It is just me, or is there a lack of really inspirational teaching out there? I watched the SAA painting programmes on TV (called Splash of Paint or something) and it all appeared to be very dull and predictable stuff to me and, dare I say it, I felt that some of the artists on there shouldn't be presenting their work on the programme or teaching. I have spent ages looking for some really decent art courses/workshops, etc in my area and are there any - not that I have found. Oh - there are plenty of courses and workshops, but what I am looking for is one with a tutor who thinks outside the box, is inspirational and inventive. I know I was a bit spoiled by the Charles Reid course and I accept that not every course or tutor can be of that calibre. I just want a course or workshop that will give me ideas and move me on a bit. Even the local art college doesn't seem to offer any more hope in that direction. Perhaps I ask too much and those who generally choose tuition in any form prefer the conventional, with not too many challenges - who knows? I really want to do a few pen and wash workshops, but I don't want the ones with tutors who just interpret literally what it is front of them. I want one with a bit of flair and something that knocks my socks off. I don't necessarily want to go on courses per se, but I just thought if I had a workshop to go to every so often, it would take me away from all the chores and responsibilities I seem to get bogged down with on a daily basis and I could shut myself away for a few hours and immerse myself in my art. I hear you say that I could do this at home, but that is great in theory but not in practice I'm afraid. I need to be out of reach, incommunicado and not contactable. I feel quite frustrated about this. I have searched the internet, found some courses, looked at the tutor's work and then moved on swiftly. I know that I am looking for a certain style I suppose but I am prepared to be open to new ways of working just as long as I find them exciting and interesting. That's where it is all going wrong. Any ideas?