[Last Update: 28th February 2024]
Do you offer private one-to-one tuition?
Ans: Not as a matter of course as this specialist tuition could prove extremely expensive.
Do you offer corporate/private group workshop?
Ans: Yes. The workshop can either be of 2hours or 6hours (day) duration. The topic and medium will be subject of agreement and can meet most requirements. The current cost of the workshops is (a) £100 for 2hours and (b) £250 for a 6hour workshop. Travelling cost for either workshop is currently 0.40p per mile.
Do you accept commissions?
Ans: Only for Pet Portraiture (Please refer to main menu.)
Do you tutor young people under sixteen years of age?
Ans: No. Despite my desire to encourage young people to explore their artistic acumen, it is not tenable for me to do so and be compliant with current legislation for teaching young people.
As a new beginner, will I be overawed by the more experienced artists?
Ans: No. Although classes are a blend of new beginners and more experienced artists alike, you will not be overawed or feel inhibited in anyway. You will be among like-minded artists who encourage and support one another in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Do you teach all mediums?
Ans: No. Whilst I can teach all mediums, my classes and workshops evolve around watercolour, acrylic, pastel, artists’ coloured pencils and graphite. Currently. I do not teach oil painting.
Will your classes follow a structured programme?
Ans: Yes. A programme will be provided upon enrolment with the flexibility for experienced individuals to complete a personal project.
What art equipment or materials do I need on Day One of your art classes?
Ans: It is advisable to possess a sturdy drawing board (size A3), 25mm masking tape, HB pencil, kneadable/putty rubber, A3 140lbs NOT watercolour paper, pencil sharpener, two suitable containers as water-pots, a washable palette, Cotman or similar watercolour brushes series 00, 0, 4 and 6, watercolour paints in white, Payne’s grey, yellow ochre, burnt umber, sap green, alizarin crimson, cadmium red, ultramarine blue and black.
What art equipment/materials do I need to acquire for your workshops?
Ans: None. All materials will be provided. You are advised to bring a means to protect your finished artwork at the end of the workshop.
Is there access for the physically handicapped or lift facility at your venues?
Ans: Yes. There is a lift at our classes and workshops.
Do you hold classes/workshops during school holidays?
Ans: The occasional workshop is held during school holidays to meet popular demand. However, as classes are intentionally scheduled to reflect the school terms, no classes are held during school holidays.
What is your cancellation/refund policy for (a) art classes and (b) workshops?
Ans: (a) Art Classes: As a rule of thumb there will be no refund. The only exception is the unexpected hospitalisation or other serious illness. Judgement will be made on an individual basis and the decision will be made by Helen and final.
(b) Art Workshops: As all workshops must be paid in advance, refunds will only be given if a replacement student can be found or cancellation is more than 8 weeks before the date of the workshop. It is not uncommon for popular workshops to be over-subscribed in which case the person at the top of the ‘reserve list’ will be offered your unexpected vacancy and a full refund will be made.
What is your copyright policy for artwork completed at your art classes or workshops?
Ans: Copyright legislation is a very serious matter and can be complex. It should never be dismissed. On occasions the reference material used during the class or workshop is strictly for educational and non-commercial purposes i.e. you cannot sell your finished artwork. Should you wish to exhibit then either it must be marked as ‘not for sale’ or you obtain the explicit written permission of the originator. Instances where we provide original reference material, you must nevertheless seek Helen’s explicit permission.
What is your copyright policy for artwork published on your website?
Ans: All images are the copyright of HM Fine Art and must never be copied or reproduced in any format. Legislation is provided to protect authors of ‘original artwork’ under UK Copyright Law (Copyright Act 1976 and Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988)
Can I preview your artwork before considering purchase?
Ans: A preview can be arranged only by appointment. Please contact Helen or Martin.
What is a Giclee Print?
Ans: Giclee printing is the industry standard term for high quality reproduction printing. Pronounced ‘zhee-clay’, it is based on the French word ‘gicleur’ meaning nozzle – the verb form meaning ‘to squirt, spurt or spray’. The biggest contrast between a standard inkjet and a giclee print is that giclees are printed using pigment-based inks rather than the dye-based inks used by lower cost inkjets. Pigment-based inks have a longer life-span quoted at being between 100 to 200 years without any significant fading.
Are your original paintings and prints mounted and framed?
Ans: No. Framing is a very personal and subjective consideration. You are advised to seek a recommended framer where you have a choice from an immense variety of mouldings, mounts and glass. The only exception is at exhibitions where original paintings are framed. Prints are professionally mounted in a neutral colour, backed and safely packaged in a protective cellophane envelope.
What is your ‘privacy’ policy?
Ans: We are fully compliant with the Data Protection Act and contact details are never shared with any Third Party.