News flash: Zoom is here to stay.
Sure, in-person events have come back in full force, but online versions of the same have settled in for the long haul. Why? People have discovered they can get most of the benefits of an in-person event without having to shell out the big bucks for travel, lodging and meals. Nor do they have to endure hassles like flight delays and cancellations, lost luggage, heavy traffic and closed rest areas (why are so many closed these days?)
For some time now, I’ve been offering critiques and mentoring via Zoom. (Ever since the earliest days of the Pandemic, in fact.) The students I’ve worked with have both enjoyed and profited from my programs. Sometimes it’s just been a simple critique of work; other times, a longer relationship in which I helped a student find a better path forward. Being able to help when it wasn’t possible to visit in person—whether because of the Pandemic or some other obstacle—has been rewarding for me, too.
If you’re not aware of my online programs, here they are. (You can also go to this link for more details.)
One-on-One Mentoring: Are you looking to improve your painting and career as an artist?
Mentoring consists of weekly one-hour sessions over the course of four weeks for $300. The first Zoom session consists of an initial evaluation of your work, a discussion of your goals and an assignment designed to take you in the direction you wish to go. Following sessions consist of a discussion of the previous week’s assignment while addressing any questions you may have plus a new assignment. In the final session, I give you an action plan for the future.
Sessions preferably run over one calendar month. I am available most of the year, except when I am traveling between my summer and winter studios. I usually travel in late May and early June, and also in late August and early September.
(By the way, I also offer in-person mentoring, if you prefer, via my Private Intensive workshop. For details, go here.)
Critiques: Are you looking for feedback on your paintings?
For $50, I will critique two of your paintings and discuss the changes with you. This one-time Zoom session lasts an hour. We’ll arrange a mutually-agreeable date and time to meet.
I ask for images in advance. Then, before the session, I run each image through what I call my “Photoshop mill” and make changes to improve the piece. This is something I cannot do in a workshop because of the preparation time. And, rather than me just pointing to different parts of a painting and talking about it—which is all I can do in a workshop—I am actually able to share my computer screen and show the changes, step by step.
Testimonials? Here’s just one:
To say it was one of the best learning experiences I have had is not an exaggeration. It was rich in information that you were willing to share. … Every session you focused on different goals. I found that very helpful. Your teaching style is very thoughtful and supportive. You made it the outstanding experience that it was.
I hope you’ll join me for a critique—or better, embark with me on an ongoing journey in the mentoring program.