About Elizabeth
A Classical Training
Elizabeth trained for five years in Florence in the studio of Nerina Simi, gaining a deep and comprehensive grounding in classical oil painting.
Signorina Simi taught generations of pupils over more than sixty years. She herself had studied under her father, who had been taught by Gérôme, a pupil of Ingres. It is a teaching lineage that stretches in an unbroken line from the Paris ateliers of the nineteenth century, through Florence, and now to Dorset.
How Elizabeth Teaches
Elizabeth passes on the essentials of that tradition: how to see composition clearly, perceive tonal variation, and understand the use of colour in oil painting.
Her approach is hands-on, calm, and closely attentive. She works alongside each student at their easel, showing rather than telling, and building confidence by stages. The emphasis throughout is on observation — learning to look carefully and to trust what you see.
Courses are limited to six guests so that every student receives close, individual tuition throughout the week.
Her paintings
View Elizabeth's paintings on her website: https://www.elizabethparsons.com/
Parsons is Elizabeth’s maiden name.