Coach House Studio reviews

24 Oct 24'

Susan Darke reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"I had a very enjoyable and informative experience with Kate. She is most generous with her time, knowledge and cake! I wanted to gain confidence and inspiration in approaching abstract art...2 days since seeing her I've done what I've been meaning to do for years and cleared a space to dedicate to art work and done some of my "homework". I feel she has so much to share with me I've now booked a series of sessions. I can wholeheartedly recommend Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Susan - I'm so happy you've continued to paint since our session, and even made a dedicated art space. That's brilliant! I look forward to seeing what you do in the next few weeks, and sharing more techniques to inspire you 😊"

1 Oct 24'

Wendy reviewed: The Art of Drawing - full day workshop in Pembrokeshire

"My husband and I did a one day workshop with Kate, arriving at her lovely home for an overnight stay in order to make a decent start the following morning. We were made incredibly welcome during that evening, being shown her extensive collection of beautiful, informative books. Her knowledge is boundless, much like her infectious enthusiasm that grips you and doesn't let go. We enjoyed a full day, exploring various techniques and before we knew it, leaving time had arrived. Taking away with us, a new skill set and unforgettable memories of the day. I can't rate Kate highly enough for anyone wishing to either, gain confidence to begin or extend their existing knowledge in this field. She is an inspiring delight!! We couldn't have been more pleased. Also, big thanks to her husband and gorgeous dog Pip for enhancing our stay - enchanting! Superb!!"

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Wendy! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here in the studio, and staying with us. It was great to meet you both. It's so rewarding when students are inspired and excited by the processes and techniques I introduce. I hope you carry on making art, and that we see you again sometime. "

25 Sep 23'

Anne Marie reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"I did the two day course with Kate at the end of August (sorry it's taken so long to post the review) and it was truly amazing. I came to the course as a complete novice with little or no experience, just an eagerness to learn. Kate was inspiring with her enthusiasm and an excellent teacher as she guided me to experiment with colour mixing and explore different techniques and exciting new ideas. Kate introduced me to new ways to create interesting and fun ‘art’ with different mediums and materials, I learnt so much about what I can do when I allow my creativity to happen, encouraging me to carry this on at home. Spending two days with Kate was an absolute pleasure, we chatted about everything, her knowledge of and passion for art is unlimited and infectious. Kate is the perfect host, her beautiful light and cosy studio will put you at ease, not to mention the lovely cakes, lunch and tea (wine!). I cannot recommend this course and Kate enough, if you want a wonderful experience then do not hesitate to book it now. Thank you Kate and I hope to see you again soon!"

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Anne-Marie! I'm glad you gained so much inspiration from our time together in the studio. It was a great weekend - I thoroughly enjoyed your company, and it was very rewarding to be able to introduce you to ideas and techniques that will give you material to work with in the future. It was lovely to see you getting excited about rediscovering your creativity - you produced a really impressive variety of work in two days! I look forward to your return visit, for 'part two' 😉"

5 Jun 23'

elizabeth reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"My husband and I spent a brilliant morning at Kate's workshop and felt we learned so much in only three hours! We are not artists but felt very inspired to continue to explore painting. Kate was friendly and helpful with plenty of tea and advice on offer! We started in her colourful studio trying out different mediums and learning about colour and ways of creating paintings with different tools. I had never painted with a feather before! Then we moved out to her delightful garden where we wandered about choosing beautiful flowers to draw and paint. We came away with some great ideas and some lovely paintings which we were proud to show to our children! We would highly recommend Kate and her classes!!"

