Name: Peter Gilling, General Manager
Custom Motorbodies 1998 Ltd
City: Auckland Year: 2010
Workshop: Learn to Draw Portraits Weekend, Takapuna
Testimonial:I have just attended the workshop Portrait Drawing Weekend offered by Richard and Diana Moore (Moore Fine Arts) held at the Community rooms in Takapuna May 1st and 2nd 2010.
Although in my 64th year I approached this course with some trepidation as I had difficulty in drawing a straight line or indeed drawing anything you would recognise as an artistic form.
However I braved the day on Saturday morning and was pleased to be welcomed by Richard and Diana who were very friendly and welcoming.
The course was organised – but informal – non judgemental – but inspirational – grounded and instructive – but most of all fun – the time just flew and the weekend seemingly was over before it started.
Although in my opinion I was probably at the bottom of the class of 10 – I had picked up tools and skills I could use in both my hobbies at home and my job as manager of an engineering company.
The crunch came on Sunday night when I put my weekend’s work in front of my kids – Nicholas and Marianne – probably my harshest critics – yeah Dad not bad - they gave me 7/10 – almost brought tears to my eyes.
For those of you who would like to draw or paint – who say you have to be born to it -I say to you give Richard and Diane a try – masters of right brain activity.
Name: Julia Ray
City: Whangarei
Year: 2011
Workshop attended: Kingfisher Painting
Testimonial: Its 42 years since I last held a paintbrush! Diana and Richard have given me the confidence and refresher skills to enable me to enjoy painting again. It was a good fun day with a nice balance between, theory, practice, tea breaks and humour!
I feel quite proud of my finished painting and it will definately be hung on display. As a result of the day I hope to be able to add a few more pictures painted on my own using the new skills learned. After a few months of pratice I hope to attend another workshop and try painting something new.
Name: Meghan Woodney
City: Hamilton
Year: 2011
Workshop attended: Learn To Draw Workshop
Testimonial:
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! You make the perfect team, Diana is such an amazingly patient teacher and Richard is so expressive with his art and really good at showing you the correct style or movements needed for effect. After one afternoon you can easily see how anyone can use their simple method. I can't believe the high I have been on since the workshop and how proud of my drawings I am. Everyone was completely shocked at what I was able to produce it was a real pleasure so see my family's jaw drop with amazement! Thanks so much you two for opening up a whole new world to me and I am looking forward to sending you some new materials in the future or possibly another workshop.
Name: Nelia Vanderwoude
City: North Shore
Year: 2010
Workshop attended: Portrait Painting
"I am still awed in disbelief as to how I was able to produce portraits with such soulful eyes – in two weekend lessons only. Your workshops are a fantastic opportunity to extend what we know and to learn new techniques that are so easy to follow. Both of you walked an extra mile with us giving us the individualised attention as needed and guided as in our journey. My 7-year old daughter was ecstatic (as much as I have surprised myself too) to see how I painted her eyes beautifully. This is so far my 3rd workshop I have attended and as always, I am a very satisfied client. I love your work and I am looking forward to seeing both of you this coming Sunday for my 4th workshop – the parrot painting! "
Name:Luen Wong
City:Auckland
Year:2010
Workshop attended:Portrait weekend
Testimonial: I have no experience with drawing, but always wanted to learn. I honestly shocked myself with what I could produce in such a short time! Richard and Diana are great teachers, the class is small, you get a lot of attention and encouragement. Dont deny yourselves anymore, participate, and enjoy your results!! Thanks Richard and Diana.
Name: Olena Sulimoff
City: Auckland
Year: 2010
Learn to Draw Weekly Art Classes in Auckland
Testimonial: I always liked art to look at, but never knew that I could create art myself .
I have attended only 6 lessons, time flew quick. I drew 4 pictures. My friends call me a talented artist now , and they have asked me to draw their pets.
Teachers, Diana and Richard, are helpful, friendly and wonderful people. With their directions and tips I achieved very good results. I found another side of myself and what is the most important for me, it brought me closer to my children. I don't think I will stop to draw now. It is interesting, exciting, therapeutic, rewarding hobby.
Thank you very much Diana and Richard for sharing your talent with us.
Name: Lyn Clough
City: Kerikeri
Year: 2010
Workshop attended: Pohutakawa Beach Scene
Testimonial: I have a collection of blank canvases, bought on sale, waiting for me to start painting. However, I just did not have the knowledge or confidence to know where to begin. All that changed when I attended Richard and Diana's painting workshop. Our group followed step by step friendly instructions and created stunning pictures. Each person received personal help if they got stuck and Richard painted the same picture so we could see what we were aiming to achieve. It was such an enjoyable day and an inspiration for me to continue and paint a canvas at home. I highly recommend these workshops to anyone with an interest in painting.
