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"From a novice artist like me, no matter how bad you think you are at the start, after attending just a few lessons with Ellen you can really see the difference and start to think “well I’m not that bad after all!”

Ellen is fantastic – she encourages you and helps you understand how techniques and procedures can make your paintings come alive. Lessons are informative and satisfying and so much fun. Once a lesson is over, I’m already looking forward to the next one!"

Mary

"Someone asked me when I was 7 years of age what I wanted to be and I remember saying I wanted to be an Artist when I grew up.

So 4 children and a grandchild later I decided that I would like to learn oil painting and chose Ellen Michel at Art Maker Studio Gallery as my teacher.

I was such a challenge for Ellen as I had not even held a brush and I remember as I entered the front door I was finding it hard to remember back from school what colors made what when joined together.

I found that Ellen teaches from the start with a progressive program in oil painting that truly gives anyone an opportunity to realise their potential as an Artist.

I don’t really know why I left my run so late in life as family and friends and even myself didn’t realise I could paint so well.

Thank you Ellen for giving me the techniques in oil painting, your classes have been so enjoyable and challenging"

By Gaynor Celoitti

"I have been painting for a few years now, self taught and mainly copying from photos. I thought I was doing OK until I met Ellen !! She is teaching me to 'see'. To see and understand colour, balance, tones and hues...edges (lost and found !)

I have a long way to go, but now at last my paintings are starting to have more life. I am excited about this journey I am embarking on, with Ellen's keen eye picking up on my progress!!"

Sue

"I have been a student at Art Maker Studio Gallery for just over 18 months. When I began I had very little experience in oil painting, the last time I had picked up a brush was almost 20 years before in high school.

I mentioned to my husband that I'd like to start oil painting classes, he knew that I was nervous about getting started and that I would like a more personal and welcome environment. He found Art Makers Studio Gallery online and after speaking to Ellen realised he had found the perfect school for me. Ellen's teaching methods, friendly approach and encouragement gave me confidence from my very first class. I left with a sense of accomplishment and amazed at what I had produced in one class.

Thanks to Ellen I have produced a number of paintings that I am proud of and gained skills that I didn't think I was capable of. I have also met a wonderful group of people who I look forward to seeing each week.

Thank you Ellen, for re-igniting my passion in art, for giving me the techniques and skills to create paintings I am proud of, and for continually improving my skills at each class. I look forward to your classes and to painting for many years to come.

Lisa xo

"Ellen,Your website is amazing and a thankyou for sharing your knowledge. You will inspire everyone who reads your articles.

I had a chuckle to myself when I saw your article about the size 0 and 00 brushes - I can still see you telling the elderly man in our class about 30 years ago to stop using the small brush & you used to sound so exasperated with him as he continued to paint small, detailed people into his tonal paintings with his small brush! Its a beautiful website and you look so gorgeous in the picture - full of vitality and passion - good luck with it all, I'm sure it will be a great success & you will definitely inspire people as you have done with me"

Kerryn Doig (Each tone so affects its neighbour so as to make its neighbour appear lighter......not sure thats quite it!!!!)