Art Course Testimonials
Testimonials in black are linked to their TripAdvisor Review as well.
Check out the most recent reviews written on Google for the Shenandoah Art Destination.
Testimonials below are written with the original authors’ permission.
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Jan is an excellent instructor who was able to understand individual talents and goals and give us assignments that would push us to develop our skills. He was able to guide each student regardless of the medium, watercolor, acrylic and oil. The group lessons were fun and encouraging. Nancy provided us with creative and delicious meals each day. I really felt pampered by the way Nancy and Jan worked so hard to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable. I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to develop their artistic skills, whether a beginner or experienced artist.
My intention was to produce as much artwork as I could and to explore technique, evaluate my style, and learn new skills. My hope was to find a place that would provide me with an environment where I could focus on doing just that. I was not disappointed! Not only did I receive valuable instruction, I was so pleased to have none of the typical daily distractions that tend to pull us away from the task at hand. Another benefit I found was the creative input and sharing from the other artists attending. Friendships and bonds were created. The whole experience was far more than I could have hoped for. The instructor was experienced, knowledgeable, accomplished, talented and patient. Outstanding location; delicious meals; comfortable accommodations; and friendly banter and easy-going personalities of hosts.
An exceptional, magical experience for me! It was so motivating to be with a group of people as interested in making art as I am. Jan is an excellent instructor who brought me out of my comfort zone and taught me the finer details of working in acrylic as well as providing recommendations on brushes, paint and other supplies. His presentations/demonstrations were very knowledgeable and helpful. The accommodations are lovely and comfortable, the property is gorgeous, the food was delicious, and both Nancy and Jan are so helpful. I felt totally at home while simultaneously basking in a different environment with people I’d never met. Lovely hosts and a lovely group of fellow artists. I look forward to coming back. The cost is very reasonable considering all you get, and all you get is top notch.
Having painted for years, I’ve attended my share of workshops, and each one proved beneficial. I left inspired to paint more and keep improving. However, Shenandoah Art Destination proved to be a standout. I couldn’t have asked for more – superb plein-air painting locations, individualized instruction, warm and casual atmosphere, great accommodations, and food at its best. The kind of school/vacation to which I will return.
I came to get myself started in plein air techniques and to refresh my skills in the use of acrylic paint. Jan is a very effective teacher; he led me to demonstrate to myself just where some of my problems lay. I also found myself feeling “totally stuck” at times when I was applying paint to canvas. These are the moments when an experienced teacher can simply step in and show just how it’s done. I arrived at the course with a lot of personal inertia; Jan got me moving again. I also want to say that you were both not just helpful, you were both cheerfully helpful, and that makes a real difference.
This was my first visit to Shenandoah Art Destination, but it won’t be my last. The instruction from Jan was easy to understand and always pertinent to the question. A vacation with a purpose is so much more rewarding. It was a wonderful kind of tired at the end of the day; not just one more day of work. I went home with a sense of purpose and a real desire to keep going with my art. Having direction makes all the difference when a hobby has gone stale or set aside for other things. If you want a renewed enthusiasm for your art form, Shenandoah Art Destination can do that. Go with a positive outlook. Be open and open-minded and good things will happen when you remove the barriers.
Thank you Jan and Nancy for another wonderful experience! I love being around other artists to get different perspectives and to try to loosen up my personal style. It is always fun to explore new techniques, take a different approach to landscapes and explore portraits. I learned so much this week and can see my art changing. I came back this year because I knew I wasn’t done learning, and Jan is a patient, knowledgeable teacher. I always come away from Shenandoah refreshed, calmed and centered. I am very pleased with the work we did this session and the locations we were able to go to paint.
This was an excellent week. I learned something new and helpful every single day. It completely exceeded my expectations. The meals were delicious and beautiful.
It was an outstanding weekend, and the perfect way to reconnect to a different side of myself. Jan-Willem was a patient teacher who knew when to push us outside our comfort zone and when to give us time to explore on our own. Nancy was the ultimate hostess. The meals were delicious and the rooms each had their own personality. I am proud of the work I did, and plan to return next year.
The retreat exceeded my expectations and I will certainly do it again. It was so nice to have an extended time where all I had to do was concentrate on painting in the company of a friendly and encouraging group. I appreciated all the individual attention I received from Jan and learned so much also from the help given to my fellow artists. I loved my accommodations, the extraordinary meals (healthy, beautiful presentation and delicious) and the beauty of the grounds and surrounding area. As I work on finishing my plein air, I recall Jan’s advice to “stop” working so hard and let the paint do the work; it’s helping me to loosen up.
The Shenandoah Art Destination is a pause in the business of life that is most refreshing, a delightful experience; with art instruction, outstanding meals – by two gracious people, host and hostess, making a memorable vacation – like no other I’ve ever known.
This destination gives you a sense of relaxation. The art course has helped me as a beginner to be more interested in making art. As a teenager the area has interesting activities such as rafting which is fun for the day off. And the food was delicious.