This course is aimed at people with little or no prior knowledge. Its focus on London galleries is a pleasure but can mean that there are dimensions to an artist's work or to a period in painting that don't emerge.

This was the first time that I had ventured into a course of this kind and did so with some trepidation. However the course met fully my expectations and in several sessions greatly exceeded them. The tutor is outstanding and makes the information accessible not only by her extensive knowledge and obvious love of her subject but by her delivery . She sets the historical contaxt for each of the sessions and this is backed up by encouraging lively debate and exchange of ideas with the students. There are excellent handouts which accompany each session which remove the need to take notes. I recommend it to anyone and have already booked a further course.

An inspiring, informative and thoroughly enjoyable course. The tutor is skilled in making every student feel included, whatever their level of knowledge. Lots of information is given in an interesting, enjoyable way; backed up with weekly notes. I shall definitely sign up for the follow-up course.

This was an excellent course. In the first session, we discussed the different ways in which we can look at paintings - composition, use of colour, degree of movement, etc - and in subsequent weeks used those methods to look at particular paintings. The tutor was very good; she knew a lot about not only the painting but the historical context, she encouraged everyone to contribute to the discussion, and she gave us very full notes at the end of each session so that we didn't have to spend time making our own notes. The only slight reservation I have is something another reviewer has mentioned - I particularly like Vermeer's paintings, but found that the analytical approach rather missed the point of them and the reason they are so popular - that air of stillness and of a moment of ordinary life observed.

An excellent introductory tour delivered by an engaging and engaged lecturer.

There was an ideal balance between focusing on a specific painting each week and providing rich historical, cultural and artistic background to help us put the work in context.

Handouts and slides were thorough and well-prepared and discussion was expertly encouraged. Being able to view the paintings in situ in London galleries before and/or after each session was an added bonus.

Highly recommended.

The background research for each painter was excellent. Some of the class comments led to alien conclusions, but on, for example, Poussin, really helpful. My only exception is Vermeer. I felt the quality of Vermeer was never fully explored, perhaps due to class comments leading the discussion astray, never mentioning the focus of a Vermeer. In all other parts, 9/10 excellent.

The lecturer engages really well with the group and encourages discussion and opinion at all stages. She is very well informed with great background knowledge and makes everything fun. She is an excellent communicator, using well chosen slides and interesting visits to galleries.

An excellent course that is teaching me a huge amount about art history and how to look at paintings as well as being hugely enjoyable.

A stimulating, informative and enjoyable course.

No prior knowledge is needed.

Fascinating discussion of the works projected onto a screen. The tutor encourages the students to participate which is most enjoyable.

My first art history course and it has taught me a great deal.