1:1 Tuition & Mentoring.

Supporting Creative Growth with 1:1 Guidance

1:1 sessions are available to artists at any stage of their practice. Designed to provide bespoke support whether you are interested in progressing your practice, developing practical painting skills, gaining a broader understanding of the business of art, feeling stuck or simply needing guidance.

Individual tuition and/or mentoring offers focused, practical support. With 15 years of professional practice, a thriving studio and online presence, and an Academician with the South West Academy of Fine Art, I understand the realities of building and sustaining a creative career. I also hold an Adult Teaching qualification and bring over 10 years of tutoring experience.

Enquire here

1:1 Practical Tuition

1:1 practical tuition offers an opportunity for bespoke support with your painting practice. Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to painting after a break, or looking for a new direction, these sessions are entirely tailored to you. You may also wish to share the session with a partner or friend. To find out more, please use the link above to let me know your requirements.

A wide range of practical topics can be explored, including:

  • Colour mixing

  • Mixed media (acrylic, inks, and other materials)

  • Making and working with collage

  • Oil painting / Oil & cold wax

  • Sketchbook development and journaling

  • Expressive mark-making

  • Loosening up & working intuitively

  • Abstracting your work

Fees

Minimum booking time is 2 hours. Discounts are available for multiple sessions.

  • Individual: £60 per hour

  • Couple: £85 per hour

Available near Yelverton (PL20 6EY) or Plymouth (PL4 0SP).

1:1 Mentoring

These sessions are useful if you are developing your practice or a new project, feeling stuck and not sure how to progress or seeking a critical framework to address your questions. I can provide support with:

  • Developing or strengthening a studio practice

  • Understanding the business side of being an artist

  • Pricing and presenting your artwork

  • Curating or preparing for exhibitions

  • Writing or refining an artist statement

  • Navigating commercial or online galleries

  • Gaining clarity on direction, goals, or next steps

Mentoring Options

  • Free Introductory Call [15 mins ] - To discuss your focus and how I might best support you.

  • Working Session (1 hour) - To explore your current focus, discuss or plan a specific project and develop an action plan for moving forward.

  • Extended Session (2 hours) - A deeper dive into your practice with a more detailed review, suggestions for development and formulation of an agreed action plan. Each session includes feedback

Fees

In‑Person / Online

  • 1 hour — £55 / £50

  • 2 hours — £100 / £90

  • 4 hours — £210 [in person only]

  • If additional preparation is required, this is charged at £30/hour

  • Fees are payable at time of booking - if booked through my website this cane be paid using Clearpay or Klarna if required

Available near Yelverton (PL20 6EY) or Plymouth (PL4 0SP) or via Zoom / Teams.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance incur no charge

  • Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a £30 fee

  • Non-attendance without notice is charged in full

Testimonials …..

“Personal tuition has really helped me feel more confident , I have been able to loosen up and not feel pressured about being perfect and getting everything right! I have since done a workshop with Shirley in mixed media and have learnt so much about different materials, which I love”. Rita R, Essex.

“I wasn’t sure what mentoring involved before meeting Shirley at her studio and then getting in touch online. Her input has been invaluable - I didn’t have any idea about how to start, I didn’t even have an artist statement. I have now been able to create a website and I feel more confident about putting my work out into the world. I am really grateful for her support.’” Mandy B, Surrey.

“If I had to sum up the benefits of what I have learned from Shirley it would be to say that her experience speaks volumes. She shared her knowledge so freely and understood precisely what I was struggling with.and was able to make suggestions and offer relevant guidance.” Carole H, Gloucestershire