ABOUT OUR ART TEACHERS

Joshua Y' Barbo - Fine Art/Design Portfolio Preparation Course

Artist Statement

Joshua Y’Barbo’s studio work reflects a deep-seated impulse to create connections between his singular experiences and the collective understanding of the world. He employs postmodern visual allegory and personal metaphor to craft visual narratives that represent his own experiences and speculate on how everything around him fits together. His recent projects delve into themes of simulation theory and nostalgia, exploring ongoing existential crises. As an artist and expert in participatory art and design, Joshua adheres to the principle that new ideas are combinations of old ones, and that developing creative solutions involves identifying and forging new relationships. This philosophy has led him to develop a unique process of creative problem-solving techniques, which he uses to produce innovative artworks and design art clubs.

Education

  • PhD in Practice-led Research, Chelsea, Camberwell, Wimbledon Colleges, University of the Arts London (2013–2022)
  • MA in Fine Art, Chelsea College of Art, University of the Arts London (2009–2010)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art, Chelsea College of Art, University of the Arts London (2008–2009)
  • Bachelor of Fine Art in Studio Art, Texas State University (2001–2005)

Experience

  • Associate Lecturer, Chelsea, Camberwell, Wimbledon Colleges, University of the Arts London, UK (2013–present)
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant, Camberwell, Chelsea, and Wimbledon Colleges, University of the Arts London, UK (2013–2021)

Exhibitions

  • "Ppet and Pop," Small House Gallery, London, UK (2023)
  • "ON FOOD, CONVIVIALITY AND CULTURES," International Group Exhibition, Millepiani, Rome, IT (2023)
  • 5th Annual PASA Festival, BitEden Space, Seoul; INTERPARK BlueSquare, Seoul; Lotte Center, Hanoi; LG Discovery Lab, Seoul; Incheon Airport, Incheon (Oct–Dec 2022)
  • "Connectivité," Virtual Exhibition (Stay Connected) by The Huts Magazine, curated by Lois Emma Harkin (2021)
  • "Discursivity," Chelsea College of Art, London, UK (2021)
  • "Team LEWIS Foundation Annual Emerging Artists Exhibition," Millbank Tower, London, UK (2017–2022)
  • "Glitch," The Isherwood Gallery in the Old Courts, Wigan, UK (2017)
  • "Parallax II," Chelsea College of Art, London, UK (2016)
  • "Art Riot Exhibition," Chelsea College of Art, London, UK (2016)
  • "Beuys Keep Swinging," Landing Space, Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK (2014)
  • "Watch the Second Hand," Chelsea College of Art, London, UK (2014)
  • "Echo of Translation," La Salle College of Art, Singapore (2013)
  • "Open Work," the Albert, Queen's Park, London, UK (2013)
  • "For Display Purposes Only," Bussey Building, London, UK (2012)
  • "Words to be Looked At," Chelsea College of Art & Design, London, UK (2012)
  • "Dandyism of Contempt," Camden Town Unlimited, London, UK (2011)
  • "No.1 Showroom at Men Can Not Live on Bread Alone," Whitechapel, London, UK (2010)
  • "MA Final Exhibition," Chelsea College of Art & Design, London, UK (2010)
  • "Reaching Inside," Phantom Art Galleries / Lark Gallery, Long Beach, CA, curated by Peter Frank (2010)
  • "Chasing Flames," Turn-Berlin, Berlin, DE (2009)
  • "Invisible Means of Support," Club Row, the Rochelle School, London, UK (2009)
  • "One Night Stands," Wimbledon College of Art and Design, London, UK (2009)
  • "National Juried Monotype / Monoprint Exhibition," Attleboro Arts Museum, MA, curated by Aprile Gallant (2008)
  • "Beat: Photography & Films by Chris Felver," Bay10 Projects/Big Medium, Austin, TX (2008)
  • "Open Show," Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA, curated by Howard N. Fox (2007)
  • "Off the Wall," Poissant Gallery, Houston, TX (2006)
  • "Graduating Senior Thesis Exhibition," Texas State Galleries, San Marcos, TX (2005)
  • "He Said/She Said," FASA Spring Juried Exhibition, Gallery Lombardi, Austin, TX, curated by Derek Boshier (2005)

