Testimonials

• I spent a glorious week in Morocco being taught how to use watercolours by Michael. He’s great fun, incredibly patient and by the end of the week he’d nudged me in the right direction so expertly that I actually came home with something worth framing!
  Jenny Eclair, Morocco

• I found the experience was inspiring and felt, at the eleventh hour, with your guidance I broke through into the different, flowing technique of watercolour painting:only just, but it opens the way to progressing on a long journey! And I'm itching to start combining pen drawing !You are the best, inspiring art teacher I have ever had and that is with admitting that I took art at college for 4 years!!! Where was a teacher like you? As a teacher (retired) myself, I have found that you can't inspire others in your subject without being inspired yourself! After looking at the art of the masters, and the highly gifted unknowns, for 50 years l have thought it useless to make any attempts myself but now I'm starting to feel it's worth it for the sheer pleasure of the challenge!
  Rachel Clewley, Spain, Amalfi

• Michael you are an inspirational artist with great flavours in colours and styles. I am grateful to you as your kind critiques clearly helped me improve my watercolour painting! You as a teacher know how to see the different aspects of talent in each student and encourage the person to bring that talent forwards without hesitation. I think I developed lots of confidence having trained with you as anything on the paper you can give a life to it!
  Best wishes on your new venture and looking forwards another session of guidance from you !
  Wijitha Weerakoon, Amalfi

• After a few days with Michael in Italy, I was amazed what I’d achieved. My being a complete beginner, Michael’s support and encouragement were as important as the basic techniques and his great skill as well was in firing up the mutual support of the group - essential when you’re together for a week. And making it fun!
  Terry Walker, Tuscany

• Art courses with Michael are inspirational, informative, experiential and, best of all, a lot of fun! A week of watercolour painting in Spain six years ago really got me started and I’ve been painting regularly ever since and Michael continues to be supportive of what I am doing to this day.
  Bob Trotter, Cortijo Romero, Spain

• Having had two painting holidays with Michael as tutor I can honestly say that my art and especially colour mixing and looseness has improved beyond doubt. He brings to his lessons an encouragement that few art teachers have. I’ve been looking for this for a long time.I have seen so many over the past twenty five years and he is in the top ten.’
  Revill Styles (Tuscany / Amalfi) President and past Chairman of Tiprtree Art Club

• Michael was the ‘Artist-in-Residence’ at a Flavours Painting Holiday I attended. He was friendly, charming and was at pains to put us all at our ease on that first, slightly nerve wracking, morning. He has extensive knowledge of his subject and has just the right touch in his ability to assess, critique and support his students in moving on with their skills.
  I very much enjoyed learning with Michael.
  Jean Stewart, Amalfi

• I have spent two painting holidays where Michael was the tutor. His help, encouragement and advice has been inspirational. Michael tutored a small mixed ability group on both holidays and taught new techniques while building on every individuals' skills and talents. His encouragement helped me to 'move on' and diversify my technique, always looking for the 'bigger picture'! I have no hesitation in recommending him as a tutor.
  Wendy Rowland, Sicily, Amalfi

• Having been to Michael Gahagan's art course before, and having a certain amount of years painting experiences myself, I feel I’m qualified to judge his nice, easy relaxed manner of teaching. His range of mediums can adapt to most artist needs, from the complete novice to more experienced artists like myself. Where most of my work in design I find my paintings are tight and l seek his knowledge to help loosen my technique in watercolours. The way he allows his student to find the style that suits each student, giving them the encouragement to further their passion to paint. The way we can all banter is because the great relaxed manner he transmits. That easy going style allows us to put that to work in our attempts to master our efforts doing watercolours.
  Spencer Carvell, Spain, Amalfi

• I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for all your tuition over the years. You’ve taught me so much when I look back at the paintings that I produced before your tuition they are naïve. I’ve learned so much about warm and cool colours and painting techniques. But the main thing I learned was plan your painting and study your subject. I have still so much to learn but your help has transformed my painting.
  Mark Thomason, Sicily, Tuscany, Spain

and finally!

• Michael is the Tommy Cooper of the art world. It all seems a bit shambolic and then - abbacadabra - a great exercise or a wonderful painting emerges. He loves teaching and is very good at it and you are guaranteed many, many laughs on who knows what off-piste subjects. Plus, he does a great Taggart impersonation. Highly recommended.
  Alan Gilchrist, Skyros