Reviews & Feedback from Previous Guests
Read what previous guests have said about Dermot's in-person and online painting courses and painting holisays.
Just brilliant Dermot’s an amazing teacher and talented artist, passionate and inspiring.
Julie Elliott
Dermot is an excellent tutor and helpful. Lots of instruction and information given to me and all participants. My third painting session with Dermot.
Pauline McTighe
Brilliant painting course learning from a master. Dermot who was very generous with his time. Really enjoyed it and will be back.
Philip O’Neill
Excellent teaching. Dermot is very friendly and puts you at your ease. First time I’ve painted since I was at school and I learnt so much. Inspired to take classes and do more.
Rosie Brown
I really appreciated the planning and preparation that went into this course. Dermot was most generous with his help and advice. There was a pleasant atmosphere throughout. It all went to make a joyous experience.
Mary Yardley
I’ve had a wonderful time at Dermot’s course. Everything was carefully explained and I have learned so much. His careful instruction meant that nothing was allowed to go too wrong. Thank you Dermot.
Catherine Duffill
Thoroughly enjoyed this 3 day course. Very informative on various aspects of watercolour. Dermot is an excellent teacher and very patient.
Sheila Worthington
Fantastic Course. Learnt loads of new techniques. Such a good instructor- patient and extremely knowledgeable.
Julie O
Amazing; I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to practise more at home. Each day was so well planned. Thank you Dermot you’re a star.
Wendy Craser Cliffe
I thoroughly enjoyed this course as the information and demonstrations were relayed in Layman’s terms and it was great fun. Dermot was so patient with my lack of art skills and really helped me along in a positive way. The in house course worked well as the venue was excellent, as was the food and hospitality. We were also able to explore the village nearby in the time we were not involved in the workshop. I would love to do another course next year. If Dermot could accept the challenge. Thanks Dermot for the demo picture of the tree. I love it and will practice it and encourage my 15 year old granddaughter. Sincere wishes.
Connie Gregory
Excellent, I have more than 20 points listed where I have learned significant and important techniques to improve my work. Highly recommended if you wish to improve in watercolour painting.
Dennis Campbell Phillips
Simply Amazing. Never known a teacher to cover so much ground and explained a subject so well. A real joy.
Vivienne Archdale
I attended a three day watercolour painting course at Tanworth-in-Arden with Dermot Cavanagh which I found extremely informative and helpful and I would highly recommend. I learnt so much about colour mixing with a limited amount of twelve colours which will be invaluable.
Gillian H
I learned so much. The explanation of perspective was mind numbingly brilliant. I really enjoyed the course and can’t wait to have another practice tonight. Rock techniques brilliant and scary. Thank you so much.
Caroline Shields
Incredibly valuable for giving a beginner great instruction and confidence. Learnt so many techniques and valuable info about mixing and composition. Fully intend to do a follow-on course. I would recommend the course to anyone.
Hilary Spalton
Excellent guidance. I learnt such a lot about all aspects of watercolour painting would happily recommend these workshops.
Linda Aiford.
We were well looked after at all times. My 3rd course with Dermot. Although I have been on several different types elsewhere. I always find Dermot’s courses really challenging.
Eileen Fraser
Very impressed with the amount of knowledge imparted by Dermot over the 3 days. Very enjoyable and relaxed way of teaching. Dermot’s many stories broke up the more intense periods of learning.
Nuala Mac Cinnamon
As a keen amateur I have really appreciated the focussed advice provided. Particularly the anecdotal, tried and tested personal approach to your selection of colour palette, equipment and techniques, previously unknown to me. The social aspects and craic between Dermot and the group was great fun and added to the experience. A memorable time I won’t forget. The course has taught me previously unrealised tips and technique. Thank you my friend.
Carl Southern
My very first art lesson and I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt such a lot. All I need now is practise, practice, practice And probably another course in a month or so. Well done Dermot and Thank you for your patience.
Sue Watson
Learn landscape painting. If you want to learn to paint, then Dermot Cavangh is the person to teach you. Three of the best days, learning how to mix colours and finishing with a lovely landscape painting.
James Greerson
The 3 day course on watercolours was very informative and thoroughly enjoyable. The course was very well organised and the pace of learning was really appropriate. I really liked the practical art work broken up into technical tutorials and painting hacks. Dermot, your story telling really complimented the activities.
Colleen McGurgan
This was a really excellent course. I needed to learn techniques and I have really learned a great deal. I now feel so much more confident. Thank you, Dermot ,this was a really valuable course and much appreciated for your patience and guidance.
Terry Fitchett
In a word ‘BRILLIANT’. Learnt so much about the techniques of watercolour. Feel I now have the specialist knowledge to begin exploring working in watercolour.
