James Mouland Ebru Studio

An amazing day with James in his studio at the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth. I had visited his studio with a friend a year ago, a wet miserable day in November. James took the time to give us a short demonstration of his paper marbling skills (Ebru) and I was hooked. My husband bought me a voucher at Xmas to work with James for 4/5 hours. It is possible to have a voucher for less time and children are, I believe, welcome. Due to the dreaded Covid-19 I wasn't able to see James again until late September but what a day. Relaxing but challenging, focused but fun, would recommend to everyone, all ages and no artistic ability required. James studied hard and knows his stuff but a more easy going, generous guy you couldn't wish to meet. Book some time with him, it's fun !!

Took the family to an open studios weekend a few months ago. James was very welcoming, patient and informative, and all of us (kids, teens and adults) enjoyed learning about his technique and having a go. Deceptively simple - as beginners we could quickly produce something we were fairly pleased with and wanted to take away, while we still left in awe of the skill James demonstrates in his work. Wish I could have made it over to Portsmouth before Christmas for some tree decorations - they looked awesome. Next year...

We visited James' studio in April and were immediately impressed, James was friendly and clearly passionate about his art, he explained the background of Ebru and demonstrated howcto make amazing pieces. My 10 year old loved making her own piece and wants to go back again. We should all be supporting local artists and small independent business.

I went to this studio last weekend and had a very informative and pleasant time.James is firstly a very relaxed, pleasant and extremely knowledgable young man. His passion in his craft shines through, without being at all a 'street salesman', After demonsting his skill in Ebru, he then invites you to try your hand, without once trying to push you into buying. The main aim is for you to enjoy the beauty of Ebru. Very impressive, and worth a visit. Also some of his work is so impressive and beautiful, Sincere thanks James, another visit next time I'm in Portsmouth is a definate.

I celebrated my wedding anniversary here last year with a lesson for my husband and I. We did Ebru on paper learning lots of techniques, then we finished our lesson by doing Ebru on wooden hearts. The studio also offers items you can take away, pre-printed. I went back and purchased my husband a scarf for a Christmas gift. James is very friendly and a good tutor.

I can highly recommend an Ebru lesson as an effective form of mindfulness in motion. Anybody who wants to spend some peaceful time with a teacher, who is genuinely committed to providing a quality creative experience, will be delighted with both the fluid process and excited by the beautiful outcomes. It’s totally possible to arrive feeling like you have no creative ability and leave knowing that you are a natural creator. James will show you the way!

James creates a wonderful atmosphere in his studio and his work is incredibly skillful, beautiful and original. He also offers lessons so you can learn his techniques and create your own art. This place is a real gem!