Publications, Conferences & Residencies

  • "In Development," London Creative Network at [Space], London (2022)
  • "Digital Fatigue Workshop," Digital Research in the Humanities and Art (DRHA) Conference (2022)
  • Artist Profile in "Artists Responding to (A.R.T.) Zine," issue 8 (2021)
  • Book Review of "Leap into Action: Critical Performative Pedagogies in Art and Design Education," Art & the Public Sphere Journal, volume 8.2 (2020)
  • Participating Member, Incidental Unit, Flat Time House, London (2016–2019)
  • Paper on "The Materiality of Dialogue" and research participant for "Redefining the Social in Architecture," co-organized by the ICA, Birkbeck, and CHASE, UK (2017–2018)
  • "A Roadmap for Failure: Essay for Glitch: The Aesthetics of Failure" (2017)
  • "Art Riot / Aftercare" (2015)
  • Artist in Residence – "ECHO: The Poetics of Translation," LASALLE College, Singapore (2013)
  • Artist in Residence – Serigraphy at Frans Masereel Centrum, Kasterlee, BE (2011)

Tommy Ramsay holds a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Arts and an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art. As a practicing artist for over a decade, Tommy works across various mediums, including painting, drawing, and screen printing. He regularly exhibits his work, with recent showings at APT Gallery, Thames-Side Studios Gallery, and the prestigious Royal Academy.

In addition to his artistic practice, Tommy collaborates with numerous institutions, including the University of the Arts London (UAL), where he works with students of all ages and abilities. He is a tutor in the Painting Department at UAL's Camberwell College of Arts, where he also runs life drawing classes. Tommy teaches short courses at Chelsea College of Arts and Central Saint Martins, specializing in Portfolio Development for students applying to Foundation, BA, or MA programs.

Tommy is passionate about helping students build confidence in experimenting with new techniques, honing their skills, and enjoying the creative process. His goal is to guide students in discovering their own unique way of making art.

“I often start with a series of warm-up exercises to help students loosen up and explore more experimental, playful approaches to their work. These activities often inform the more 'serious' practical aspects of the class. My aim as a tutor is to help students develop new skills and gain confidence in expressing their own personal language."

Academic Background

  • 2008-2009: Foundation in Fine Art, Chelsea College of Arts (Merit)
  • 2009-2012: BA Fine Art, Chelsea College of Arts (2:1 Honours)
  • 2017-2019: MA Painting, Royal College of Art (Distinction in Dissertation and Studio Practice)

Selected Exhibitions

  • Working on a Dream, APT Gallery, August 2022
  • RA Summer Show, Royal Academy, June – August 2022
  • New Songs for Old Rituals, Thames-Side Studios Gallery, August – September 2021
  • Small Works, ACAVA Studios (Curated by Angela De la Cruz), February 2020
  • Sunny Art Prize, Sunny Art Centre, October 2020
  • Right Back at You, The Function Suite, September 2020
  • MA Degree Show, Royal College of Art, July 2019
  • We Can Only Have Fun on Certain Days, Warbling Collective, April 2019
  • Let Me Know Before You Arrive, Warbling Collective, October 2018
  • Marching Through the Fields, Warbling Collective, August 2018
  • Work in Progress Show, Royal College of Art, December 2017
  • RBA Rising Stars, LR Gallery, February – March 2015
  • Bigger, Brighter, Bolder, UAL Showroom, April – May 2014
  • Forgotten Space, Espacio Gallery, August 2014
  • New Generations, The Lethaby Gallery, Central Saint Martins, November – December 2014

Sarah Chalkie Cloonan - Fine Art/Design Portfolio Preparation  Course

Sarah Chalkie Cloonan is an artist whose practice is driven by curiosity and wonder about the everyday objects that populate her domestic realm. Lemons, dogs, teapots, trees, and her daughters serve as sources of inspiration, each with its own narrative and the questions they evoke through their juxtaposition. Her work seeks to explore how art and its processes can inspire, uplift, and promote learning and well-being.

