Fine Art Online Mentoring
Hello, I’m Travis.
I’ve been practicing art professionally for over 15 years, and teaching art as well to hundreds of students in that time in both the USA and UK. When we opened up our London studio back in 2013 to a handful of students, I had no idea that it would later become an internationally-recognised place of study for classical drawing and painting. The Barnes Atelier’s success is due to the huge amount of effort our students put in to their studies year after year— something that helps make the joy of teaching so worthwhile.
When we had to close our school in March 2020 due to the pandemic, I began working with our atelier students remotely online as a means to keep them busy and motivated until they could return to the studio. I found the process a bit clumsy at first (like most), but with some practice it became more efficient and productive, and I found the students not just surviving, but thriving.
I eventually opened up my online teaching work to additional artists, outside our immediate atelier family, who were looking for the same rigorous art instruction and 1-to-1 guidance and support that we give at the studio— but from afar. The rest, as they say, is history.
Give me a shout if you think working together might suit you too.
1-To-1 Fine Art Training
Our Sessions Will Be
Personalised
Our initial sessions will be dedicated to assessing your current artistic abilities and desires and creating a dedicated plan to fit your unique needs and goals. This may be by following The Barnes Atelier curriculum, or by working on projects of your choosing.
Targeted
Everyone has their own struggles when it comes to making improvements to their artwork. Working closely together 1-to-1, as opposed to a group class, helps identify and overcome bad habits and reintroduce good ones with confidence.
Integrative
Since artistic development is more than just skill building(although that is critical), we will also discuss how you can apply your skills into your own work.
It has been such a brilliant way to continue studying the atelier method and the weekly one-to-one critiques are always incredibly helpful, challenging, and informative.
— Laura, London UK
Sharp Pencil, Go Slow.
Each of us is unique in our own way and we all learn differently— there is no magic formula, even within the bedrock of realist art training. I try to push artists where they can be pushed, and provide encouragement when it is needed.
How does online mentoring work?
Think of it like regular, personal training for the realist artist. You can certainly learn and practice fine art on your own— taking the odd course here and there, watching countless YouTube videos, going through books and other online material you can find; but doing it on your own is really hard. The individual attention that I provide with online mentoring offers a solution for students, artists, and art instructors who want regular and timely feedback, guidance, and ongoing personal tuition towards the improvement of their realist drawing and painting skills.
1.) Live Review & Planning Sessions
Once you sign up we will have an initial live Zoom session where we look over your current work, and work which you find inspiring. We will then set out a plan to begin working on building solid drawing and painting skills. This weekly live session will give time for us to have any back-and-forth q&a.
2.) Exercises & Demonstrations
During the live session and/or at each new stage of your process (and if/when you get stuck), I will do drawing overlays on your work and/or demonstrate on my easel aspects of the exercise that need concentrating on.
3.) Working Independently
You’ll then practice on you own at home and send your work in for review.
4.) Follow Up Critique
After working through some of the exercise, you can choose to upload your work for a follow-up critique and I will record a video with overlaid drawings on top of your work. This second critique can often help keep you from going ‘off piste’ while working on your project.
“In just the first month of the online mentorship with Travis, I have improved more artistically than a full year on my own. I am confident that this mentorship program has me on the best available path to get my art to the level I want it to be.”
— Phillip | Alabama, USA
FAQs
What happens after I sign up?
After you sign up for online mentoring you’ll be sent a welcome email containing a link to book your first live Zoom session.
How much tuition will I receive?
Each week you will be able to schedule a live Zoom critique session. This will be for approximately 30 minutes. You will also receive a follow-up recorded critique each week(approximately 15 minutes) containing information to keep you working confidently until the next live weekly session. You’ll also have unlimited access to my email throughout the week.
What will I be working on?
Most artists wish to work from the same curriculum that our atelier students use at The Barnes Atelier. However, a lot of artists choose to work on projects they’ve already started, or have planned, and would like guidance and support with doing them.
Your specific plan can be discussed during the initial live Zoom session.
How long must I commit to the mentorship?
Typically I will work with students from between six months to four years— it all depends on the desired outcome and everyone has different needs & wishes. While there’s no commitment per se— the mentorship is a renewing monthly service, you can always cancel at anytime.
Do you offer any trial sessions or anything?
No, but you’re welcome to email me as many questions that you have prior to signing up to see if it might be right for you.
Still have questions before getting started? Get in touch.
Online Mentorship
£299/month*
1-to-1 Live Critiques | Recorded Video Critiques | Email Access*Mentorship subscriptions automatically renew each month and can be cancelled anytime.
Initial Portfolio Review and Planning Session
Personalised Lesson Plan
Optional Barnes Atelier Curriculum
Live Weekly Learning Meeting/Online Zoom Critique
Weekly Assignment Review/Draw-Over Video Critique of Your Drawings or Paintings
Personalised Assignments
Suggested Reading List
Suggested Art Materials List
High-Quality Reference Images
Artist Career Advising
Ongoing Portfolio Review and Planning