I'm a trained graphic designer with many years of artistic practice under my belt, but I've loved working through these low-stress, simple exercises to polish up my skills as well as play and experiment to my heart's desire.

It's a sign of a great teacher to design a class that can appeal to people of all different skill ranges.

This is a class I'll want to do over and over again to continue playing with these prompts. Thank you!

- Maro B

This class was so much fun to watch and also offered very unique project ideas.

I'm rather obsessed with mindful drawing ( it's my form of meditation too) but never thought to use it in this way. I can't wait to try these techniques out! Mel Rye is an excellent instructor.

Thanks so much for offering something truly fresh that will appeal to creators at many different levels.

- Jan C

I was always afraid to draw, to hold a pencil and all my attempts seemed ridiculous and childish.

For the first time in my life I have fun drawing. I enjoyed the whole process from warm up to the finishing part.

Mel provides valuable advice and guides us through to completion of the project.

Thank you very much dear teacher! I recommend this course to all those who think they will never be able to draw. I was one of them until I discovered Mel Rye

- Zora J

This was a wonderful class which I'd recommend for any level because you can make your mandala drawings a simple or complicated as you like.

This was my first attempt at drawing botanical mandalas and I found the instructions and examples clear and inspiring.

I love the idea of creating your own doodle library for inspiration and the mindfulness tips as you go along are also very good.

I've just completed my first botanical mandala and can't wait to try more.

- Anne M

Mel’s class on collage-making offers a wonderfully relaxing and low-pressure approach art making experience . I feel it encourages mindfulness and joy in the process, rather than focusing being too precise.

The composition references and sketching guides provided in the PDF are very helpful - I’m really eager to start my project now.

Highly recommended.

- Ohn Mar W

Before the course, I felt overwhelmed. I had the energy and ideas but everything was scattered. Now I feel more grounded and focused. I still have lots of ideas but I know how to organise them, get started and persist. Before the course, my mindset monsters loomed large. It’s put them on mute when they had been so loud.

The course helped me move past negative self-talk and reminded me why I create in the first place.

I believe the course set me up to be a position where my art can boost my self-esteem and self-efficacy. Thank you so much for putting it all together.

- Victoria B

The years of experience shines through in Mel's latest class. Her explanation and organisation of lessons is on point.

Even for somebody like me who took the traditional art school route it was very enlightening and great to revisit the fundamentals.

Mel substantial knowledge is an absolute asset and I encourage everybody to revisit core observation skills using these methods.

- Ohn M

Mel is a wonderful teacher! I really enjoyed this class and looked forward to each new lesson.

It is laid out so well, providing structure while at the same time allowing freedom to adapt to your own style and preferences.

There are so many helpful drawing tips and ideas that I know I’ll be returning to in the future as I plan to keep filling up my sketchbook. The possibilities are endless!

Thanks to Mel for sharing her talent and expertise as both artist and teacher!

- Lisa K

This class was a lot of fun and I found myself looking forward to trying out each new exercise that Mel introduced.

I tend to get overly focused on detail and accuracy in drawing. While I do very much enjoy drawing that way, I find that I am often unable to do anything else even when I want to. I may start a drawing with the intention of being quicker, looser, or less representational, but I very quickly get sucked into my old habits.

This class was a very approachable, very fun way to break out of a rut. It gave me some surprising and very helpful new insights about how I might approach drawings differently. Thank you Mel!

- Jennifer C

This is a great way of getting into folk art, very well taught and a very accessible course, also giving ideas and inspiration for next steps.

The resources are very comprehensive and professional.

Mel gives a brief overview of the history of folk art and talks about colours and tones.

I liked this course and teacher so much I went on to do another of her courses, thank you

- S M

This was a fantastic class!

Mel is a really engaging and clear teacher - she takes us through the technical as well as the creative steps to making animated GIFs in a straightforward and easy to follow manner, even though I was a bit daunted at first - I need not have been.

Mel made what could have been quite complex very accessible.

I got SO MUCH out of this class, and highly recommend it.

- Shelley S