Cloonan documents her research in writing and exhibits her creations as artworks or assemblages. Each piece serves as a talisman, a visual metaphor she describes as a "Momento Vivre"—curious reminders that encourage us to contemplate the richness of living.

Her artistic journey began with childhood dreams and a fascination with the human form. She deepened her exploration of these themes at the Byam Shaw School of Art, where she honed her skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking. Under the guidance of Flavia Irwin R.A. at the City and Guilds of London Art School, Cloonan discovered the Omega Workshops and the Bloomsbury Group artists, further igniting her passion for art.

During her studies, Cloonan broke free from traditional constraints, experimenting with painting on walls, floors, and furniture. She also explored poetry and the human condition, leading her to focus on the domestic sphere. Her work blurs the boundaries between fine art and the everyday, celebrating the beauty in the seemingly mundane.

Recently, Cloonan completed an MFA in Painting at Camberwell UAL and an MA in Arts & Learning from Goldsmiths. She also holds a distinction for her Diploma in Portraiture from the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and a Merit for her Graduate Diploma in Fine Art & Design from the Royal College of Art.

Education 

Goldsmiths College, University of London

Master's degree

Camberwell, UAL

Master's degree

Royal College of Art

Graduate Diploma

Heatherley School Fine Art

Diploma awarded by RSS & RSPP

Camberwell UAL

MFA

Click here to check Sarah Chalkie Cloonan's artworks

Martin Drexler - Painting/Drawing Course

Artistic Practice:

Martin Drexler is an artist and educator living in London. With over 30 years of experience in visual arts education across prestigious institutions, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our art courses.

While he works with a variety of materials, his work is primarily representational, focusing on figurative art. His interest in the human body encompasses both the traditional beauty of human form depictions and more complex themes such as intimacy, procreation, power, and pathology.

Martin has exhibited his artwork internationally, including at The Royal West Academy of Art in Bristol and The Charles Addams Gallery at the University of Pennsylvania. He was shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize in London and featured in the 2014 publication "Strokes of Genius 6." In September 2015, his work was included in the exhibition "The Craft of Drawing and Painting - Celebrating Tradition Today" at London’s Leighton House Museum.

Education:

  • Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida.
  • Classical methods training at Lavender Hill Studios, London, UK.

Professional Background:

  • Independent Studio Artist in London, where he dedicated time to developing his artist portfolio.
  • Advanced Placement Studio Art Instructor at The American School in London, teaching drawing, painting, and photography while supervising student portfolio development.
  • Senior Critic and Curator at the University of Pennsylvania, leading drawing courses, coordinating thesis exhibitions, and supporting student projects.
  • Director and Instructor at Penn Summer Arts Studio, overseeing curriculum development, faculty hiring, and marketing strategies.
  • Photography Professor at Swarthmore College, teaching photography courses and maintaining department equipment.
  • Head of Visual Arts Department at The American School in London, driving significant enrollment growth and developing new educational programs.
  • Director of Visual Art at Interlochen Arts Academy, managing departmental budgets, establishing a visiting artist program, and collaborating on donor support initiatives.

Publications:

  • Strokes of Genius 6 (North Light Press, October 2014)
  • The Importance of an Artist Portfolio (World Study Magazine, Peridot Press, 2004)

Click here to check Martin Drexler's artworks

Ilaria Mazzocchi is a distinguished artist and professional art teacher with expertise in both traditional and modern art techniques. Her background includes a degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, where she graduated with top honors in 2006, and a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Fine Art, achieving an impressive final grade of 99/100.

Ilaria's teaching experience spans several esteemed institutions, including IIS Ulrico Midossi in Civita Castellana and Liceo Scientifico Statale Avogadro in Rome. She has also taught ceramics at Paliano Prison, demonstrating her commitment to art education in diverse settings.

