Valerie Wiffen
Drawing and painting are practical tasks, with 'nuts and bolts' advice an essential part of the tuition. Equally importantly, through a combination of group and individually directed teaching, students are able to build a philisophical framework to underpin their practical work and enhance their enjoyment of the process.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
In addition to the to a sound knowledge of the craft aspects needed to increase proficiency, students will gain an awareness of strengths and aspects to develop in personal work. Each student is given pointers and advice towards possible future directions that their work might take.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?The majority of the course time is spent on practical work, with group and individual tuition to convey the body of knowledge required for progress and improvemnt. Individual tutorials are available out of hours on request. Aspects calling for special focus are covered in short pre-course morning lectures and there are short demonstrations of practical matter. Voluntary evening work is supported and evening demonstrations are also offered.
What inspires your own work?Observation, notably portraiture, is the inspiration for my own work, but potential students should be reassured that they will not be required to make figurative work unless they chose to do so. As a professional painter, I am happy to support students in the mode of their choice, be it observed, conceptual or abstract.
Where can students see examples of your work?On my website. The National Portrait Gallery and Guildhall Art Gallery have portraits although they rotate their collections. A telephone call is advised before visiting as the works may be in reserve.
Where did you gain your training?Walthastow School of Art (first degree), NDD in Painting and Printmaking, Royal College of Art (second degree) SRCA in Painting and Drawing prize, London University's Diploma in Adult and Continuing Education.
What teaching experiencehave you had?An academic career spanning all sectors: secondary, further and higher education (including university) and community and adult education (including 14 years as Head of Department and Programme Area Manager). I have held numerous appointments as an adult part-time tutor including thirty happy years at West Dean
Have you written any books/had articles published?I have written five books (1994-1999); all are now sold out, out of print or hard to obtain but ocassionally available on Amazon. They are: 'Ways of Drawing Faces and Portraits' and 'Ways of Drawing Figures and People'(Running Press, Philidelphia and Cassel, UK), 'Figure Sketching School', (Reader's Digest), 'Ways of Sketching and Planning' (Quarto Books) and 'Learn to Draw Still Life' (Harper Collins). The latter is recommended as a drawing manual. I also contributed to numerous editions of Artist and Illustrator magazine (1996-2006)
Do you belong to any professional groups/societies?I belong to the Society of Authors.