David Cheifetz - Page - Workshop Testimonials

"I just finished a David Cheifetz workshop, and all I can say is WOW! David has a very unassuming way of teaching, that coaxes you to think about how best to apply his techniques to your work. I knew I would enjoy his tutelage, but I am blown away, trying to process all that I learned in just three days painting with him. I highly recommend Mr. Cheifetz's workshops for the beginner or advanced artist. It is so rare to find an instructor who shares their talents in a way that is easy to understand and apply in your own work."
-Debra Keirce

"What a great workshop! If you EVER get a chance to work with this master ... DO IT!!! An amazing artist, an amazing teacher. Zero ego, just pure perfection! He can even handle strange humor like mine!"

"David's workshop on still life composition was excellent, and left me with many new ideas and techniques to incorporate into my own work. One particularly productive aspect of the workshop was being able to watch him take both demos to a complete finish while clearly explaining his painting decisions and thought processes. He is a superb, perceptive and patient instructor, able to intuit the best approach for each student. His suggestions were invariably helpful, and he is adept at offering solutions and "next steps" tailored to each painter's needs, as well as gently introducing new and more effective approaches. It was an honor to study with him, and I will greatly look forward to doing so again."

"If as an artist you expect a lot from a painters workshop experience and desire to grow and take your paintings to the next level, I highly recommend David Cheifetz as an excellent and inspirational instructor. While it is evident that he is an accomplished and talented artist, and his paintings are obviously exceptional, he is also generously willing and expertly able to share his knowledge and skill with his students. Whether it's during individual one-on-one instruction, or while watching him paint a well executed, masterful step-by-step demonstration of his unique and strategic painting style, David is an excellent teacher. No matter your level of expertise, David has something special for the most adept artist, as well as for the serious student with less experience who wants to learn from the best. During his three day workshop in Northern Virginia a group of committed artists learned many important and useful applications and techniques from him. His is a serious learning environment, yet relaxed, warm and friendly atmosphere. I very much look forward to putting all of what was imparted to me into my own work, and I can hardly wait for the next workshop experience with him!"

"As a professional portrait painter I make a point of taking regular workshops and classes to help stretch & refine my technique. I have been lucky enough to take some amazing classes with painting luminaries such as Robert Liberace, Dan Thompson & Daniel Sprick. I am usually happy if I take one or two new ideas away from a workshop. The recent workshop I took with David Cheifetz however was a total "game changer" for me. I am still reeling from the amount of information I absorbed over the course of 3 days with him. Many of the approaches he presented were new to me and deeply thought provoking. If you want to learn how to paint thickly & with intent, Cheifetz is the instructor for you".

"David’s workshop was one of the best I’ve ever taken. I called it a level 300 course for advanced painters. I learned so much! I would say the main focus of the workshop, was well, “focus” -- how to make your painting have a main subject. I know this sounds obvious and I preach it all the time, but David took it to a whole new level, by dulling out colors on all other objects, losing edges through value and softening edges. The result was superb. Part of achieving this “focus” was to stay true to David’s color palette. What a valuable experience. I actually used black and now wondered how I lived so long without it. Dulling out colors achieved harmony throughout the painting and allowed the main subject to pop through saturated, out of the tube, color."
"Honestly, I never expect teachers to reveal so many secrets, but David did. He did not hold back. Things just clicked in his class. A lot of theories many of us have heard over the years came to life for the first time in this workshop. He changed the whole look of my painting—one I’m thoroughly pleased with and plan to incorporate in future paintings."
"For anyone planning to take David’s workshop or class, it is totally worth it and will change your painting forever!"

"I'm very impressed with David's workshops. He has taught two workshops at Agile Arts Atelier and did such an outstanding job both times that students have asked him to continue coming back. He knows how to help learners at any skill level. Beginning artists as well as advanced professional painters each learned something new and improved their work. His approach is organized and fun with a handout that reinforces the ideas he teaches. David is welcome back here anytime."

-Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

"I had been wanting to try my hand at oil painting for years but was always very intimidated (for fear of failure). I came across the opportunity to take one of David’s classes and decided to go for it. It was completely illuminating. David is a superior talent and is willing to share his knowledge and expertise liberally. I cannot say enough about his credentials as a teacher and an artist."

I received the formal art training I needed at David's atelier in Palo Alto and would go back, except the January/February 2014 class was full. His website shows works in a neo classical style that is expert level that I wanted to emulate. I wanted to sharpen technical skills and set out to study with him for several months. After a several weeks I began to produce work that was well drafted and composed, showed a better understanding of the 5 value system. I was encouraged to think of the still life set up and ask, what was my intention? Low key, high key, what color drape and so forth. Skill building was happening. We also did paint alongs, where several of us would paint with David following his process. I enjoyed my experience in David's atelier. He is very hands on, gentle and challenging.He is a successful working artist, garnering many top awards, and this speaks to his qualifications and talent. Working with David was critical to my commitment to skill building an influenced my decision to go to art school full time. I am grateful for the encouragement I received as it opened up a new world.