mentorship program

This mentorship is designed to guide you on your artistic journey, whether you’re overcoming creative blocks, seeking expert feedback, or striving to reach your artistic potential. Through tailored sessions and assignments, we’ll collaborate to help you achieve meaningful growth.

Key Highlights

Personalized one-on-one mentorship
Flexible scheduling
Tailored assignments and progress tracking
All levels welcome
Limited to 6 participants

Currently accepting students. Limited spots available!

My Teaching Philosophy

My instructional approach centers around what has profoundly impacted my own artistic growth, and thus, they form the foundation of what I teach:

Foundations: Regardless of where you are in your artistic journey, consistent practice of drawing and understanding good composition is key to continued growth. These foundational skills consistently reveal new layers of insight that enrich your work and propel your development beyond what you once thought possible.
Intention: Knowing what you want to create—and why—matters. Because intention can be elusive, we’ll work to clarify what inspires you and how those motivations shape your art. This clarity is central to developing expression and your voice. I’ll help you recognize it, trust it, and apply it with purpose.
Action: While reading, listening, and observing are important tools, it is the act of doing that solidifies learning. Practical application through assignments and exercises is vital to this mentorship, reinforcing and deepening your understanding.

Together, these three items form a cohesive approach where foundational skills lay the groundwork, clear intentions guide your creative direction, and consistent action ensures lasting progress and mastery.

Is This Mentorship Right for You?

This program is for artists ready to deepen their skills, creative practice, and voice—whether for personal or professional growth. It’s tailored to your goals and pace, with structured feedback and assignments that encourage honest critique and meaningful progress.

Together, we’ll focus on drawing, value, color, and composition—the core elements that strengthen all styles and subjects. Though often overlooked, these fundamentals lead to clarity, confidence, and creative breakthroughs.

If you’re seeking a light, purely expressive approach without emphasis on drawing or composition, this may not be the right fit. For a lighter commitment—or to get a feel for how we might work together—you might consider the Artwork Critique or Portfolio Review.

How To Share Your Artwork

Choose a Platform: Use a platform like Google Drive, Dropbox, or a website where your images are hosted.
Organize Your Artwork: Select your artwork and up to four supporting references, such as photos, sketches, thumbnails or color studies. Ensure each file is appropriately named.
Set Sharing Permissions: If you're using Google Drive or Dropbox, ensure the link is set to "Anyone with the link can view." This ensures I can access your artwork.
Copy the Link: Copy the shareable link provided by the platform.
Paste the Link in the Form: Add the link to the designated field in the submission form.

Here's How It Works

Step 1: Complete the Mentorship Application Form
The form allows me to gain a clear understanding of your current skills, experience, and goals so I can tailor my support to best meet your needs. It also helps me determine whether the mentorship program is a good fit for us both.

Please take your time to answer each question thoughtfully. I personally review every application, and selected applicants will be invited to a free 15-minute video consultation as the next step.

Step 2: Enjoy a 15-minute free consultation
Within one week of submitting your application, you will receive an email regarding your application. If you are invited to move forward, the email will include instructions for scheduling your free 15-minute video consultation. Choose a day and time that works for you.

This brief conversation gives us a chance to discuss your goals, answer any questions, and determine whether the mentorship is a good fit for both of us.

Step 3: Select a Sessions Package
If we agree to move forward, select the number of sessions you would like to purchase. See Pricing below.

Step 4: Schedule the First Session
Once I receive your payment, you'll get an email with a scheduling link and instructions for preparing for your first 60-minute video session, including how to prepare and upload your artwork.

Depending on your individual goals, I may also suggest some additional creative preparation before we meet - for example, gathering specific drawings or other work for us to discuss.

During our first session, we will:

Take a closer look at the work you submitted with your application
Discuss your goals and priorities in greater depth
Establish a direction for our work together
Determine your next steps or first assignment

Step 5: Schedule Subsequent Sessions
In subsequent 60-minute sessions, we’ll will:

Continue working together to achieve your goals
Review of completed homework
Setting new tasks and goals for the next meeting
Meetings will be scheduled at least one week apart

All sessions include:

Lesson and artwork reviews
Lesson assignments for the next meeting
Opportunities to ask questions
Short explanatory demonstrations when appropriate
Text support between sessions (up to 2 brief threads per session), with responses within 24 hours
Optional session recordings
Flexible scheduling

Lesson Packages
- Package of 4 sessions: $800
- Package of 8 sessions: $1440 (10% discount, $160 savings)
- Package of 12 sessions: $2040 (15% discount, $360 savings)
Packages of 4 or 8 sessions must be completed within 12 months. Packages of 12 sessions must be completed within 18 months.
Please note that refunds are not available for unused sessions.
- Sessions are limited to a maximum of one meeting per week to ensure ample time for homework completion and to accommodate all participants in the program.
- Sessions can be scheduled in advance or one at a time. However, I recommend planning ahead to maintain momentum and progress.
What Students Are Saying
Over the years, I've had the privilege of teaching artists in various settings, from intensive workshops to personal critiques. While these testimonials reflect experiences from past workshops, they speak to the transformative insights and encouragement I strive to bring to every teaching opportunity.
"Feet still haven’t hit the ground after your workshop. The chemistry between all the artists, the amazing food, the accommodations, the sweetest crew of horses, and of course having you as our fearless leader. Most definitely one of my top 'art' experiences since starting this journey." — Elise Mahaffie

