As usual, I had a superb experience at RUS. My course with Luca Indraccolo was first class. His teaching is lucid and always on point for each student. The studio runs smoothly and is a haven for concentrated work. The models are terrific. Oh - and the coffee and biccies did wonders!

Raw Umber Studios is an absolutely amazing place and resource for anyone interested in drawing and painting along more traditional representational techniques. The classes on offer are outstanding and the tutors second to none. While these are not cheap, they still represent incredible value for money whether for a novice such as myself or a more advanced artist. Quite a few students attend repeated classes as everyone recognises the priceless quality of the training being provided, whether it be drawing, painting, portraiture or even sculpture. Furthermore, the variety of tutors who pass through the doors guarantees that anyone can find something ideally suited to their needs. The premises themselves are lovely, warm and welcoming and even include a kitchen always optimally stocked with teas, coffee and biscuits to suit all tastes. Neil, Lizet , Georgia and Varosha are invariably on hand to offer help and guidance and make sure all classes proceed faultlessly. The models are always professional and very varied allowing students to explore and refine their skills as they take on the knowledge being shared. All in all, it's hard to imagine how such a wonderful place could be made any better; even the website and its extensive archive are invaluable tools to anyone wishing to progress. And there's even a cat who occasionally wanders in to say hello!

A lovely studio with great space, resources, courses and the warmest welcome. The quality of teaching is excellent, encouraging and inspiring. Having followed their weekly online drawing sessions through Covid-19, I finally met Neil and Lizet in person in October 2022 and have attended several courses since - all excellent! And I Plan to enjoy many more next year too...hope to meet you there! Oh and P.S. RawUmberStudio has introduced us to Stroud, a lively, bohemian and interesting small town.

Beautiful studio with great lighting and resources. Attended a fantastic workshop with visiting artist Oliver Sin in his first UK workshop, well done Raw Umber! worth every penny! Highly recommend.

Very professional and well-organised course. Lydia our tutor was very encouraging and explained things clearly so everyone could progress with their drawings. Excellent value for money.

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent life drawing class at Raw Umber Studios with Lydia Cecil. The whole set up was totally professional, in a great location and with superb facilities, and models Kate and Azhm did a brilliant job holding their poses solidly over the three days. Lydia was a great tutor, keeping her advice clear and simple, and tailoring her teaching to meet individual students' needs. I have taken away some great tips and techniques that will improve my drawing, and I will certainly come back again to consolidate and advance my learning. I would wholeheartedly recommend the course to any artist, whether beginner or experienced.

I enjoyed a four day portrait painting course here. The studio is spacious, bright and airy, with all the amenities you would want . There is parking on site and access is easy. The course was very well taught, using good professional models. The people were friendly and welcoming and learning was made appropriate for several levels of learners.

I have learnt a huge amount from their on-line courses. Their gold subscription is excellent value for money as you also get access to all previous courses. In addition I also attended a 4 day oil Painting course at their new studio, with Sofia Welch, and a 2 day painting course with Anastasia Pollard, tuition was superb as was the studio. I can't rate them highly enough!

My class with Sofia Welch was outstanding. Not only was she a very easygoing and informative tutor we were all in an environment that perfectly suited small class sizes. The facilities are spotless and Neil our host was very attentive to any needs we had. All in all I would wholeheartedly recommend Raw Umber Studios for anyone looking to improve their skills.

Fantastic place to learn new skills with an amazing range of workshops and incredible teachers. They've even been hosting free online tutorials every Sunday on their YouTube channel. A much needed breath of fresh air in Stroud.