Can anyone recommend an art teacher for some private lessons?

[LauraDenham]

Hi, my daughter is great at art but her school doesn't really focus on this subject in any way. She'd love some after school lessons as she enjoys it so much. Is anyone able to recommend a teacher, or an after school or weekend art club? She's 8. We live in Esher, Surrey. Thanks.

From what i have read the best thing you can do is provide what she needs and let her get on with it. many art teachers are against children being told "how to draw".

I am an art student and mum. I think you should provide lots do drawing materials, collect stuff for junk modelling, collage etc. and have fun! Visiting galleries and museums is always worthwhile. The Tate Modern is very child friendly and conceptual art is very accessible for children. Might have to censor some of it - avoid some of Jeff Koons's work! I do a lot of life drawing - if she shows an interest 14/15 years plus in that area you could find her a local art group.

I come from a family of artists and would second both the advice you have been given AND the idea of getting your daughter some tuition. I was shocked at the sort of art I found in my parent's loft which I have produced as a young child, I remember my dad (an artist) teaching me things like perspective and shading aged 6-7!

I found with my own children that if they have an interest in art, it is worth teaching them some techniques as these will make their work more rewarding for them and add lots of new possibilities. It is also worth teaching them to "look" at things in a certain way, like the way things are made or how lines cross each other. I sat with my daughter one day and drew our house, it took a long time but since then she has been drawing loads of different styles houses and has a real passion for them - everyone things they are amazing!

Generally local art galleries will run children's workshops once a month, worth finding out. Sorry I a not in your area so cannot make specific recommendations!!

I know one in Surbiton who is v.good. I will check her contact details tomorrow if you are still looking

Thanks very much for feedback everyone. It's all so useful.
Yes I'd really appreciate knowing the person in Surbiton if you don't mind checking for contact details.
I'm also against 'teaching' per se, and fully agree we need to let our children expand and experiment in their own way. I already supply her with varied and broad ranges of different art materials to experiment with and use, and it's actually my daughter who has expressed a desire to learn some specific techniques and talk about art in more detail than my husband and I can do.
I'll also check out my local art galleries, a once monthly workshop sounds just the ticket!

Hijack: if anyone knows of someone along the same lines in South London, please let me know!

Dulwich Picture Gallery do art lessons / workshops for various ages - tend to be during the holidays for younger children, & go up to things like term-time portfolio development for older students. Think they list them on their website.