As a professional stained glass painter and maker, Ilaria has collaborated with notable studios such as Studio Spirali Glass by Roberto Santero and Arte Romana, as well as Leading Light of London. Her artistic practice encompasses painting, printmaking, ceramics, and stained glass, reflecting her passion for exploring new media.

In addition to her artistic and teaching roles, Ilaria has gained varied experience working as a barista and nanny, highlighting her versatile skill set. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and cooking, constantly seeking new creative adventures.

Click here to check Ilaria Mazzocchi's artworks

Mia Elisabeth Worlidge
Portrait Painter 

Mia Elisabeth Worlidge is a highly skilled portrait painter, artist, and musician with a dedication to reviving and sharing the traditions of classical academic art.

Mia's artistic foundation was built through rigorous academic and traditional training at Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence. Over three years, she honed her craft by mastering the techniques of the Old Masters, including the Sight-Size Method—a practice that involves positioning the subject and canvas side by side to view the composition holistically. This timeless technique, championed by artists such as John Singer Sargent, traces its origins to luminaries like Titian, Van Dyck, and Velázquez.

Her pursuit of artistic excellence continued at the Rome University of Fine Art, where she became the first foreign student specializing in Pittura, Storia dell’Arte, and Scultura. Mia further enriched her theoretical and historical understanding of art with a degree in Art History from University College London.

Mia’s work is guided by her passion for connecting traditional academic art with modern audiences. For her, painting is a profound exploration of the soul. By practicing portraiture in the Old Masters' style, she seeks to interpret and capture the essence of her subjects—an intimate process that engages both the artist and sitter on a deeply personal level.

Currently based in Notting Hill, Mia accepts portrait commissions while collaborating with Sunny Art Centre. Alongside her visual art, she is recording her debut album, set to be released in 2025, blending her talents as a musician with her artistic vision.

Education

  • Charles H. Cecil Studios, Florence, Italy: Atelier Training in Oil Painting and Charcoal Drawing (2017–2020)
  • Rome University of Fine Art, Rome, Italy: Pittura, Storia dell’Arte, e Scultura (2020)
  • University College London: BA in History of Art (2020–2023)

Awards

  • Sascha and Susannah Award (2017): For outstanding work in portrait painting and exploration of the human psyche in social science and visual arts

Selected Exhibitions and Concerts

  • ‘Listening to Painting’: Debut Solo Exhibition and Concert, Florence, Italy
  • ‘Mia Elisabeth Live’: Headline Concert, St. Pancras Old Church, London, UK (Sold-out)
  • ‘Bedrock’: Group Show, The Crypt Gallery (St. Pancras), London, UK
  • ‘Female Artist Exhibition: Enchant’: Group Show, Bingham Riverhouse, London, UK
  • ‘Identity’: Group Show, Rome University of Fine Art, Rome, Italy
  • ‘Final Year Group Exhibition’: Charles H. Cecil Studios, Florence, Italy
  • ‘Japanese Ink and Other Explorations’: Group Show, Rome University of Fine Art, Rome, Italy

Click here to check Mia Elisabeth Worlidge's artworks

Dalia Matsuura Frontini - Architecture Portfolio Preparation Course

Dalia Matsuura Frontini is a distinguished architect and academic professor renowned for her expertise in architecture and design. Currently settled in the UK, she holds qualifications as an Architect and Tutor of Architecture, complemented by a diverse skill set that includes proficiency in multiple languages such as English, Italian, Portuguese, and French.

Dalia's journey in architecture is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. Notably, she received the prestigious AA Technical Design Thesis Award for her outstanding work at the Architectural Association, where she also attained the AA Diploma with Honours, the highest recognition bestowed by the institution. Her excellence in the field was further acknowledged through her candidacy for the RIBA Silver Medal in 2018.

With a rich educational background, Dalia's passion for architecture extends beyond traditional boundaries. She has served as a guest juror at esteemed institutions like the Royal College of Arts, Oxford Brookes University, and the Architectural Association. Additionally, her architectural models have been showcased at prominent venues including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Building Centre in London.

