Testimonials

I really enjoyed the Constructive Drawing Workshop. It gave me a new and deeper understanding of the face through Mandy’s teaching about planes. Now I see faces in a different way. It’s going to improve my portrait drawing.

Sylvie L.

Mandy is a born teacher. I don’t know a single student who hasn’t progressed, in some cases, massively, under her patient and thought-provoking training.  Trust me, you will learn “how” to draw.

Jo-Ann T.

With Mandy’s teaching, my drawing has improved exponentially.

Terry C.

It has been a great pleasure to work on my drawing with Mandy this past year. It’s thrilling to compare my skill set from the first class I attended to the present. I have gained confidence in how I see the object I am drawing as well as the in my ability to render convincingly. Mandy is a consistent, articulate and forthright teacher. I highly recommend her classes if you are looking to slow down and truly improve your craft as a realist artist.

Liz K.

We are so lucky to have a master artist like Mandy in Vancouver, teaching in the classical, atelier tradition.  No need to travel to Europe or the States for master-level instruction.  Mandy teaches with such rigour and passion, it has taken my art to new levels of skill and creative possibilities.

Sean M.

I am truly inspired by her incredible talent and her ability to share her knowledge in such an easy-to-understand way.

Mary N.

Mandy is a born teacher. She is always, always well prepared so tuition paying students will not be disappointed.  I really appreciate her rigorous adherence to method and learning basic principles such as light and shade, value and anatomy.  She never accepts sloppy.  She demands as much as commands her students to do their best and I don’t know a single student who hasn’t progressed – in some cases massively – under her patient thoughtful training. Trust me you will learn *how* to draw.

Jo-Ann T.

A very systematic approach and supportive environment.

Teresa C.

I found the Constructive Drawing Workshop very useful, informative and applicable. It helped me understand how a human figure and head is constructed through abstraction, using three dimensional forms such as cubes and cylinders. After the workshop, I noticed that my observation skills of forms and planes at figure and portrait drawing classes have improved. 

 Open studio sessions at Mandy’s have taught me the fundamentals of classical realism drawing and beyond, helping to improve my drawing and observation skills in a way I never expected. As a teacher, Mandy is attentive and provides constructive feedback focused on advancing each students individual development.

At Mandy’s figure and portrait classes I have learned the method of classical realism drawing that is based on clear and managable steps, starting from a block-in of general shapes and finishing with a fully rendered drawing. Mandy provides detailed feedback on each students work throughout the evening. During the last 6 months of drawing at Mandy’s atelier, I have significantly improved my drawing and observation skills. Thank you, Mandy!

Ieva A.

Knowing that all your workshops give food for thought the constructive drawing workshop was no different. Though it is not the method that you teach in your studio you presented another way of looking at the human body. For me it is just another step in breaking down and understanding all the visual information in front of us. It will definitely help me understand the light and shadow detail in the human form. Thank you.

Georgina H.

A great learning experience. Mandy is a very exceptional, devoted artist and teacher with an abundance of patience for students at all different skill levels. I really like her passion and commitment to teaching.

Lorraine Y.

Great art.. great artists !!!
Mona T.

Excellent method of teaching
Tatiana C.

Knowing that all your workshops give food for thought the constructive drawing workshop was no different. Though it is not the method that you teach in your studio you presented another way of looking at the human body. For me it is just another step in breaking down and understanding all the visual information in front of us. It will definitely help me understand the light and shadow detail in the human form. Thank you.
Christina W.

Thanks Mandy, your an awesome teacher !
Bruce M.

We are so fortunate to have such a gifted maestro in Vancouver.  I have studied under Mandy for over six months now and am truly inspired by her incredible talent and her ability to share her knowledge in such a comprehensive way.  The time spent in Mandy’s atelier is time well spent. 
Mary N.

Gorgeous! Congrats to you ! Mandy is an awesome teacher !
Rosemary C.

I’ve always found the lack of educational resources in Vancouver to be frustrating, and there’s only so much a book can teach you – but with Mandy’s assistance, I’ve been able to massively improve my ability to render and understand the human figure.
Rhys E.

