TIGGY'S at crescent - Student Comments


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If you don't think you too can learn to paint, read what some of these students are saying!

If you've taken classes at Tiggy's and you'd like to leave a comment, please fill out the form!

I have taken many courses over the years with Jackie and I am truly amazed at what I accomplish, it surprises me every time. This is because of the fantastic teaching of Jackie. She's a remarkable instructor and good friend. I recommend Tiggy's to anyone who thinks they could never paint or draw to believe in yourself and the fantastic instruction you get at Tiggy's. I have loved every course I've taken. To Jackie, you are truly an amazing artist and friend. Remember to believe and you will achieve..........

Virginia Bernier

Tiggy's at cresent has given me my 'Ah-Ha' moment, one of life's most precious gifts!

Roxanne Griese

I travel from Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island to paint with Jackie. She is a very good teacher: patient, helpful, very talented and cute too! I look forward to her classes, as Jackie, her staff, and the other students make you feel right at home.

Ann McColm

I arrived in British Columbia from England and wanted to take up painting again. I had been to Art School, albeit many years ago. I could not have picked a better location than Tiggy’s at Crescent Beach. The beach was a pleasure to see, the atmosphere was relaxed and very friendly (artists love to chatter). I was welcomed with open arms, and found Canadians most friendly (then found out Jackie is an ex-brit). The colour study was most useful and brought back things I thought that I had forgotten. Jackie is such a superb teacher and has the ability to correct our mistakes with one easy sweep of the paint brush. I have created many ‘works of art’ to display on my huge walls of my Canadian home. I have done 10 pieces of art with Tiggy’s which I am very proud of. Sadly I am returning to England for a couple of years, but everyone that has seen my paintings thinks that I should ‘show’ them in England. This is all credit to Jackie, her teaching and her support. So a BIG thank you.

Janet Thompson

Who knew I could actually paint?!! I certainly didn’t. I have always been in awe of those artistic people who are so creative at expressing themselves on canvas, knowing I could never even come close to their abilities. But I am actually learning how to paint as if I had an artistic bone in my body. Thanks for a fun and empowering class. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover you. I am enjoying every minute of it and can’t wait to start my next masterpiece.

Carie Mager

Four years ago, I walked by Tiggy's at Crescent Beach, read about the classes offered, and thought how nice it would be to have the talent to do such projects. I kept on walking as I thought this was not a gift I had. A year later, after passing by a few dozen more times, I plucked the courage to inquire about the classes, emphasizing that I could be the exception to Tiggy's 'anyone can paint' claim. I signed up, and have never looked back. With the excellent guidance from Jackie, my first project was very successful, impressing myself (and my family and friends). I became addicted! Painting has now become an important part of my life, a wonderful hobby, and a great way to socialize with friends at Tiggy's. I have sold some of my work, and have given some away as gifts or to charities. I have also taken Jackie's portrait classes, and again, I found I was able to draw very successfully with the right technique and guidance. Jackie is a wonderful teacher, and I'm very grateful to her for all the things I've learned, and the friends I've made at Tiggy's.

Marie Smith

I have taken the beginners painting class and two other painting projects. I love the time spent at the studio and really enjoy the other students. It is such fun to hear all the chatter then enjoy the quiet concentration as we all get down to creating our masterpieces. I really love the positive atmosphere of the class and that is because Jackie is always so helpful and complimentry. She won't let anyone go home with a project they aren't totally happy with. I have especially enjoyed the drawing class-we were all so pleased with our first and second portraits. It was like 'magic' to see everyone create such great work!

Dianne Engman

As I walked along North Beach Road on Saltspring Island with my wife Lois one recent winter morning, I looked at the water and saw shades of blue, grey and silver. Not long ago I would have said the water was 'kind of a grey colour.' Now that I had learned to see colour, light and shadow, the world looked different to me. Lois has painted off and on for some years now. I recall saying to her once, 'I can’t paint.' Her swift response to me was, 'Sure you can; it’s only a matter of seeing colour, light and shadow.' 'Yeah, right,' I replied, 'easy for you to say, you can paint.'

Several years later we were searching for an activity we could do as a couple and decided to take a watercolour class together. I really liked the act of painting but I could see very quickly that watercolour was not for me, it was too loose and free. I like a little more control--OK, a lot more control--than it offered.
On a walk through Crescent Beach one afternoon we stopped by Tiggy’s to look and saw the interesting painting projects offered there. We decided to try the beginner’s class together and see how it works. Well, it was great fun, and the project I completed there was not too bad. I actually learned that there are techniques for painting light and shadow, unlike watercolour where you had to leave parts of the white paper to show for highlights. Now here was control; for a left brained accountant this was perfect.
Since that first class some three years ago I have:
-Taken a number of classes to learn and improve my painting techniques and knowledge of colour theory.
-Decided I want to concentrate on wildlife painting.
-Had an interesting (and fun) time, usually being the token male in a class of women.
-Realized that painting really is about seeing.
-Learned to draw. This was another revelatory experience for me, and for the rest of our class too. I think we all remarked at the end of it, 'I didn’t know I could do that.'

Painting for me has been a way to become more right brained, to leave the pressures of my accounting practice behind and create. There is something very relaxing and freeing about the creative process. Learning to paint at Tiggy’s has been a fun and rewarding experience for me as I am sure it will be for anyone else.

Brian Teed

I have been pestering Jackie to put a testimonial page on her website so that new students can read all the benefits of attending Tiggy’s besides the obvious. As well as coming away from classes with a lot more knowledge of techniques, shadows, blending, brushes, etc. I have also come away from the classes with a lot more self-esteem. To see a finished project and realize that I did it is a great, satisfying feeling. Okay, so those things are pretty obvious. The not so obvious is the camaraderie, laughter, tears, jokes, life stories, histories that we all, once comfortable, have enjoyed with one another. I have only been attending Tiggy’s since ‘05 and have made friendships that, I have no doubt, will endure the test of time. Occasionally we enjoy treats that some of the students, feeling a little industrious share with us - on other occasions a glass of wine has been known to be had (s-h-h-h-h-h-h don’t tell the mates as we need them to think we’re learning and studying!). Anyway, I think you get my drift that it is much more than just ‘Tiggy’s’ a place to go and paint. It is TIGGY’S - THE PLACE TO GO AND PAINT!

Susie Justice

Where else, in addition to our wonderful lessons in painting, can you get tips on cooking, family counseling/therapy, and overall wonderful camaraderie – all as free bonuses included in the cost of lessons? Tiggy’s contributes to the bottom line of our medical system.

Gail Parkinson

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