Name: Tapi
City Auckland Year 2010
WorkshopAttendedLearn to Draw Portraits
"Thank you Richard & Diana for the very interesting & comprehensive 2 days workshop. It was a very good experience to learn from two very kind & dedicated people like you both.
My before & after pictures speak for themselves. I would love to attend any further workshop if I get another oppertunity to visit your beautiful country ,as I return to India next month.
Thank you once again."
Name: Ariella Bond
City: Auckland
Year: 2010
Workshop attended: Portrait drawing
"I LOVED this course. I learnt so much, and left with pieces of work that I was so proud of. I was a little dubious about whether the course would live up to the praise of other people, but it definitely did. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. "
Name: Von Cassidy
City: Auckland Year: 2008
Workshop: Tuscany Painting Workshop, Takapuna
"Diana and Richard, thank you for the wonderful painting course that I was lucky enough to attend last Sunday. I didn’t know what to expect, but was hoping that I would pick up a few tips on how to paint. The whole day was excellent. You both were so helpful, friendly and encouraging and the caring atmosphere that you established from the beginning carried on throughout the day. I learned such a lot, and with your helpful tips and suggestions we all ended up being amazed at what we had produced. It was a wonderful day."
Name: Jenny Roest
City: Auckland Year: 2008
Workshop attended: Painting Workshop - Pink Camelia
Testimonial: I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and learnt so much. Richard and Diana helped us through step-by-step so we never felt too out of depth. Although everyone put their own style on their painting they all looked fabulous! Looking forward to the next one.
Name: Tee Ngatupuna
City: Otara, Manukau City Year: December 2008
Workshop attended: Painting Camellias
Testimonial:
First time painter since high school, I came across Richard & Diana via their website and decided to register by way of interest. I’ve always loved art & painting, I had brought so many books along the years but felt it was necessary to attend an actual class, and I’m so glad that I did . The instructions were very simple to follow, all tools provided on the day, Richard & Diana really made you feel welcome which was fantastic. Thanks Richard & Diana.
Name: Simon Glynn
City: Auckland Year 2009
Workshop Attended: Learn to Draw Portraits Weekend
A big thank you for running the workshop over the weekend. It was the first drawing class I have attended and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a nice, relaxed atmosphere and at yet at the same time focused on getting the most out of the class.
Name:Carol Bates
City: North Shore Year 2009
Workshop Attended: Learn to Draw Portraits Weekend
I especially liked the way you guided us without actually doing it for us. It must be a huge temptation to grab the pencil & “help” the students. It is so rewarding to be able to say I drew it myself. With my scientific background I always knew I was a “lefty” so it will be interesting to see how practice will develop the right side.
Name: Kassie Watson
City: Auckland Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Pohutakawa Beach (plus Tuscany Scene/Pink Camilia)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed now 3 painting workshops, and can’t express how supportive and encouraging you both are in facilitating them. I have 3 beautiful paintings I am proud of, as well as inspiration and confidence to continue to do my own paintings. Thank you for your kindness and support and I look forward to seeing you both at future painting workshops!”
Name: Chris Cowley-Thomson
City: Whangarei Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Paua Shell
"Thank you so much for today. I really enjoyed myself and I am still buzzing over my achievement. My painting is hanging in our dinning room already and I think looking pretty good on our coloured wall."
Name: Anna Williams
City: Whangarei
Year: 2009 Workshop: Paua Shell Painting
"I had been intending to attend the Moores painting workshop for a while and am so pleased I finally got there. I've never believed I could paint any decent sort of picture due to lack of "natural talent." However I bought home a painting yesterday that I'm really proud of. The step by step techniques are easy to follow and Richard and Diana are very supportive in their teaching. I'd recommend anyone who longs to be able to paint, but doesn't believe they can, to give it a go!"
Name: Annabel Stewart
City: Auckland
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Lavendar Field Tuscany
Testimonial: Loved the worskhop, hadn't painted in about 12 years and this was a great way to get started again. Richard and Diana were really helpful and obviously very talented, their instructions and demonstration were clear and great to follow. Really lovely creative day with like minded others in the class. Will definately sign up for more workshops.
Name: Diane Boucher
City:Whangarei
Year:2009
Workshop attended:Lavender Fields Acrylic Painting
Testimonial:I have been painting for the last four years and have had some tuition for three of those in the basic ABC's of various painting techniques. For the last year I have been painting at home and watching many tutorials on DVD's.My preferred medium is oils and am very fortunate that some of my work has been accepted into some galleries.
I attended this workshop as always thirsty for knowledge connected to painting. I wanted not only to learn to use and handle acrylic paint but the subject looked as though it would help me to paint more painterly instead of the tight pedantic habit I was getting into.
I found the workshop was all I expected it to be with all the instruction and guidance from two very encouraging positive people. Thank you Richard and Diana.I would not hesitate in recommending these workshops as a friendly, instructive, great value for money day indulging in a great pastime. Look forward to further workshops.
PS. I love my painting and so do my strongest critiques. My Family.