Mandy gave me the gift of process in my drawing.  Now when I get stuck, I take a deep breath, then follow what she taught and soon I’mconfident again.
Esmie M.

I have been studying with Mandy since December 2012 and since then I have seen a tremendous growth in my skills as an artist. I have been able to build a solid foundation of skills with the help of her classes and have gained confidence in my work. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Mandy Boursicot Studio and sincerely encourage anyone who is interested in improving their artistic skills to give it a try!
Derek D.

Having taken Mandy’s portrait drawing classes for nine months, my drawing has improved exponentially and made my first long pose, the painted portrait a big success.
Terry C.

I have studied for many years in many places, and what I have got from your classes, is a responsible , generous teaching, and encourage learning, with your teaching and example of your art. In other places I received some insights of the way I should do it, but with you, lead me step by step, and confidence I can do it, with knowledge, and practice, until is very clear.
Sandra V.

With Mandy Boursicot’s supportive guidance and positive approach in the teaching of figure drawing I have gained outstanding improvements in my drawing skills.
Kevin G.

Going to Mandy Boursicot’s constructive drawing workshop is instrumental in understanding planes and how to start and finish a good drawing. I enjoyed the slide show, the perspective explanation, and the assignments too. I am continuing with constuctive drawing with the handouts and I’m ready to draw!

Stephanie F.

As an artist I understand the importance of drawing skills. Finding a teacher with the knowledge and skill that Mandy possesses has allowed me to develop my skills to a level I truly did not understand and has left me with wanting to learn more. Thanks Mandy. 
Georgina H.

Since starting drawing with Mandy, I have really noticed improvement in being able to translate what I see to the paper. I have also developed more confidence when working on new drawings of different subjects. I hope to continue to study with Mandy so I can further develop my skills.
Catherine A.

Mandy open my eyes on how to really draw by using a humble and inexpensive pencil.  The pencil in Mandy’s hand works like a magic wand.  A few strokes here and there and the model come alive.  A very systematic approach and supportive environment for those who wish to learn from Mandy.  I couldn’t wait for the next class to start.
Teresa C.

I have been taking figure and portrait classes with Mandy now for the last couple of years, since  then I have found my skill level and understanding of theory has improved tremendously.
We are so lucky to have a master artist like Mandy in Vancouver, teaching in the classical,atelier tradition.
No need to travel to Europe or the states for master level instruction,we now have Mandy !
learning the time tested classical methods that Mandy teaches with such rigour and passion has taken my art to new levels of skill and creative possibilities.
Mandy is uncomprimising in her approach and instruction, simply put, she wants you to be the best artist you can be, by teaching you the Time tested classical method , I have found that my art is reaching new levels of skill,insight and creative possibilities,expression.
If you want to take your art to a higher level,or if like me, you never had the opportunity to receive expert,instruction from a master artist,then Mandy is your person.
Sean M.

I feel inspired to draw and do art everytime I go into Mandy Boursicot’s studio. Especially going to the Bargue workshop where I was met with a well prepared lesson, books and talk about the Bargue program. This experience has given me the drive to continue the Bargue program in Mandy’s open studio and on my own also!

Stephanie F.

Your class was full of learning for me yesterday, and I just wanted to say thank you, that I really enjoyed your way of teaching, and demonstrating the techniques for me.  I learned there is always room for advancement, no matter what I thought my level might have been, and was really excited to see the possibilities of where I might someday be able to take my drawing, and hopefully painting. I will definitely return !  Thanks again !
James P.

I had the privilege of taking a weekend workshop with Mandy in November.  As a total beginner, I found the instruction both extraordinary in depth and intuitiveness while being challenging on every level.  I was looking for an instructor who had the courage to point out the issues with my work, explain how to correct the problems, while at the same time instilling a desire in me to move forward.   She did all that and so much more.  Mandy’s honest, constructive criticism empowers every student to achieve their potential in a supportive environment.   I was so impressed that I continue to take classes at her Atelier.  Mandy will inspire you, too.  Just do it!  You will never look back.

Marilyn B.