Proficient in a wide array of software and technical tools, Dalia's expertise spans 3D modeling programs like Rhinoceros and AutoCAD, as well as BIM technologies such as Revit and AecoSIM. Her proficiency in Adobe Suite, VRay, and Enscape Render, among others, underscores her commitment to innovative design solutions and visual communication.

Throughout her career, Dalia has contributed to diverse projects ranging from large-scale infrastructure developments like the HS2 Old Oak Common Station and Crossrail 2 to commercial and domestic heritage assets. Her approach emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, and sustainability, evident in her ability to deliver optimal design solutions and navigate complex challenges.

As an academic professor at the Architectural Association in London, Dalia shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise with future generations of architects. She brings a unique blend of practical experience and theoretical insight to her role, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency among her students.

Dalia's dedication to architecture, coupled with her passion for teaching and mentorship, makes her an invaluable asset to the field and an inspiring tutor for aspiring architects.

Awards

  • Distinction in AA Technical Design Thesis: Awarded 1st place for the best technical project at the Architectural Association, recognizing exceptional innovation and technical skill.
  • AA Diploma with Honours: Achieved the highest recognition, the Honours designation, at the Architectural Association, School of Architecture, reflecting exemplary academic performance and dedication.
  • RIBA Silver Medal Candidacy 2018: Nominated for the esteemed Royal Institute of British Architects Silver Medal, acknowledging outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of architecture.
  • Guest Juror: Invited to serve as a guest juror at prestigious institutions including the Royal College of Arts, Oxford Brookes University, and the Architectural Association, providing expertise and insights into architectural education and practice.
  • Exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum: Showcased a prototype AA Diploma model at the renowned Victoria & Albert Museum's Exhibition at the Building Centre in London, highlighting innovative design and craftsmanship.

Education

  • Architectural Association, School of Architecture:
    • RIBA/ARB PART III, Professional Practice: January 2022 - May 2022
    • RIBA/ARB PART II, AA DIPLOMA PRIZE (HONS): September 2016 - June 2018
    • RIBA/ARB PART I: September 2012 - June 2015
  • Haileybury College:
    • IB Diploma: Achieved a score of 37, with notable accomplishments in Mathematics, Physics, English, Geography, French, and Art, showcasing a well-rounded academic background and commitment to excellence. September 2010 - June 2012

Click here to check Dalia Matsuura Frontini's artworks

Chrysa Kanari - Fine Art/Design Portfolio Preparation Course

Chrysa Kanari  is a Cypriot artist based in London. She earned a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Lancaster University in 2023, where she was awarded the prestigious Freelands Painting Prize for her exceptional undergraduate painting practice. In 2024, she completed her Master’s degree in Painting at the Royal College of Art.

Kanari’s artistic practice delves into the aesthetics of horror, examining the abject as an expression of the sinful and shameful aspects of the human condition—encompassing themes such as love, war, crime, murder, death, and atrocity. Drawing inspiration from archival and media-circulated imagery, her work explores ideas of selective memory, erasure, truth, and representation. The act of reworking imagery through paint becomes, for her, a process of unlearning and renegotiating history, where gesture and the fluidity of paint reshape entrenched narratives.

History and politics lie at the heart of Kanari’s practice. Through her engagement with documentary photography and archival materials, she constructs personal testimonies of contemporary life, weaving together vulnerability and violence, resilience and sorrow. Her work often juxtaposes portraits of the living and the dead, the hero and the villain, the survivor and the martyr. These figures, imbued with anguish and fragility, evoke an intimate encounter that forces viewers to confront their own realities and question their role in the broader human condition.

Kanari is deeply committed to depicting the tragic figure, positioning her subjects in moments of emotional and psychological intensity. The accusatory stares and bitter expressions of her painted figures reflect both the weight of history and the artist’s own contemplations, creating a dialogue between past and present. Through her practice, she seeks to bear witness, challenge historical narratives, and invite viewers to engage with the complexities of truth, memory, and representation.