"I wrote more notes and learned more from you in 5 days than I did in 4 years of university. The generosity Jill demonstrates in sharing her gifts, knowledge, and time is invaluable. She has a knack for tailoring critiques to her students as individuals so we are better equipped to understand how each mark is relevant and purposeful." — Crystal Beshara

"Thank you so much for an incredible workshop! The amount of energy and attention you put into it was unparalleled. The combination of lecture and exercises really focused our ability to learn skills to strengthen drawing and painting structure. Individual attention and your demos were excellent. During the week, I had several enlightening 'Ah ha' moments." — Karen McLain

"The effect of the workshop was profound. Your method, which seems so slow, may actually be quicker. Or, as Pat Parelli (horse trainer) is famous for saying, 'Take the time it takes to take less time.'" — Ann Hayes

"I can’t stress enough how much I appreciated this class. Every chapter was filled with valuable information. In art school, they teach about value, color, and other principles of design, but your class delved so much deeper and taught how to apply them. Your lessons helped me tackle issues I was running into repeatedly and gave me a solid foundation to rely on, which meant I could be more expressive when it came to the final painting." — Denise Miller

"This course and the instructional videos have been so useful in teaching how to combine reference photos with drawing to create a process to add creativity to the mix when composing a painting. Learning Jill's process to creatively compose a painting is a game changer." — Chris Crotty

"Hands down, that is the best workshop I have ever attended. Thank you for your patience. I knew I was going to be challenged in an advanced course, and I needed it. Since the workshop, I’m focusing on drawing as a foundation, and I feel more confident in my ability to grow." — Sue Grubbs

"I did the September workshop this year, and it was really magical. Dropped into total immersion from the very beginning. Jill is so talented in her art and her teaching. She focuses on everyone in the workshop and is generous in what she shares with each person." — Lisa Derby Oden
My goal is to provide a flexible and supportive learning environment for all participants. You’re welcome to reschedule sessions up to 48 hours in advance to accommodate life’s unexpected changes. Please note that missed appointments or rescheduling within 48 hours of your meeting time cannot be refunded, as these times are set aside exclusively for you. Thank you for your understanding!
To ensure fairness and clarity, mentorship packages are non-refundable. This policy allows me to dedicate my full attention and resources to your artistic growth. If you have any questions or concerns before committing, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help ensure the program is the right fit for you.
What if I’m not sure the Mentorship Program is right for me?
You can schedule a Portfolio Review to explore what working together might entail. Or to get a taste of how I teach, you can schedule an Artwork Critique.
What if the available times don’t work for me?
I understand that time zone differences and personal schedules can create challenges. If the available slots don’t suit your needs, please feel free to reach out, and we can explore alternative options to find a time that works for both of us.
What are the homework assignments like?
Homework assignments are highly personalized to your unique skill set, goals, and challenges. Each assignment is designed to address the areas that need the most attention and growth.
For example:
- If refining your drawing skills is a priority, you might be assigned to draw or paint a specific subject within a set time frame, accompanied by clear, step-by-step instructions.
- If you're tackling a particular issue with an artwork, your assignment may include targeted exercises or lessons aimed at resolving that specific challenge.
- If you're struggling with color mixing, your assignment might involve exercises that teach foundational principles of color theory to help you better understand and apply color relationships.
Assignments may vary in format, ranging from quick studies to more in-depth projects, and are crafted to provide structure and exploration opportunities, ensuring you consistently progress.
Can I receive feedback on work outside of assignments?
Yes, feedback on your ongoing or personal projects can be integrated into our sessions as long as it aligns with your goals and fits within our scheduled meeting time.
What if I'm unable to complete an assignment before the next session?
It's okay! Life happens, and progress isn't always linear. You have several options.
- You can meet with an assignment in progress, and we'll review what you've accomplished so far, discuss any challenges you faced, and adjust the assignment or timeline as needed to keep you moving forward. This program is designed to support your growth, not to add unnecessary pressure.
- If you need more time to complete an assignment, you can reschedule your session up to 48 hours before your appointment. This flexibility ensures you can focus on making meaningful progress while balancing other commitments.
- You can also schedule your next appointment after you have completed the assignment.
What materials or tools will I need?
It depends on the assignments and your goals. If specific materials are required, I'll let you know in advance.
Can I gift a mentorship package to someone else?
Yes! Mentorship packages can be purchased as a gift. Please contact me for details.
Why do you require an application?
While it may seem like a lot of effort upfront, the application process helps both of us save time in the long run. It ensures you’re ready for the commitment to improve your work, and more importantly, it allows me to gain a clear understanding of your current skills and experience so I can tailor my support to best meet your needs.
What if I’m a beginner?
This mentorship is open to artists at any skill level. An eagerness to learn and an open mind is all you need!
For any other questions, please email me.