A wonderful group of participants joined me in January 2025 for the inaugural launch of Dreams to Drawing, and wow, did we have some great results and much fun and camaraderie along the way!

​Here are a few of the lovely testimonials from the members:​

“While I am still wrapping up the leopard I thought I’d drop you a line and thank you for re-igniting my interest in graphite with a fresh perspective and eagerness to do more!

I started out as a graphite artist (oh so long ago) but lost my passion for it as it never seemed to have the quality that exudes from your gorgeous pieces and always wondered “how does she do that”

Your class gave me the answer from which I took the following gems:

Never underestimate the use of two simple pencils!! I have all the graphite pencils I can muster but this simple two pencil concept opened my eyes to the beauty these two little pencils could create.
I love the simplicity❤️

I am very impressed with the Staedtler pencils in combination with the Arches paper; they do indeed work exceptionally well together.

I certainly appreciated the guidance along the way and looking at my subject in more depth.
The exercises with the value bar and sphere provided very beneficial insight to shape and form, and I constantly conjure them up in my head as I draw the rounded ‘edges’, being very aware of not creating hard edges that really spoil the whole thing.

Thinking in values versus details is a game changer and has also transferred into my colour pencil work.

I think the hardest part to learn was to let go of the details for last and focusing on the values which, of course, bring the image to life anyway. I am a stubborn individual and have sometimes avoided classes because I thought ‘ I can do that without classes’

No not really! I am so glad I participated and I thank you again. ”

~Kat

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“Thank you so much Kate for an excellent, inspiring course which has put my mind into drawing again. I love watching and absorbing your videos. Thank you to everyone in this group for your encouragement and support.”

~Jenni

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“Wow what an incredible experience. My first full graphite piece. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved. Yes there is absolutely room for improvement and feedback on how I could improve is most welcome.

Thank you Kate Jenvey for this amazing course and to all the participants for your help and encouragement.”

~Sandra

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“As always, thank you so much for your infinite patience and expertise!

I see other artists advertise their graphite, or even cp courses but I think, nup, Kate’s knowledge and method is the one for me! I did manage to go thru all 4 modules, just not actually get the drawing completed. But, this one, I will…….i promise

I have loved seeing everyone’s work and the progress you’ve all made, and look forward to seeing more work!

Let’s get CREATIVE”

~Adrienne

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“Thank you Kate, for developing this lovely course and all your support and expertise! And for answering all my questions along the way. This short workshop was just the thing to kickstart my drawing again and has reignited my love of graphite pencils. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot along the way. I especially enjoyed the weekly drawing challenges and getting to share those and tips with the other artists in the Facebook Group and during the Live Chats. Your work is absolutely beautiful and is an inspiration for those of us who want to become graphite artists.”

~ Debbie

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“Thanks again for running the course. It was a good group and great to be a part of. You have done a wonderful job of putting together all the lessons and tutorials that you have. Certainly the things that I realised over the last few weeks even though I knew already!!
….

Have to laugh - old habits die hard!!

How I love doing art – so relaxing (when not frustrated!)

Walk away more – take breaks and assess when you come back – even just stand up!!

Make sure you have a very good reference photo before starting – able to enlarge for detail – it stops you getting frustrated and walking away for the wrong reasons!!

Pencil pressure – I hate pressure!
Be braver with darks!

Sharpen your pencil more often!!!! Have two pencils of each grade – one blunt/one sharp and use both!

Use the kneadable eraser to lift graphite for highlights – touching not dragging

Thanks again Kate”

~Annette

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“Thank you for your positive comments Kate. I have enjoyed working through this process for drawing with graphite.

I am still persevering with watercolour but the drawing is so important to get right.”

~Phillipa