"People frequently believe that the creative life is grounded in fantasy. The more difficult truth is that creativity is grounded in reality, in the particular, the focused, the well observed or specifically imagined." Julia Cameron " The Artist's Way", Pan Books, 1994.

Anthony Tyley has been teaching traditional observational drawing and painting skills since 1997, after studying at the City and Guilds of London Art School from 1991 to 1994. For his final year dissertation, "Basic Training", Anthony researched the teaching methods of Professor Henry Tonks at the Slade School of Art in London in the early 1900's. Anthony became convinced that drawing could still be taught using the methods not only of Tonks, but also of the Northern European tradition starting from Leonardo Da Vinci.

The parallels with other disciplines such as music are close: if the basic grammar and structures are well taught, the student can go on to master the subject, and express, and communicate, his or her own ideas with fluency and subtlety.

No special talent is needed: Anthony has now shown that students from 9 upwards are quite capable of mastering observational drawing and painting to a high standard in a surprisingly short time. In the Netherlands at the time of Rembrandt, "leerkinderen" - child apprentices - started in the Master's studio at the age of 9, grinding colours and drawing from the plaster cast. At the end of the apprenticeship, at 16, the young artists were capable of elaborate portrait paintings and figure compositions.

Where it all starts: fully tonal charcoal drawing of rounded forms in light.  By Elliott Hughes, 13.

I can't thank you enough for teaching Elliott, many people have admired his work some of which are on display in my kitchen. His confidence has soared.  Mrs V. Hughes, September, 2011.

Studio still life, charcoal, by J.E. A2.

                                      Copy of ""Self - Portrait with Pipe" by Gustave Courbet, by T.P, age 11, charcoal, A2

Study sheet of quick drawings by T.P, age 13, A2

"Ocean". Charcoal, A1, September 2011. Nathanael Warwicker, age 11.

"Thank you for a wonderful ‘taster’ session on Saturday.  Nathanael was ‘buzzing’ for the rest of the weekend and cannot wait to get started.  Needless to say the easel is now set up in his play room, having been adjusted for height and light etc!"  Mrs C.R., May 2010.

After acquiring basic skills in drawing using pencil and charcoal, colour is studied using Winsor & Newton "Artisan" water mixable oil paint on MDF panels. A simple, logical system of handling the paint on the palette removes all the guesswork from colour mixing. Tonal exercises, using a six - colour system lead on rapidly to still life work, bringing together the earlier drawing experiences with the medium of paint.  Learning that colour has tone as well as it's own colour or hue is a vital lesson:

The key to painting: tonal scales of colour, water mixable oils on panel, by Lily, age 11.

" I went to the parent's consultation this Monday and had a very friendly talk with the art teacher. She said that Lily was the one who stood out from the others, which again proved Lily's potential in art. Many thanks for all your guidance and encouragement." Mrs C. T.,  March 12th, 2011.

Palette laid out by Emily, age 9, for Impressionists school project, October 2011.

Emily at work.

" A Lovely Day Out" by Emily, age 9, after "Boating on the Seine" by Renoir. Oils on canvas board, 12 x 16 ins.

Emily was awarded full marks in her Impressionists project. She is very happy and wishes to thank you again.

Mrs A. C., November 2011

Still life, oils on panel, 29cm x 38cm by Elaine Sanderson, age 11.

Having gained some basic traditional skills through set exercises, and copying from old master drawings and paintings, students begin to create their own personal drawings and paintings.

Self Portrait by Diana Probst. 

Mature student Diana studied with me for approximately 18 months, and established her studio in Cambridge last year.

http://dianaprobst.com/gallery  http://dianaprobst.com/blog

"Sleeping Woodland Heligan." Watercolour by S. R - H. age 11.

GCSE 10 - hour still life by V.H., age 15.

"Dad with Hat", by Victoria Heald, age 14.

Oils on canvas, 30 x 22 ins, 2003.

Victoria achieved full marks in "A" level art at St. Mary's School, Cambridge, then gained Distinction at

Camberwell School of Art, London on the Arts Foundation course.

On Friday, 24th June 2011 Victoria Heald achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art

at

Chelsea College of Art & Design, London.

Please visit Victoria's website: http://victoriaheald.com/

"We have been so appreciative of all your own research which you so channel so selflessly into your teaching. Timothy is the beneficiary of such a rich, neglected heritage which has enriched his own mental world, as well, of course, as having significantly developed his artistic skills and technique." Mrs J. P., former teacher.

"Thank you so much for all the guidance, encouragement and support you have given C. As you know, he feels very frustrated with his school teacher's attitude towards his work, he would have probably have given up art if it had not been for your encouragement!"  Mrs M. B.

"Thank you for your interest in Ian's work; he is very excited about his forthcoming lesson

and, we hope, further lessons as well. We have been to (two) schools this week, and I can't tell you how helpful you have been in helping us assess the art departments."   Mrs J. S.

In March 2010 Anthony's tuition with Ian S. age 12 (please see his mother's comments above) bore fruit with a successful Art Scholarship application to Uppingham School.  This month, December, 2011, Ian, now 15, has returned for a further course of drawing and painting lessons:

"Thanks for today.  It was very stimulating for us both.  I'm glad that Ian is keen to work with you again as you have already given him such a good foundation for his drawing ." Mrs J. S.

Anthony has taught at Homerton College, Cambridge, Wysing Arts, Bourn, Comberton Village College, and Dry Drayton C/E Primary School, Cambridge. Private students include young and adult artists from Bedford, Cambridge, London, Royal Leamington Spa and Rushden, Northants.

For details of private tuition for adults and children, including a conversion course from watercolours to oils, please contact Anthony Tyley on:

Tel: 01954 719315                                                                                                               mailto: artyley@btinternet.com

Samsons Cottage

Fox Road

Bourn

Cambridge

CB23 2TY

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