Click here to check Chrysa Kanari's artworks

Shivangi Ladha - Fine Art/Design Portfolio Preparation Course

Shivangi Ladha graduated from the Royal College of Art in London in 2016 with a specialisation in MA Printmaking. Prior to this, she completed an MFA in Fine Art from Wimbledon College of Art, London, and a BFA in Painting from the College of Art, Delhi University.

Ladha has participated in numerous international residencies and has exhibited her works in prestigious venues such as STPI in Singapore, the Royal Academy in London, the India Art Fair, and the International Print Center in New York, among others. Her works are part of esteemed collections including the British Museum, the V&A Museum, East London Printmakers, Mead Museum, RISD Museum, Women's Studio Workshop in the USA, Reliance Foundation, Anant Art Gallery in India, and SNAP Studio in Canada.

Her art has been featured in various publications such as Art in Print Journal, Fukt Magazine, Hindustan Times, Mid Day, Outlook, Art Soul Life Magazine, and India Art Review. Recently, she was awarded the Global Talent Award by the Arts Council England and was nominated for the Queen Sonja Print Award, a major international print prize. Ladha has also received several other accolades including the TAF Emerging South Asia Artist Award from Arts Family in 2021, the New Prints Artist Development Award from the International Print Center New York (IPCNY) in 2018, the Anthony Dawson Young Printmaker Award from the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE) in 2017, and the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2014.

In addition to her personal practice, Ladha founded the India Printmaker House, a platform that facilitates workshops, exhibitions, prizes, and residencies, creating opportunities for other artists to showcase and develop their work. She has extensive teaching experience across various age groups and contexts, having taught at institutions such as RUTC College, Young London Print Prize in Woolwich, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Arts, Amity University, and Artbuzz Studio in India.

Her significant contributions to the field of art are recognized by the Ben Uri Museum Research Unit in the UK. More information can be found here.

Education 

2014 — 16 | MA, Print, Royal College of Art, London, UK
2012 — 14 | MFA, Fine Arts, Wimbledon College of Art, University of the Arts, London
2008 — 12 | BFA, Painting, College of Art, University of Delhi, India
2003 — 08 | Bharatanatyam Classical Dance (Part-time), Senior Grade Level 2, Ahmedabad University, India 

Click here to check Shivangi Ladha's artworks

Kaja Klajda - Fashion Design Portfolio Preparation Course

Kaja Klajda is an accomplished fashion designer with extensive experience in creative direction, product development, and brand management. Currently serving as the Creative Director at Dare Lingerie in London since October 2022, Kaja has spearheaded a brand refresh initiative that significantly enhanced brand DNA, logo design, and communication strategies, resulting in a 20% surge in customer loyalty and a 30% increase in customer acquisition rates. She established comprehensive production procedures, optimized logistics to reduce carbon emissions by 25%, and developed the inaugural swimwear and activewear lines using sustainable materials.

From September 2023 to February 2024, Kaja worked remotely as the Creative Director for Flashee, curating over 150 high-quality brands and doubling the list of onboarded brand partners. Her strategic management and innovative social media strategies doubled engagement rates, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and creative skills.

Kaja’s previous roles include serving as a Short Course Assistant at the University of the Arts London in mid-2022, where she established an immersive design lab environment and provided specialised technical support, markedly improving students' practical skills and project outcomes. As a Fashion Designer for Lukis Global in early 2022, she co-designed a womenswear collection, led print design, and fabric selection processes, and created fashion illustrations that enhanced the collection’s visual appeal.

At Femi Stories in Warsaw, from January 2021 to November 2022, Kaja co-designed a sold-out menswear capsule collection and generated Instagram content that doubled engagement. She played a key role in designing and producing five seasonal collections, each featuring 100-150 SKUs. Her early experience includes working as a Studio Assistant at La Suite Jenny Sacerdote in Paris in mid-2020, where she drew over 400 fashion illustrations and technical drawings, constructed patterns, and developed designs based on archival research.

