JÁZMIN

The reason why I love to come here is that drawing here is different than in school. Here I have enough time for making a picture, can draw whatever I want to and the assistance is much better. And the tea tastes good, too.

ESZTER

I started to come here as a child. In the beginning I drew animals, buildings, whatever I felt like, and with it I slowly acquired the different techniques, the knowledge of drawing. So when I started to take this seriously, I realized with my great pleasure that by that time I have already learnt the basics of drawing and have strong imagery.

KUNA ZSUZSA

Towards the end of 2007 I started to work for a new workplace. I did not want this change; life organized it in this way. By that time it had been in my mind for a while that I’d love to paint as a hobby, but I did not know when and where. At the beginning of 2008, these questions were not questions anymore. I had had to do something if I wanted to survive my then awkward position. I was lucky because I struck upon Zsófi. I could recall our first conversation on the phone: “In the studio we are very informal, so please call me Zsófi.” I loved her attitude immediately. When I first visited the studio I was very anxious and excited, since I knew that I was not able to draw at all. “You do not need to,” said Zsófi, “Even I can’t draw a dog by heart.” Well, on the very first day I drew like a child to whom a pencil was given. Something dawned on me about perspectives from the primary school, but it was vague. “Never mind, you’ll get it.” The second and third time she talked to me endlessly but the next time she made me an offer: “From now on, you do whatever and however you wish. You will find plenty of materials on the site; choose the ones that you wish. If you like it, try and create a picture. If you are not so happy with the material, choose another, look around.” I did not have a clue what to draw. And then we worked it out together; let’s start with a landscape. It was followed by another. Or I chose a different subject. I proceeded as I wanted. Every now and then Zsófi looked at my picture, gave credit for things that I have done well and kept me on the road if I did not find my way. But I did what I wished. There was no compulsory drawing lesson, any object drawing, nothing like this. I had a real sense of achievement when the first patch that I painted accidently looked like a hill. Or at another time when the first dark daub functioned as a cast shadow. All were happiness, great discoveries, recreation. I did not have to remember my struggling working position, my genuine reason of going there. I have already sensed how I was revitalised doing painting and drawing, and how differently I could look at the world. They say that a new language helps you to see the world anew. This language was to see objects as a model of drawing. And this really opened a new world for me. I drew and painted a great number of pictures and as a result I learnt drawing, did not draw any more like a child. And all the way there was not a single lesson as a must. And this is not the end.

RÁKÓCZI ANDRÁS

I have been drawing for a long time but I never entered a drawing school. When I heard about this school, I thought I would give it a chance. The result was that I more and more enjoyed being creative. It also has an effect on my private life as I have stepped off the “white sheet.” It’s a special joy that I can use my creativity without any restrictions. Here I didn’t just learn more about drawings but learnt a lot about myself.

SOLTÉSZ MARIANN

This is full recreation, physical spiritual refreshment, a “brain-cleansing”. It is entertainment, learning, self-development, “loosening up.” There is a pleasant, happy atmosphere and calm, inspiring environment. Good music during work. Friendly chats whilst drinking teas. Sincere critiques are told about my and others’ works. With its full tranquillity we can leave behind our daily problems. Being here develops a three dimension perception, the sense of colours and beauty. It educates us for harmony, self-evaluation and perseverance. It gives self-confidence. There are no set hours, the timetable is flexible.

KOVÁCS ANDI

It was more than eight years ago when I first visited the studio, where different techniques, materials and tools can be experienced without any pre-training. Any kind of drawing or paint can be made with expert support, in good company and an agreeable atmosphere. During this creative recreation we can obtain new perspectives, new inspirations. This is a place where I always look forward coming back, where hours past unnoticeably fast. It is peculiar to see that step by step an empty canvas or paper transforms and in the end it forms a picture. To play with colours, lights and shades can never be boring.

VARGA SÁNDOR

I have not drawn since I was a child and this challenge made me curious, so I came to the drawing school with the intention to visit it no more than a few times. Then the days grew into months, in fact, years. Drawing became my favourite activity; it means recreation, entertainment and self-revelation at the same time. What grabs me most in the drawing school are the people who I meet here and the interesting conversations we make whilst we draw.

SCHWEITZER NÓRA

I like being here, because I can do what I wish to in a professional environment and in a supportive atmosphere.

KÓNYA ENIKŐ

I like to come here, because painting gives me pleasure, meditation and because I love it.

MOLNÁR LILLA

I just partly paint because it is good or it is recreation. I also paint because when I make a picture I can meet myself in a ‘different’ way. The birth of a painting – beside the picture – is very intense about me as well. By the end of an image I’m not the same as when I started.

RÁTONYI KATALIN

I like to come here, because there are no rigid barriers and all our thoughts and feelings can freely fly whilst we compose. And, of course, we always get help if needed. When we look at our earlier pictures, we can often see with an astonishing surprise how vastly we have improved.

BARNA VIKI

I like being here because there are no rules; I paint and draw whatever I want.

DÓRA

Painting is a therapy for me. I paint out the whole week’s tension. It is a wonderful completion of my week.