Testimonials
Once again a wonderful few days art at Whalley Abbey. Looking forward to next year already. - Wendy Richmond Nov 2018
Thank you so much for my beautiful painting of Venice. I am building quite a little collection of your fine art now. - Nicola Caley Nov 2018
What a talent you have!
Carol Marlow. Managing Director of P & O Cruises. 04.05.2011
James is a reliable and enthusiastic tutor who has always received good feedback from students. He is able to teach a wide range of artistic styles and techniques and has worked with people who are complete beginners as well as students who have had experience of painting and drawing. He uses a wide range of teaching materials and styles and always has very professional examples of his own work to inspire students............Sally Gildert, Curriculum Leader Visual and Performing Arts, Lancashire Adult Learning. 27.08.2010
The people of Ngoro Karabakh were truly moved by your depiction of the salvation of their cathedral....
Baroness Cox...1997
On behalf of The South Cantly Art Club I would like to thank yourself and your team for the painting course held at Alston Hall. It was everything that we had hoped for and we were grateful for your patience and understanding. We were also very impressed with the composite painting you did for us at such short notice on the final morning. Dorothy Cook. May 2004.
Some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the globe have been committed to canvas by Southport Artist James Gray.....Jamie McLoughlin. Southport Visiter. 10.03.2006
I wish to express my sincere thanks for teaching me to enjoy painting in watercolours. I was always interested in painting but never considered it possible to be able to learn. However with your wonderful ability to teach and encourage people to develop their own ability and confidence, I have especially enjoyed the experience of painting. We as a group have been very fortunate to have you as our teacher on this P & O cruise..........Siu Ying Lindsay (Helen) 26.04.2012
You have an awesome talent.......Wendy Eckhart 05.10.2007
Your paintings are able to depict our desert scenery with amazing realism........Managing Director Sheraton Hotel, Luxor. 06.05.2008.
I will always treasure your painting of the priest sat in the garden of Mount Beatitudes......Lady Pilkington....06.1995
Jim is encouraging and gives his students confidence and sets challenges which you feel it is possible to achieve. He is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. He is enthusiastic, reliable and loyal......Grace Main, student. 27.08.2012
I cannot thank both Claire and Jim enough for making my holiday so enjoyable, you are both such genius people. Jim is an amazing teacher, I loved what he pulled out of all of us without feeling anything but joy. His catch phrase, "Oh that's easy" when he was asked something, is going to stay with me because I realised it made myself and others feel that I was able to do something which I thought was beyond me. I know that Jim is going to be in demand more and more. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills with me. I have enjoyed every minute of your art classes. The time I shared with you both made my trip on Azura special and memorable.......Cossie Findlay....P & O student 08.11.2011
Very many thanks for making our holiday on Arcadia so enjoyable and for inspiring us to paint. We hope to see you on Arcadia next year if not before......
Micheal and Frances Honor. P & O Criuse 16.08.2012
Please accept our thank you for the fantastic art classes on Arcadia earlier this month. We thouroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was beyond doubt the highlight of our cruise. Thank you for the encouraging words even when it looked like a cat had thrown up on our masterpieces! It has been a long long time since we put a brush to paper but our experience on Arcadia has given us both the confidence to keep going. I only wish we lived a bit closer to Southport then we could take advantage of further tuition. We will look out for you on future cruises.....Jane and Edward Hill. P & O Cruise 29.04.2011
Many thanks once again for your art classes on board Oceana. They were one of the major "on board" plusses, you have really made me courageous enough to carry on. I hope our paths cross again one day.......Chris Carter...P & O Cruise 26.08.2011
I didn't get the chance before we left to thank you for the water colour classes on board Arcadia. I had never painted before and I joined your class not really sure whether I would take to it. Pleased to tell you that we are both hooked and intend to carry on learning the basic skills. In fact since we have been back home, we have kept on painting. Best wishes to both of you. Andrew Banyard P & O Cruise 15.04.2011
Thank you for your help and kindness on the cruise, I enjoyed Jim's classes and it was a pleasure meeting you both........David Barlow P & O Cruise 25.11.2012
James Gray, under the title of ART@JAG4U, has become famous through his art and especially his teaching, over the period that I have known him. He is undoubtedly one of the greats in this field. Lord Fearn of Southport, House of Lords, London Dec 2012
Thank you very much for your continued support during 2012. Your dedication, hard work and professionalism has made this year very special for our passengers. Carol Marlow, Managing Director. P & O Cruises. Dec 2012.