Kaja holds a Master of Arts in Art and Science from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, and a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Marangoni Institute in Paris. She has also completed a Bio-inspired Design course. Her skills encompass fashion design (womenswear, menswear, accessories), art direction, trend research, print and embroidery design, garment construction, tech packs, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Clo3D. She is fluent in English, French, and Polish.

Education 

Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London
Master of Arts; Art and Science. 

Bio-inspired Design, Online Course
Bio-inspired design. 

Marangoni Institute, Paris
Bachelor of Arts; Fashion Design. 

Click here to check Kaja Klajda's artwork

Minko Wong - Painting/Drawing Course

Minko Wong, a distinguished painter hailing from Hong Kong, specializes primarily in landscape and portraiture within his artistic endeavors. Having established and managed an esteemed art atelier in Hong Kong for a span exceeding five years, he has recently relocated to London, driven by a fervent ambition to advance his career as a painter.

At the core of Minko's artistic philosophy lies the principle of "Depth over details," wherein the manner of observation holds paramount importance over the technique of portrayal. This guiding principle resonates conspicuously throughout his body of work, evident in the nuanced perspectives portrayed within his paintings. Throughout the passage of time, Minko has actively participated in numerous collective exhibitions across prominent art scenes in London and Hong Kong. In the year 2021, he commemorated a milestone in his artistic journey by orchestrating his inaugural solo exhibition in Hong Kong, prior to his relocation.

This refined rendition aims to encapsulate Minko's artistic trajectory with a more academic tone, elucidating his distinctive approach to painting and his notable contributions to the art world.

Click here to check Minko Wong's artworks

Jake Lamerton - Painting Course

Jake Lamerton is a painter and printmaker who graduated from the Slade School of Fine Art. He has exhibited throughout Kent and London, most notably at the Royal Academy of Arts. Jake's practice is rooted in an understanding of traditional western approaches towards image-making, with specialist knowledge of underpainting, grisaille and glazing techniques. He has delivered painting courses to students at University College London and workshops to families at Royal Academy of Arts. 

Click here to check Jake Lamerton's artworks

Sam Gimson - Drawing & Painting Course

Sam is a figurative painter from Essex, working in oils and mixed media. His work is concerned with colour schemes and how these can be used concurrently to evoke a mix of feelings. His pictures are an attempt to find harmony in the competing stimuli and the contrasts of sentiment that modern life confronts us with.

Sam studied BA in Fine Art Painting at the University of Brighton and The Drawing Intensive at The Royal Drawing School in London. He is experienced in teaching in the UK and international countries including Russia. He also is well known for teaching young aged learners aged 5-12 at Cygnets Art School Putney in London.

 

Click here to check Sam Gimson's artworks

Yinjie Sun - Drawing/Painting Course

Yinjie Sun holds a Master’s degree from Chelsea College of Art and a Bachelor’s degree from both the China Academy of Art and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. His work explores the influence of religions and beliefs in literary contexts across China and Europe, examining their impact on everyday existence. Yinjie's artistic vocabulary is accessible to global audiences, incorporating references to both Eastern and Western philosophy and social history.

In his recent works, Yinjie has focused on unexpected objects as models, reflecting societal issues. He exhibits extensively in the UK and internationally, with notable solo shows at The Museum of East Asian Art in Bath (2012) and the Museo Ramon Maria Aller Museum in Lalin, Spain (2012). His work was selected by the Victoria and Albert Museum for the Chinese New Year Celebration and exhibited in the Raphael Gallery (2011).

Yinjie's work has also been featured in the UK Chinese Artists Biennale at Asia House (2013), Dulwich Picture Gallery (2014), The Mall Gallery (2013), Shanghai Biennale (2012), Barbican Art Center (2012), Today Art Museum in Beijing (2011), Sunshine Art Museum in China (2010), Ourense Museum in Spain (2011), Shengyang Industrial Museum in China (2010), and Sunshine International Art Museum in Beijing (2010).