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Elizabeth - it was lovely to meet you both, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your morning session here at The Coach House. You produced an amazing amount of work in three hours! Hope you've had time to carry on with your painting. See you again soon. "

20 Nov 22'

Johanne Moss reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"Thank you for a truly inspirational experience which highlighted the importance of colour mixing techniques. The tuition was delivered in a friendly but professional manor & we were made to feel most welcome. A great session! "

Coach House Studio responded:

"It was a pleasure to spend the morning with you and Carole, and you produced some lovely pages of tints and tones! I hope you carry on painting. Thank you Johanne, see you again sometime 😊"

3 Sep 22'

Paula reviewed: The Art of Drawing - half day workshop in West Wales

"Great half a day with Kate doing various things including contour drawings in her wonderful studio. She provided everything we needed and helped us to experiment using things we picked from the garden. Kate is very inspirational, it was a great session and I really enjoyed how it freed up my creativity and loosened me up. Thanks Kate! I would definitely recommend a half day (or more!) with Kate in her studio."

Coach House Studio responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed your drawing session, Paula. It was lots of fun having you both here! You produced a stack of fabulous work... Thank you, come again soon ?"

31 Aug 22'

Anne reviewed: The Art of Drawing - half day workshop in West Wales

"This was a wonderful day, we spend the time in the studio and beautiful garden exploring different drawing techniques, Kate managed us at our own pace, and allowed us freedom to explore our own ideas….. I would recommend this to anyone from beginners to seasoned artists. "

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Anne, I'm so glad you enjoyed your time at The Coach House, and it was lovely to have you here. Look forward to seeing your latest drawings! Pop in for coffee soon."

24 Aug 22'

Jane reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"5 stars Such a wonderful class - my husband and I had a wonderful and memorable class. We learnt a lot, have used what I learnt later and can’t wait to book another class with Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Jane - It was great having you here, lots of chat and laughs, as well as fabulous work. I'm glad you've been carrying on with your artwork since your class at the Coach House. Pop in some time and show me. Kettle's always on!"

28 Jun 22'

Julia Berry reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My daughter and I did this 2-day course with Kate in early June. Sorry to take so long to write about our wonderful experience. We both enjoy doing a variety of ‘arts and crafts’ as enthusiastic amateurs. This course giving us the opportunity to investigate the ‘nuts and bolts’ of making a painting not ‘painting pictures’ really appealed. Kate took us on an incredible journey learning how to use and integrate different colours, materials and techniques. A real eye opener – exciting, engaging, totally absorbing, some times daunting but lots of fun. Her enthusiasm and encouragement is infectious. We came way with a folder and sketchbook of our own examples which I am still enjoying working on. We are still both regularly pursuing some of the multi media techniques and I love using the mindful drawing as a starter. Thank you Kate you are inspirational. AND beautiful setting, spacious studio, real coffee, tasty veggie lunches, delicious cake and ‘wine o clock’ - all such a treat."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Julia - it was a pleasure to share my favourite painting practices with you and Tessa. I'm so glad you found the course inspiring. Best of all, you've carried on working using techniques learned during your time here. I'd love to see some photos of your paintings sometime! It was lovely to meet you, and hope to see you again. Happy painting ? "

21 Jun 22'

Tessa Berry reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"We had a super time with Kate and with the course. My mum and I came for the Two-Day Workshop. It was really great to get to try so many different techniques, tangents and mediums on the first day and then delve further in different directions on the second. Kate has a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm, making us feel safe and encouraged to explore our creative sides. My mum and I have different styles and ideas and through Kate's instruction both gained so much from the experience. Since I've been home, everyone has been getting home-made cards - jelly prints, art pastels on black paper, even some with everything mixed together! Mum and I met up recently, and were so excited to show each other everything we'd been working on since Kate's workshop. Thank you! We were lucky enough to stay with Kate as well, so in the evenings, cosy in the private snug, we could take advantage of all her wonderful art books and chat about what we'd been doing."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you so much Tessa - I'm really glad that you've carried on painting, and making art, since your two days here. It was an absolute pleasure to have you both as 'students' and you produced an amazing amount of great work! Stay in touch ?"

