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Richard and Diana Moore don't subscribe to that common art enthusiast's excuse: “I'd love to paint and draw, but I just don't have the talent.”
To them, artistic expression is a skill that can be learned. Their motto of 'no talent required' has been a draw card for many students who lack confidence and faith in their own abilities.

The Moores believe anyone can master the basics of good drawing – all it takes is a step by step explanation of the fundamentals, taught in a clear and measured way.

After having such a successful Art holiday in Fiji last year, they were requested for another trip, but this time the students wanted a longer stay. In their Art Holiday Workshop this year, which takes place in the gorgeous tropical setting of the Hilton Moorea Resort and Spa in Tahiti (what better place to combine relaxation and art and be inspired?), they plan to use the environment as their inspiration whilst teaching step by step techniques in pen, pencil and water soluble pastels. The art holiday is restricted to 10 students to enable plenty of one on one time for each person attending.

The Moores, who have taught over 9000 adults, say they haven't had a single student who hasn't improved 100%. They point out that many art classes today can be intimidating - students are expected to draw or paint straight on to canvas or paper, using only their imagination, without any references or understanding of the basics of form and composition.

The secret of Richard and Diana's approach is starting with reality as a reference point. Their philosophy is a simple one – they believe that once a student can master realism, they can master any style. They encourage the use of photographs, where the three dimensional world has already been reduced to two dimensions and captured within the boundaries of the photographic frame. This is a technique commonly used by experienced artists and simplifies the process of translating what we see into the language of composition, perspective, line and form. Drawing from reality also builds the pathways from the left side of the brain to the right or 'artistic' side of the brain. They have found that no other styles of art create these pathways.

Inspiration for the course will be drawn from Tahiti’s luscious surroundings. As well as drawing from photos, there will be drawing from life exercises. The Moores will show students how to draw palms, flowers and trees using an easy to follow recipe. Landscapes and beach scene drawing will follow.

The Moore's teaching strategy is one of guiding and confidence building, of stretching and challenging when each individual student is ready. This interpersonal approach is critical to the success of the course, so they keep their classes small. This way, they are able to focus on each student's specific needs and challenges, helping them to make measureable improvements in each lesson.

Richard and Diana have teaching together for over sixteen years. Richard began teaching after being asked by a local school to teach a children's art class - parents and teachers were so impressed by the results, they asked him to teach lessons after school. It was an overnight success, with over 120 students, both children and adults, booking within two weeks of the first advertisement. Soon after, Diana left her job as a Bowen therapist to join Richard teaching art.

As a husband and wife team, the Moores offer complementary approaches to art teaching. Richard, who was born with a natural talent, brings more than 30 years professional art experience to share with the students and Diana, who has learned to draw from scratch, brings empathy to those just starting out.

The Moores say one of the great pleasures they get from teaching art is the number of students who come away from their first lessons surprised at what they have achieved, as well as excited about the future possibilities of their freshly discovered abilities. They say the joy students feel after completing a picture is incredible. It's fantastic for self esteem, the skills stay with them and it's something they can do anywhere and any time.

And of course, the icing on the cake of this workshop is the location. Moorea is located just off Tahiti, and is a 30 minute scenic trip from Papeete. It’s a lively community of locals, expats yachties and visitors from around the globe and is considered a hidden paradise. The award winning Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa is nestled amongst 12 acres of tropical gardens with white sand beaches and lapis luzuli waters, perfect for diving and snorkelling. Each garden bungalow has a private plunge pool, great for cooling down in the afternoon.

In this beautiful setting, the veils of mystery that surround art making will be lifted, your stick figures will be brought to life and your inner artist drawn out and nurtured under the experienced guidance of these two popular teachers.

A private day excursion around Tahiti, including visiting the Paul Gauguin Museum the day after arrival will be a highlight to the start of this exciting new Art holiday. All art materials are provided. Friends and family are welcome to join you on this art holiday as guests.

So although, no natural talent is required, there are a few requisites necessary for the Art Holiday in Tahiti, which is being held in November 2013: All you will need is enthusiasm and a desire to learn. And of course, a swimsuit..

Website: www.artschoolnz.com/ArtholidayinTahiti.html
Phone: 09 431 8383
Email: artschoolnz@xtra.co.nz