Anthony Tyley has been teaching traditional drawing and painting skills to children and adults 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.

Still life in charcoal by T. P., age 11.

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.

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, children very often begin to create their own personal drawings and paintings. This work can appear spontaneously, as no pressure is brought upon the student - however carrying a personal sketchbook is usually encouraged:

Sketchbook drawing "Sunshade" by A. F., age 11.

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

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

"Thank you for being a great art teacher. I had lots of fun." Elaine Sanderson, age 11, July 2005

"I am not surprised you have another serious student.  You are a very talented and
inspirational teacher.  It is credit to you that those you start teaching become
interested and fascinated with all concepts of art." Mrs A. G., August 2007

"Thank you so much for today's lesson.
You really do have a great skill as both as a teacher and a communicator!"

Mrs H. M., former music teacher, August, 2007

"We have been so appreciative of all your own research which you so channel so selflesslyinto 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, December, 2007

"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., May 2008

Anthony has taught at Homerton College, Cambridge, Wysing Arts, Bourn, Comberton Village College, and Dry Drayton C/E Primary School, Cambridge. Adult students include artists from Cambridge, London, Barnet, and Royal Leamington Spa. 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                              Email: anthony@cambridgeportraits.com

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