13 Apr 22'

Eileen Williams-Sweet reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My daughter and I spent a great afternoon in Kate’s studio. She is informative, helpful and totally encouraging. We both loved experimenting with colours and techniques and have taken new skills home with us. We had such a wonderful time, and learnt masses. Absolutely recommend Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Eileen, it was lovely to have you both here and I'm really glad you enjoyed our session. I hope you have time to continue painting - stay in touch, I'd love to see what you do next!"

4 Mar 22'

Bernie Penny reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"I booked this two day course with Kate as a present for my wife, and these words are from what my wife has related to me and the brief moments spent talking with Kate, who was never backward when making tea or coffee after chauffeuring my wife to the studio. She has a vast range of techniques and styles and oodles of enthusiasm. She is so nice as well, she instantly puts you at ease. Her studio is quite large and airy, seeing as it was February, nice and warm too. After two days in the company of Kate, sharing ideas and absorbing so much knowledge and know-how, my wife was buzzing. I am certain she will return. Well done and thank you Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Bernie - It was lovely meeting you! I'm very happy that Anne gained so much from her time here at the Coach House. Anne produced an extraordinary amount of work over two days, and I look forward to seeing how her paintings develop in the coming weeks. Call in any time."

28 Feb 22'

Anne Penny reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My two day workshop with Kate Freeman was inspiring and informative. Kate is a very patient and knowledgeable tutor, and a generous hostess. The chance to try different materials and techniques with her guidance has given me confidence to pursue my inner creativity. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Anne - I really enjoyed your company during the workshop here in the studio. It was very rewarding for me that you responded with such enthusiasm to each suggestion, and you produced an amazing amount of strong work! Hope you remember to keep using your sketchbook ? I look forward to seeing you soon - please call by with your next batch of paintings when you're up this way!"

25 Nov 21'

Stephen Jenkinson reviewed: Painting Workshops in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"My wife and I chose to take 2 half day sessions with Kate (Mark Making & Experimental Painting Techniques) spread over an afternoon and the following morning. The whole experience was brilliant from start to finish. Kate was an inspiring, empathetic, very practical tutor. Speaking as two retired teachers(!), it was clear from the start that she had prepared thoroughly, really knew what she was doing, and even had books of other artists’ work to show us when it seemed that we might be using techniques that were similar to those artists’. We both think Kate is inspirational, friendly, very welcoming, hospitable, aware of our needs, flexible; and also prepared to allow us the freedom to follow what we were doing, without being prescriptive. As someone who has always thought about painting and drawing in a figurative sense, here I was “doing abstract art”! it was wonderful when she said “it doesn’t have to be anything!”. Liberating! Finally, we also absolutely loved all her own work. We keep talking about it! Thank you so much, Kate, we hope to see you again."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Hi Stephen and Lia - I'm so glad you enjoyed our 'mark making' and 'experimental techniques' sessions in the studio. It was a joy to host two such enthusiastic workshop participants. The quality and quantity of the work you both produced was very impressive, and extremely rewarding for me as "teacher" !! I hope the rest of your visit to Pembrokeshire was fun, and that you will be able to visit the Coach House again soon. Thank you for writing such a great review of your time here. Best wishes, Kate"

31 Aug 21'

Mark Jeavons reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"I met Kate while on holiday in Pembrokeshire. The amazing scenery etc enspired me but I had little confidence in using colour in my art. After seeing how well she used colour in her art I decided to do the half day colour course with Kate, playing with colour and learning how to use acrylic and mixing, tools to use etc. I loved it and am inspired to take on more colour projects. Kate it lovely and very good at guiding you down whatever route you want to take to improve your skills. Great coffee and cake too ? I'd recommend Kate to anyone at any skill level. And hope one day to return and learn/play more."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Mark! Our session was great fun, not least because we had so much to talk about. As your “guide” through the various colour experiments, your enthusiasm was very rewarding. The way you interpreted my suggestions resulted in some really original, exciting pieces. Fantastic that you’ve carried on experimenting and making new work since our afternoon in the studio. I look forward to your next visit to the Coach House."