Press Cuttings

What the Times Educational Supplement has to say

Art of Persuasion

Who knows traditional watercolour techniques? For those who are feeling rusty, peripatetic art teacher Hugh Templeton claims he can get anyone to produce a painting to be proud of in three hours. The remarkable thing is, he generally can.

The trick is in what he calls "a bit of persuasion, a bit of magic, a bit of hypnotism". It resembles the approach of maverick language teacher Michel Thomas, who tells his pupils that if they don't lean a language in three days it will be his fault and not theirs. Hugh Templeton says: "I can teach anybody. It's about gaining a child's trust." He has taught in schools within a 50-mile radius of his base in Heywood, Lancashire.

Ian Clarke, head of Warren Wood Primary in Stockport, says: "Hugh Templeton has done workshops with all but reception at our school, and he certainly enthused the children. He got very good results with large groups: they did simple perspectives, landscapes and still lifes He says that all he's bothered about is getting the children to enjoy being creative - but he does it in a very methodical way"

The method is in two parts: the first is getting students to "switch off the left side of the brain" (the analytical side). Next come basic technical skills: pupils are taught to mix colours, put washes on paper, select brushes. All the while, they are reminded that proper preparation and observation are essential.

"As a teacher he's well organised, has a pleasant disposition, an air of authority without being bombastic, says Ian Clarke. "He has worked with all ages from Year 1 to Year 6, and he did a twilight session for our teachers. He talked us through still-lifes, flowers, and basic landscape, and some of the teachers went off and bought materials afterwards."

Year 1 began with a still-life before break and did landscape after, making lovely pictures "worthy of framing and putting on the wall". Hugh has successfully worked with special needs groups including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, too.

Times Educational Supplement, September 17th 2004

What the Rochdale Observer has to say

Hugh adds Colour to Pupils' Lives

YOUNGSTERS at St Mary's CE Primary School, High Crompton, have been working with watercolour artist Hugh Templeton, producing some high quality paintings featuring autumn, winter or Christmas scenes.

Year 4 teacher Steven Day, who organised the visit, said: "Hugh Templeton is exceptionally good with the children and adults alike - even teachers have had a go at what initially seemed impossible.

"It just goes to show that with a little patience everyone can achieve.

"I was asked to enhance children's learning in one area of the curriculum and as art tends to be tricky for many adults and children, having an expert in school for a couple of days seemed to be a great solution.

"The children have had a fantastic time and learnt some fundamentals about watercolour painting in the process."

BRUSHING up their skills ... St Mary's pupils Lucy Proctor, Katie Lees, Sarah Berry, and Olivia Martin with artist Hugh Templeton.

Rochdale Observer, December 17th 2005