Recently retired, I decided to take up watercolour painting at the age of 58. I bought “how to” books but somehow couldn’t learn painting from a book. Then I surfed onto Jim and Eileen’s website. When I read about their workshops, replete with lunch and a glass of wine to celebrate the day’s creations, I felt encouraged.

I’ve heard that it’s not talent but persistence that ensures success in any endeavour. It also helps to have a great teacher. That’s what Jim Pay is; a gifted artist and patient supportive teacher. Jim told me “becoming an artist will enhance your life and change the way you view the world”. After only a few lessons, I understood what he meant. Where once I might have seen a “green tree”, I began to see light and shadows and varying shades and gradations of colour.

Jim taught me the importance of understanding basic design principles. He taught me the difference between opaque and translucent colours and how to mix any colour from the three primary colours. He taught me how to manipulate paint with the right amount of water before putting it on paper.

I miss Jim and Eileen and their wonderful workshops as they’ve recently moved from Ontario to Bedford, Nova Scotia. However, I am very greatful for the time I spent with them and for getting me off to a good start with watercolours.

Maureen Doherty, R.N. BScN.
Toronto, Ontario

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Susan paints in oil and even although I painted in watercolour when she came to our home in Stoney Creek, she painted in oil. She took many lessons from 2004 to 2007 and related the instruction to her oil artwork.

I met Jim Pay a few years ago when he first moved into the Stoney Creek, Ontario area.  He is a kind and generous person that has a fantastic knowledge of art.  The gradation of colour as well as the use of lights and darks comes through clearly in his own painting and through his teachings.

Susan Bartolacci
Stoney Creek, Ontario

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We received the following “Thank You” from Erma Walker of the Artist’s Circle near Middleton, Nova Scotia, where we conducted a 1-day acrylic workshop.

Have heard good reports from the acrylic workshop attendants and most of us have learned something new. Thank you both again for making the trip. Hope you enjoyed “The Valley”. Many thanks, sincerely, Erma.

Erma Walker
Kentville, Nova Scotia

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I am a self-taught painter and belonged to a small art group in Scotland the leader of which invited James to do a 1-day workshop. What a blessing that was. I like James's easy style and enjoyed many more of his workshops throughout Scotland. James was always on hand to guide us and to give one-to-one help when ever we needed it. He taught us the value of light and dark, the value of the different types of pigments and the fact that one didn't have to have every colour of paint that was made but only needed five basic colours on your pallet and. He also taught many other aspects of painting, throughout all his workshops. He gave every one confidence and proved that EVERYONE could paint. My only complaint was that he left Scotland to return to his home land, but our loss is your gain. Thank you James for not only your artist skills you so freely gave but also your friendship. The best of luck in all you do.

Ray Field
Scotland