Damian Callan Art Classes

I tried various art classes in Edinburgh and have stayed with Damian's classes since I found them. Damian is by far the best art teacher around and a great artist. He is very inclusive and encouraging to all. His classes offer an amazing variety of projects using different mediums. I feel very creative and inspired by his classes and I am learning all the time. His classes don't disappoint.

I found Damian’s classes two years ago and I am so glad I did; I have been one evening a week ever since. I find the classes challenging yet very meditative and relaxing. Everyone is welcomed and supported, and there is always a purposeful and industrious atmosphere. He is a very sensitive and experienced teacher whom I admire. Through his tuition I have learnt a huge amount, developed my skills and gained in confidence. I thoroughly recommend his art classes.

I've taken lots of art classes over the years and Damian Callan's courses are my favorite. The studio classes are amazing with live models, helpful instruction and materials provided. I've also been taking a course where we visit wonderful locations, as a class, in and around Edinburgh and then combine our drawings from the location with a model in the studio into a painting. Damian's courses have helped me regain my passion for art! Damian is kind, supportive and encouraging to all of his students, no matter what our level.

I took an oil painting class from Damian and I think it’s one of best art classes I have taken in the city. It is very beginner-friendly. One thing I truly appreciated was that Damian took care of most of the art supplies, saving me from the hassle of buying tons of materials beforehand.Damian is a great teacher. His feedback was incredibly useful, helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. I noticed a significant improvement in my skills after just a few lessons.I highly recommend his classes to anyone who wants to take art seriously!

Three generations of my family have enjoyed Damian's thoughtful teaching.I've always found it remarkable how quickly Damian understands the type and level of support each student needs.He is very helpful and sincere in pointing out areas for development as well as praising achievement. I really value his technical advice, particularly in colour mixing and creating an image from sketches.His classes, whether on location or in studio, are friendly events, with a good mixture of demonstration and instruction.They're also good value, with a supply of decent quality materials as well as top rate, unpretentious tuition.

My daughter has been attending Damian's classes for over two years. During this time she has had the opportunity to practise and develop her style using oils, charcoal, pastels and pencil. She has found it a lot less prescriptive than the school environment which has made it a wonderful experience. We thoroughly recommend Damian!

I've been going to Damian's classes for more than 10 years - he is a marvellous teacher, kind, clever, gives praise and gently shows you how to do things better. He is very inventive on choosing both models and interesting and unusual locations for on-site sketching. He generously includes all the materials that you need, except, understandably, you bring your own brushes! He's my weekly therapy and encourages to me to pursue my life long passion in painting!

I very much enjoy and benefit from Damian’s classes. Over the years I have attended when I can, confident in what I will get from the course eg regular personal help and guidance, introduction to artists by use of slides to illustrate points, prepared palettes and set up, time for discussion during breaks etc etc. I have recommended Damian’s classes to many of my own council run class students.

I first went to Damian Callan's classes in 2011. I am still going 12 years later. There are many good things about them. All are made welcome, and members range from former art college graduates to complete beginners, and his skill in giving the right advice to each individual is remarkable. He has the ability, when going round the class, to make the comment or suggestion that is exactly right for that painting at that moment. His expositions of how to tackle features - eyes, hands, noses or whatever - are precise and effective. The atmosphere of the classes is always friendly and supportive. I look forward to each week.During my first year, at coffee break, I explained to a full time, successful professional artist, who happened to be in the class then, that I had chosen it because it was close to home, and it seemed quite good. Good!" was the reply