Master classical drawing and painting techniques through my online apprenticeship program.

I've studied and painted professionally since 2012. Over the last several years, I've hosted students in my studio for a weekly portraiture class, as well as taught university portrait and figure courses. It's been awesome. I never would have realized how much I enjoy teaching. However, I have found it pretty hard to provide the level of instruction I really want to in a format limited to only weekly class time. In order to provide my students a truly effective education, I've composed a complete curriculum based on the atelier education I myself received. This curriculum is focused on highly-structured independent work enhanced by personal 1:1 instruction. While I developed this curriculum thinking mainly about how to elevate my current students’ education, the resulting program works very well for students really anywhere.

This program is based on the classical methods of the old European masters, which require excellence in fundamental principles. The exercises and projects given are simple, but difficult, and will build skills that will yield real improvement in your work. We'll meet online weekly for evaluations, critiques, demos, etc and you'll also be able to work with your peer students which will deepen your understanding of the principles I teach and honestly make it more fun. Additionally, this course entails a library of references- examples, demo videos, critiques, art history context, etc for each exercise. My personal goal as your mentor is to develop your freedom as an artist to ultimately express the things you want to. Regardless of your current skill level, if you're willing to put in a lot of good work, this program is for you and I can promise you'll see dramatic development as an artist before too long. I look forward to working with you!

Apprenticeship Structure

Student Highlights

"For the past two years, I've had the incredible opportunity to learn from John. He is a true master of his craft and studying with him has been such a privilege. John fosters a warm and supportive learning environment where he patiently guides each student with kindness, enthusiasm and humor. It is such a joy to learn under John's expertise as his passion for art is infectious! While my artistic journey continues, my portfolio undeniably reflects the significant progress I've made under John's guidance. I wholeheartedly recommend his classes to anyone seeking to magnify their skills as an artist.”

-Lena Phillips

"John has trained painstakingly in the atelier tradition and learned both to perceive and represent the human figure with precision, discernment, insight, and elegance. What’s more, John has nurtured another art form- to teach as he was taught, enabling his students to simultaneously open their eyes and develop the kind of technique that transfers to any artistic practice."

-Andrew Maxfield

Needed Supplies

Pricing

Online Subscription

$250/month

Online Subscription + weekly in-person studio sessions

(an option for Utah residents)

$350/month

Reach out to learn more.

Portrait Society of America

Signature Artist