Sue Cole
Thank you Dermot. Very informative, appreciated all the tips. Well organised and presented in a friendly manor, looking forward to putting all the techniques learnt into my own paintings in the future. I can see that the knitting pattern and your palette will become my faithful friends. Once again many thanks.
Helen Rees Jones
I thoroughly enjoyed this painting course. A big Thank you to Dermot. Looking forward to doing another class in the future.
Irene Kilcline
Absolutely great three days with you Dermot. I have learned so much and developed more inspiration to get better with more practise. I look forward to attending more courses in Ireland for more of your excellent teaching skills. A big Thank you.
Jean Smith
Amazing 3 days. I learned so much. Great company and so relaxed, enjoyed every moment way beyond my expectations. Thank you so much, I will be back.
Marian Dorian
Engaging and expert tutor that loves to share his passion for painting. Just spent 4 days learning to paint with acrylics in Dermot’s home studio located outside Dungannon. The course was excellent, and Dermot is an engaging and experienced tutor that made us all feel welcome and at ease. I feel more confident and able to work with this medium and left with a lovely painting to boot. The course was carried out in a relaxing manner, well paced and met our individual needs. Dermot is an engaging and positive person with a proven ability to share his passion for painting and a he is also a bit of a raconteur who kept us entertained throughout. Big thanks also to Maria his lovely wife who prepared lunch for us, her homemade soups and bread were both hearty and delicious. Dermot and Maria made us feel welcome and are great hosts, but I have to say the craic was mighty and I left feeling I’d made new friends as well as gained new skills.
Maggie
A brilliant format. 3 days giving plenty of time to hear about pigments, colour mixing. Easy to understand perspective and various other tips. Lovely friendly group excellent location including cakes. I would love a repeat performance. Thank you very much.
Jean Wendell
This course turned lots of things I had been taught before upside down. Very well structured, loads of very useful info. Very glad I came. Thank you.
Jean Floe
Very enjoyable and informative, presented in a light hearted, informal way. So many tips, I can use.
Ann Hall
As always a great course taught by a wonderful teacher lots to learn.
Michael Thornton
I sincerely enjoyed this course which was very explanatory with everything demonstrating thoroughly. I learned so much about colour mixing, perspective how to choose a good scene which is interesting. I look forward to doing this and practicing at home. I know now how to tackle a painting the proper way. I now have plenty of knowledge. Very well worth going to this painting course and I look forward to going again.
Lorna Pedlow
A Good Painting Experience. I attended a Painting Course run by Dermot on 11th-13th January 2019 at Tanworth-in-Arden. I found this very informative, helping me improve my painting skills. Skies were difficult for me, but now I seem to have won, all thanks to Dermot! He has great patience and is very helpful and his paintings are excellent!
Mary Ruddy
Warm and friendly welcome on first day. Explanation of the make-up of colours and their application very concise and understandable. Nothing was too much trouble to explain and demonstrate. Examples of techniques clearly explained in understandable methods. Superb course. Glad I came. Tutorial excellent.
Les Hook
Learned so much. I was a complete beginner and so pleased with my painting will definitely return.
Annette Graham
This workshop was an absolute delight. Funny, interesting and learned a lot. Thank you.
Tanya Eitzenhuefer
I loved the course. Dermot was very informative, helpful, and easy going. He made the whole experience a pleasure.
Rob Guthrie
Very much enjoyed the course. Learned loads. The tips and encouragement have been very beneficial. Liked limited pallet and number of paint brushes. Liked demonstrations and explanation of why e.g. Weight of paint. Tree growth left or right etc. Liked start light and build up wash and layers. Will certainly recommend you to others.
Helen Legood
Loved every moment. Dermot you are a wonderful teacher. Many many thanks for 3 wonderful days.
Julie Waterman
I thoroughly enjoyed Dermot’s three day water colour course in Tanworth in Arden. Dermot is a most engaging tutor who has the ability to simplify quite complex ideas, I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their painting skills no matter what their existing level is. In three days Dermot provided a comprehensive introduction to colour theory, perspective, composition and water colour techniques. Thank you Dermot!
Mary S
Dermot gave his all as usual, and was always there to help us out when necessary. Instruction were clear and all materials were provided. It was a lot of work for him but made it easier for us. His Irish wit with a charm only added to the pleasant atmosphere in the room as he told stories galore. Really enjoyed the 3 day course and came away with a picture to be proud of. Thank you very much indeed.
Linda L Smith
I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 days. Thank you it has encouraged me to join our local watercolour group. Dermot was very rewarding and encouraging to produce a completed picture.