Student Testimonials

Read about the experiences of our workshop and residency students, straight from the source:

Carol Watt

‘Portrait Drawing in Mixed Media’ student, 2025

“I chose the ‘Portrait Drawing in Mixed Media’ course because I was aware of the incredibly high standard of Sarah’s work. The fact that such a high level of tuition was available to beginners gave me the confidence to step in.

My experience on this course was excellent. I couldn’t have asked for more. The balance between demonstrations, lectures and personalized critiques was wonderful, and the critiques were always thought-provoking and insightful. Having the opportunity to hear the critiques offered to others was so helpful as it added so much context to drawing as a whole. Sarah’s manner in offering critiques was always so kind and diplomatic but always professional and incredibly knowledgeable. I feel like I will be unpacking much of what was given for some time to come. 

In signing up to this course, I wanted to experience for myself if I was capable of drawing from life and of learning in an atelier environment. My very limited experience from previous drawing courses was largely excruciating, and the general theme of the feedback that I received was that I was ‘too tight’ with my drawing and needed to ‘loosen up’ and ‘let go’, and that my natural need for accuracy and understanding as to why or how had no place. Learning from Sarah turned all of that on its head. I left the course with more confidence, a mind that was fully opened, and a very strong desire to work and progress as much as possible. I am deeply grateful for that. 

By the close of this course, I felt that my abilities were nurtured and expanded. Studying with Sarah has greatly increased my love of drawing.”

Ron Ashtiani

‘Landscape Painting in Largs, Cumbrae & Bute” Student 2025

“I felt my work took a significant step forward after my course and I learned as much as I could in the time allowed. Both Lee and Sarah were a fountain of knowledge--if only I had had more time!

I chose this course as it was in person and on location. This meant I could go and properly focus on study for a week. It was also taught by artists whose work I enjoy and so felt specifically drawn to learn from them. Many of these courses are online these days and bombard you with emails and updates, it’s hard to fit in study this way and juggle normal life at the same time. I prefer the retreat method. I had not painted Plein air before and so wanted to learn the techniques. I am also self taught in oils and have learned from books and videos. I wanted to meet professionals that might be able to give more insight into my techniques and iron out any bad habits.

I thought the course was very well balanced and wouldn’t change anything. I would definitely recommend to others.”

schmoo theune

Artist residency participant, 2025

Graduate of Florence Academy of Art

“As a recent atelier programme graduate who has been working independently for a while, this residency was the perfect experience for me. It provided a supportive, focused environment to help me get ‘unstuck’ and to learn new techniques that furthered my painting abilities. Having a knowledgeable, experienced artist at hand to offer fresh eyes on a project of my choosing and to answer questions was invaluable but was a bit more free and fitting to my needs as compared to a formal workshop. I love that the program is totally customisable for the individual resident—from the duration of the residency, to the scope of the project, to the level of attention that you need. My time at Ayrshire Atelier was exactly what I needed, and allowed me to get back to my personal studio feeling refreshed, inspired, and empowered.”

Linda Green

‘Portrait Drawing in Mixed Media’ student, 2025

“The Ayrshire Atelier of Fine Art is a very organized, high-quality studio environment with displayed examples of masterful, inspiring work from the two proprietors. Sarah’s lectures were informative and precise alongside her demonstrations of working with the model. This gave a clear picture of what, and how, we were aiming to achieve by the end of the course.

Individual tuition was personalized to each student’s needs and Sarah was open to demonstrating specific aspects of drawing the portrait when requested.

Practical demonstrations of preparing tools and paper before drawing were particularly useful, too.

I would definitely recommend this course to others—I have already booked another course for this year and two for next year!”