayed around Colchester and even took a tour to London's South Bank before they came back to the Zoo for auction. It was with much excitement to see one of my giraffes (Big Catrina) sell to the highest bidder at £6800. Developing very unique drawing skills, I have helped students from all over the world with many varying art abilities to accomplish their artistic dreams. With a limited palette of chalks, and a vast experience in pastel application, my teaching took me to places I hadn't even dreamed of. Constantly moving forward and learning new ways to pass on my skills, I would say that teaching students of all ages is in my blood now. It has become a passion to show others the beauty of this versatile medium.