DERBYSHIRE ARTS - Key Persons

About 20 years ago Helen went to an Adult Education class to learn how to do calligraphy "properly". This set her off on a new track, provided her with a means of earning a living and totally changed her life. She has spent her time since then improving her skills through seminars, symposiums, summer schools and additional classes. She has become the Chairman of Calderdale Calligraphers - one of the most active and largest groups in the country.

Keith is one of the UK's leading teachers of painting techniques and enjoys a tremendous following among leisure painters. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Advisory Panel member of the Society for All Artists and holds several professional qualifications including an honours degree. Keith's paintings are in collections in the United Kingdom and other European contries as well as the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the Middle East. He conducts painting holidays in the UK and Europe, seminars and workshops nationwide and demonstrates to up to 50 art societies each year. Keith, who is a principal demonstrator for Windsor & Newton can usually be seen demonstrating painting techniques at most major fine art and craft shows in the UK. Keith's expertise in landscape painting, his writing, teaching, video-making and broadcasting ensure an understanding of student needs. His book Seasonal Landscapes has proved very popular as have his 20 best-selling art teaching videos which have benefited students worldwide. He is also a regular contributor to art and craft magazines. Keith finds great satisfaction in encouraging those who have always wanted to paint but lack the confidence to have a go, as well as helping more experienced painters to develop their skills further.

Born 1941 Tom studied at the Bournville College of Art 1956 - 59 and Birmingham College of Art 1959 - 61. He attended the Royal Academy Schools 1961 - 64 when Sir Henry Rushbury was Keeper and Peter Greenham Professor and was awarded several prizes and Scholarships during his studentship. Tom has been President of the Royal Society of British Artists and is also a Member of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the New English Art Club and is President of the Pastel Society.