I apologised for missing a dance class, but I was going to paint a picture in a pub, and some of my fellow classmates said they would like to do that! So here we are! We all did our thing, following lots of the instructions most of the time, and we all had a pleasant evening together. It was quite a small, more intimate group and you really lose sight of the fact that you are even in a pub, apart from when you refresh with a sip from your pint! I never have enough time and I never really "get" the techniques, but I've done a few of these now and I can see what I shall politely call "my own style" emerging. Keen to have a go at home on my own now

Quite a big group this time, with not much space to move about, but fine when we were painting. Carmel and Jess were very welcoming and there was a nice atmosphere throughout. I sat at the front so I could see well and could get attention, advice and more paint very smoothly, but others were equally served especially when they were falling behind and needed reminders or extra time or help. The paint was slow to dry in the cold conservatory, so I learnt to be patient and we worked on a different area for a bit, then returned. The results looked stunning!

We arrived in good time and parking was easy. David and his assistant already had everything set up and were well-organised and welcoming and attentive to us. The class started on time. The group, at the Prince of Wales in Marlow, was much smaller than we have previously experienced and we were more than comfortable in the space available. I was attracted to this picture, the Dormouse, because of all the neutral and natural colours in it, which is very different from the bright, colourful animals that I have previously chosen. It is a new picture and has a lot of small details in it and there wasn't a large finished version available, but we had paper copies of the finished picture on each table for reference. Even so, it wasn't always possible to see exactly what David was doing. I was tempted to get up and look, and I don't think anyone would have had a problem with that if I did, but our assistant was very available and helpful and encouraging so, as is usual, it was very acceptable to do our own thing as well. David said it was his first time teaching the class. On previous occasions, the class has been more punctuated, allowing time for everyone to reach the same point and then move on together. I don't think I was alone in feeling left behind on occasion. This is just something that comes with experience I guess and in no way ruined the experience. I enjoyed the evening and am very happy with my picture. I particularly enjoyed mixing natural colours and subtle shades.

Very friendly and welcoming venue. Steady pace of instruction. We were all thoroughly absorbed in our creations and happy with the results. Always attended to when we needed it, but never intrusive and lots of encouragement and positivity, never criticism. Lovely evening spent in the company of friends and new friends alike.