Thankyou Jim for the great art classes over Christmas and New Year. Christine and myself thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and 23 nights went in a flash. Hope to see you again soon. All the best to Claire and yourself for 2013. Christine and Graham Weston P & O Cruise January 2013.
James is an all round talented artist and general nice guy. He has encouraged me and taught me so much. Pamela Williamson February 2013.
Thank you so much for such a fantastic set of lessons. It has inspired me!! Lynn Lovell April 2013 Aurora.
Thank you for the enthusiasm and encouragement you gave both of us. You inspired Linda and myself so much that we bought more art materials when we got home. Barry and Linda Kettley Aurora. April 2013.
Thank you so much for the tuition you gave me on Aurora. I have enclosed the first pic I have done since.....still practicing!! Robert Howard. Aurora. April 2013.
Thank you for your art instruction booklet, it is very clear and well presented and I can slip it into my back of painting equipment. I so much enjoyed your art class, it was gratifying to sit amongst a group of people serenly concentrating on their work under your experienced guidance. I am encouraged to continue painting. Jennifer Scarce. Aurora May 2013.
Thank you so much for your art instruction book, it has become invaluable and I take it everywhere I travel now. it is so informative, yet easy to follow. Eunice Izzard June 2013.
I am so very pleased with the painting of Quebec that I bought from you, I am building up my own small gallery of your work!! You are such a versatile and talented artist and I never cease to be impressed with your work. Sheila Price. June 2013.
Thank you so much Jim for your patience in teaching me. I have enjoyed your classes so much and found them to be very theraputic. Claire and yourself make a great team. Natalie Dodd. Feb 2014.
I am really pleased with my family tree painting, it is excellent. I think it is a brilliant depiction, you have captured the scene very well. Thanks so much for rising to the challenge. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to others. John Speake April 2014.
Very enjoyable art classes, where we have a great time. They are very pleasant, with a good atmosphere. Jim is very constructive in his teaching, but never critical. He always encourages his students. We have been part of Jim's group for 10 years and still enjoy the fun and laughter. New comers are always made welcome. Vanessa Firth, Maureen Incledon and Wendy Bailey. May 2014
James made my cruise with his excellent art teaching.He really went out of his way to help people. We have no art where we live so it was so valuable. Thank you Diane P. Moore/David Dingle CBE (CEO Carnival UK) Arcadia May 2014
Thank you for the painting that you sent me and for the art classes on board. Even as a non painter, Ron was impressed with your teaching and your ability. We are both looking at clouds, trees and waves differently!! Thanks also for your patience, we hope we can catch up again one day. Margaret Bullen. Arcadia July 2014
Thank you so much for such enjoyable lessons. Penny Grannon. Arcadia July 2014.
You have been such an inspiration ....thank you so much for your encouragement. What a team you both make!!! James Blundell Aug 2015
What a fun few days we have just spent with you both...we loved every minute, the Art, the company and the venue. it leaves us with many happy memories. I find myself looking at clouds, trees and buildings in more depth now. Thank you both for making the holiday so memorable. What a wonderful atmospheric place. Diane McKenzie (and Meg) Whalley abbey Oct 2015
I wanted to say a big thankyou to you both for once again a brilliant holiday at Whalley Abbey. Could you please pass on my regards to the staff (especially reception) but everyone who works there. looking forward to next time. Best wishes Elaine June 2016
Jim is very professional and explains and teaches in detail, which makes it easy for both beginners and experienced painters.
Basically we love our art lessons!!. Jean Gittins Oct 2016
Yet again a huge thankyou to you both for making our art classes so much fun. I have even managed to paint some passable landscapes with a little help and much encouragement!!! Barbara Shields Oct 2016
The painting you did for me is amazing. My wife was breathless, as was I. Its so special. Dr. Enrique Madrigal. Costa Rica June 2017
