Testimonials - Chris Blake

I found the recent one day pastel workshop I attended at the Hinterland Art Centre with master pastellist Chris Blake simply wonderful. Chris was a most generous and talented artist who shared his knowledge and techniques with humour, making the day very enjoyable. My only regret was that we didn't have another day.  Marianne Reardon

While Chris may be a little unorthodox for some, there was a clear underlying structure to what he was doing and his comments and anecdotes were both entertaining and informative. He is certainly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. If you listen carefully, he gives all sorts of hints, information and ideas in passing. I really enjoyed his laidback manner and approach. He's a little bit of a rogue, but that can work well when instructing adults...You could sneak out to get a coffee without feeling that you were playing hooky.

Push the colour; push the tone. Those words are permanently etched on my brain. Chris, workshops with you make painting so much fun.

Any workshop that I've attended since you've been in the Gallery has run very well. Might it be an idea to have an area with a jug of water and some glasses on it handy in case the artist forgets to take a break in the afternoon, so that students can just grab a glass on the run (but not on the main table; think of the chaos I could cause).  Angela Isherwood

Just a note to say "thank you" for arranging the "Contemporary Landscape" workshop with Chris Blake, which I attended recently.Very enjoyable.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day, particularly the relaxed and happy atmosphere and fun, which Chris generated throughout the whole workshop.  Also the fact that our work was given individual attention with the result that we were able to go home, tired but happy, and with a picture to show to our friends.   I personally felt I had learned a lot and, after a period of not being able to produce satisfactory work, I am now enthusiastically painting again!

I can't think of anything I would change in the way the workshop was presented and the number of participants was just right.  Thank you again, and also to Chris Blake for sharing his knowledge with us.   Mary Healey

Thank you very much, I had a really enjoyable day at the recent Chris Blake workshop. As you know, it was my first experience with pastels, and although it was a little overwhelming at times and I felt a little out of my depth with no knowledge of techniques etc, I thought I did a pretty good job and was pleased with my efforts. Chris was really lovely and did a pretty good job of getting the message across.  Michelle