Name: Heinrich (Rick) Louw
City: Auckland
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Pohutakawa Painting Workshop
Thanks again for an amazing workshop – I thoroughly enjoyed it and would surely try and attend another one in the near future. I found the workshop very inspirational and I had also learnt in the workshop that I actually have capabilities that I never thought I did. Everybody should explore their creative side!
Name: Laurence E (Larry) Ogden
City: Auckland
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Tiger Eyes
Testimonial: Really good fun, and although hard work for an ‘ol fulla like me, I enjoyed the day immensely Diana and Richard provided good instruction and comment, and enabled me to see how an artist can be taught, not necessarily born with a talent.
I recommend the course to anyone interested in exploring their inner artist!
Name: Debby Keay
City: Whangarei
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Paua Shell
Testimonial: "Really enjoyed the workshop, you were clear and helpful in the steps to be taken and knowledgeable about the products we used. The Paua shell painting emerged very easily from the blank canvas under your guidance. Thank you."
Name: Irene Henry
City: Auckland
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Lavender Fields
Testimonial: This is my second workshop with Richard & Diana. The easy atmosphere of the class really gives me the confidence to paint - there is help & support at hand if I need it. Their classes are simple but the results are stunning. Everyone has a great day. I look forward the next workshop.
Name: Noliene Greig
City: Whangarei
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Pohutukawa Tree - Acrylics
Testimonial: I really enjoyed this very informative day class. We were kept busy learning new techniques as well as producing a very nice painting. The time flew by and I came away knowing that I had learned a great deal. This to me, is the greatest way to successfully take in new information. Thankyou.
Name: Deborah Forkert
City: Tauranga Year: 2009
Workshop Attended: Pohutakawa Painting Workshop
Your class was by far the best I have had the pleasure to attend!
"Finally, tutors who share their knowledge and techniques and give helpful hints and instructions!
Thank you so much. I thoroughly enjoyed your class and am pleased I made the effort to travel up to it."
Name: Esta Hampton
City: Kerikeri
Year: 2009
Workshop attended: Pohutakawa Painting
Testimonial: I thoroughly enjoyed painting the Pohutakawa tree. Richard showed us all the little tricks which made it really simple and I would have no hesitation in going to another workshop.
Name: Anna M
City: Auckland
Workshop attended: Painting Workshop
"Thank you so much for the class. I loved it and I love my painting. I will be coming back for more."
Name: Annette Byron
City: Hamilton
Workshop attended: Painting Workshop
"Thank you for a wonderful day. You and Richard are very special people. Your professionalism, enthusiasm and good natured banter was a pleasure to see."
Name: Alison Henry
City: Auckland
Workshop attended: Painting Workshop
"Thank you for the wonderful day. I learned so much in such a short time."
Name: Helen Booth
City: Auckland
Workshop attended: Painting Workshop
"Thank you so much for a fantastic day yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have driven everyone nuts showing them my painting! "
Name: Marg Norrie
City: Auckland Year: 2008
Workshop attended: How to Draw
"Great teachers who make drawing seem easy!"
Name: Irene Henry
City: Auckland
Workshop attended: Learn to Draw Weekend
"Just a quick note to say thanks for a wonderful weekend.
It was lovely to meet you and the others in the class (although there wasn’t much time to get to know each other as we were so focused on learning!) I want to say thank you for giving me the key to a door I have been searching for. I am eager to continue with my journey."
Name: Sujatha Gopalkrishnan
City: Auckland Year: 2008
Workshop attended: Weekend drawing workshop for beginners
"This weekend workshop has reawakened a long but dormant interest in drawing and I am most certainly looking forward to future workshops. I enjoyed the easy teaching approach and the wonderful techniques that Richard and Diana so generously shared with us."
Name: Heather Edwards
City: Whangarei
Year: 2011
Workshop attended: Landscape Painting
Testimonial: I am a real beginner at drawing and painting and going to this workshop was great fun. I reckon my painting is not too shabby and even though we all did the same painting they all looked different, even though we all used the same paint colours but our mixes were different. I had a wonderful day, good company and a fun time learning. I would highly recommend Diana & Richard’s workshops to anyone interested in drawing and painting. I’ll definitely be going back for more.
Name: Shirley Emerson
City: Whangarei
Year: 2011
Workshop attended: Landscape with Toi Toi & Drawing Classes
I attended a paint workshop in Whangarei in March 2011.
I never took art at school and had reservations regarding my ability to even be part of this workshop...would I be a complete failure? Well, from the moment we were welcomed until time to walk back out the door, I was made to feel at ease and assured "you can do it".
And I did! I am proud of the finished painting and the sense of achievement is priceless.
Richard and Diana team up together to teach, advise, encourage - and all this done in a warm and happy environment. I am glad to be attending their drawing classes this term and would certainly wish to attend another painting workshop in the future.
Shirley Emerson