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Testimonials
Dear Blake
I would like to say THANK YOU for the weekend workshop. It was amazing painting lesson I ever had. Your passion and spirit towards art and pastel painting which expressed on the paper, inspired me a lot. It kind of opened the spiritual door to look at a different side of the world I have missed for over 20 years. And it opened my eyes and I had big mind shift over the weekend.
Thank you so much
I will continue to explore this wonderful journey and I am looking forward to seeing you again.
William Choi Sydney
April 2017
Hi Chris,
It was wonderful to catch up... This was the most enjoyable workshop that I have organized in a long time.Great to go to a workshop that didn't need a guide to explain the mechanics and hidden meaning of the content in the artwork... Again a great day
Judy Baker, Ipswich ​
April 2017
Hi Chris and Carol,
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Thanks for the e-book from the colour layering workshop.Another great workshop from Chris, and a great e-book to jog my memory of the colour layering process that I greatly admire in Chris's work. The workshop was, as usual, a very enjoyable experience.
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Geoff May
October 2015
I have just attended a great workshop in Maryborough with Chris Blake using oils, Chris is very free with his knowledge and imparts this with a sense of fun, whilst building confidence as you go, I would recommend him as a tutor.
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Wendy Talbot
July 2015
I am planning on doing your oil workshop in Maryborough, was reading your hints and I have been doing the 30 day challenge previously,but loved your idea of the breakfast table. How I wish I had a tidy table. It would be cheating to tidy it up hey!
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Wendy Talbot
April 2015
I enjoyed the Art Workshop at the Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum. This weekend workshop has enabled me to get my artwork "back on track". Thanks Chris for an enjoyable weekend!
Paul Howlett
Ipswich Art Society
March 2015
Hi Chris,
Our art group, the Sunshine Pastellists all agreed that you gave us a wonderful workshop on Perspective on 12th March 2014.We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and found your explanations on the mysteries of perspective very easy to understand. You even converted those who thought it was way beyond them. We're looking forward to putting our new found knowledge into practice and that our future paintings will reflect this.We hope that you will be able to do another workshop for us when you return from your next trip. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so generously.
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Best Regards, Ann WilsonSunshine Pastellists,Caloundra Arts and Crafts Association
March 2014
Hi Chris,
Here's a report written by Mark Lawrence on the Atmospheric Skies Workshop:“Atmospheric skies for Marinescapes and Landscapes” 22-23 Feb 2014
We six students had a treat of Chris displaying a number of works that showed atmospheric skies.Chris started by showing us how to do an alcohol wash with a brush, after putting down base colours, to establish main shapes. This was used to get the base of the painting. We then got into Chris’ characteristic line texturing over this to create colours that had more vibrancy than just “straight” colours.Chris’ demonstrations generally used bold colour that from a distance had definite “wow” factor.Chris normally opposes finger blending, but for clouds he makes exception, to get the blurred edges where needed.He told a sales story of how too much choice actually puts buyers off, and how too many tones can likewise confuse in a picture. It is better to have fewer well placed tones next to each other to quickly guide the eye to shapes and have clarity and impact.Chris stressed the importance of light controlled application and showed how he has developed a method of gauging pressure with his fingernail while applying.Chris spoke very highly of Max Wilkes and how he only uses black base paper, so our second day exercises used black paper and Chris showed how it makes tone and colour stand out early in the development of the picture. There are challenges however, like putting white under lights.With one colour yellow, one can develop different tones by masking and spraying with different levels of fixative.A treat was Chris whipping up a demo of foreground boats in a very short time at our request. He flashed up a couple of Figure 8’s for the upper profile and after my blinking: there were two boat sketches!We took away some great learning, really presentable artworks, and the chance to meet Chris and hear some of his very fascinating life experience.Chris Blake is one of our Master Pastellists of Pastel Society of Australia, whose technique is a visual smorgasbord of vibrant rich colours enhanced by his use of Unison Pastels. His demonstrations are always fun and entertaining with heaps of hints and information and his unique techniques.He is a sought- after tutor and has demonstrated nationwide.
Penelope Gilbert-NgPresident of the Pastel Society of Australia.
July 2013
Dear Chris,
thankyou for a wonderful workshop.You will be pleased to know that I have now got somewonderful "new pics" to paint from. No more ugly ducklings to quote you.
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Regards Lynne
June 2013
Hi Chris,
I just wanted to thank you for the very enjoyable full day workshop that you gave us on 23rd May '13. The pastel & acrylic demonstrations you gave us on 'how to tackle buildings & greenery!' were very informative. You gave us valuable tips on taking 'appealing' photos of the Hinterland Businesses & Accommodation Houses that will be a huge help to us & I am sure we will be able to produce some 'winners' for our Hinterland Heartbeat Exhibition in October this year!We value your encouragement & great humour and look forward to another workshop with you soon.
Kind regards, Dorothy PeallPresident of Blackall Range Visual Artists
Phone; 0403016990
June 2013
Hi Chris.
I’m so glad you are available as your demos are always entertaining and informative. I remember your cityscape one ( very impressed with the way you suggested the buildings and THE CARS!! So simple and so effective!) and the vivid colours and shadows in your last demo of the outback blew oursocks off..Attending your one day workshop was most rewarding. I learnt so much from your tutoring and demonstrations – The way you use colour - Your stroke making techniques – How to produce a fresh, loose, lively painting withrelative ease. And then there was the fun and humour as a bonus!
Thank you Chris
Gail Lusted Pastel Society, Brisbane
March 2013
When you do a workshop with Chris, you are guaranteed to learn a new skill, have fun and produce a piece of work that you are proud to hang on your wall. He is a great teacher, always well prepared and ready to share his knowledge.I have attended at least four of his workshops both in pastel and pen and wash and enjoyed every minute!
Marianne R. Montville Queensland Aust.
March 2013
I recently participated in a Travel Pen and Wash Workshop with Chris Blake and throughly enjoyed the experience. As a watercolourist, it encouraged me to work faster and not worry so much about the pieceof paper!!
Thank you Chris
Regards:Barbara Willcocks Montville
March 2013
I have attended several art workshops given by Chris Blake and would like to recommend him. He is well-prepared, clear in his demonstrations and explanations and above all attentive to the individual, going roundthe class to help and guide throughout the time. He is encouraging and completely open and generous in sharing everything he knows with the student. What more could one ask of a teacher? I loved his classes.
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Philippa Hume
March 2013
Dear ChrisThe Tinbeerwah Art Group were delighted with your two day workshop. We all thoroughly enjoyed learning how to produce seascapes and outback landscapes – as you will see from the photos posted on the Tinbeerwah Art group Facebook page.We all learned so much from you and hope to welcome you back again soon.
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Jan Cooke
(T.A.G. Co-ordinator)
July 2020
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