He has collaborated with and been commissioned by internationally renowned companies such as HSBC, Viktor & Rolf, Giorgio Armani, Harrods, and Selfridges & Co. His work has been featured in numerous publications including BBC China, Eastern Art Report, The State Council News Office of China, People’s Daily Newspaper, China News, and Art China. Yinjie's art is represented in public and private collections in Britain and worldwide.

Click here to check Yinjie Sun’s art work

Matthew Ingram - Drawing/Painting Tutor 

Matthew Ingram is a multi-disciplined and highly creative art tutor with a wealth of experience in both the academic and commercial sectors. Currently, he is an esteemed faculty member at Middlesex University, where he imparts his extensive knowledge of life drawing and digital illustration to BA Animation and BA Illustration students. He is also pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PG Cert HE) to further enhance his pedagogical skills.

With a strong foundation in the fundamentals of art, Matt approaches life drawing from an academic perspective, emphasising proportion, structure, volume, perspective, value, colour, composition, and anatomy. His teaching methodology includes both comparative measurement and sight-size approaches, ensuring that students gain a robust understanding of drawing the human figure and become proficient in various mediums.

Matt's commitment to education is evidenced by his versatile teaching portfolio. In addition to life drawing, he has taught Adobe Creative Suite to first-year BA Illustration students, equipping them with industry-standard skills that are crucial for their future careers. His lesson plans are meticulously crafted in accordance with pedagogic learning theories and course curricula, and he is dedicated to providing pastoral care, organising field trips, and managing course administration.

Beyond academia, Matt boasts over seven years of experience as both a freelance illustrator and an in-house illustrator for a renowned London brand agency. His commercial work includes high-profile clients such as Sky Cinema, Johnny Walker, Strongbow, Cruz Campo, and many others. In these roles, he has demonstrated versatility and proficiency in various styles, including typography, hand-lettering, engraving, digital painting, photo-realism, and vector graphic illustrations.

Matt's professional journey began with a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Middlesex University,  , followed by a foundation year at the London Atelier of Representational Art (LARA). His early career also includes acting, where he appeared in a variety of commercial, television, film, and theatre projects, showcasing his diverse talents and creative flair.

Today, Matt Ingram continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists with his comprehensive knowledge, artistic expertise, and unwavering dedication to education. His extensive experience in the arts, coupled with a profound desire to share his skills, makes him an invaluable asset to any educational institution.

Click here to see examples of Matthew Ingram's work on our teachers’ art & design page.

Robert Cary-Williams - Fashion Design, Illustration and Textile Portfolio Courses

Robert Cary-Williams is an avant-garde British fashion designer.

Robert Cary-Williams studied fashion design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, and set up his own-name label in 1998. In 1999, he won the British Fashion Council's New Generation Award.

Robert has and still lectures at many prestigious universities including Norwich University, Icelandic Academy of the Arts, University of the Arts, London, LASALLE College of Arts a Design Singapore, Keeler Gordon, London, Winchester School of Art and Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design to name a few.

EDUCATION

  • Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design: Oct 2007 - Sept-2009 MFA 75%
  • Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design: Oct. 1996 - Feb 1998
  • MA Fashion Distinction Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London Sep 1990 - Jun 1994 BA Fashion 2:1

Click here to see examples of Robert's work on our teachers’ art & design page.

Nicolas Granger-Taylor - Painting Course

Nicolas Granger-Taylor

Nicolas is a traditionalist figurative painter, working mainly in oils. His principal subjects are portraits, nudes, and still lifes. Since completing his postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy Schools in 1990, Nicolas has had a number of solo exhibitions in London, and has exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the BP Portrait Award, the Discerning Eye, and the New English Art Club. He is the grandson of the artist Edith Granger-Taylor, who was highly regarded for her works in pastel.

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Joshua Millard - Fashion Design, Illustration and Textile Portfolio Courses

Joshua Millard is a cutting-edge contemporary fashion designer. He graduated from the prestigious UAL, London College of Fashion.

His expertise in both menswear and womenswear is the fruit of his prodigious background working for brands such as Chanel and Jonathan Saunders. He is now the head of his own luxury brand.

Click here to see examples of Joshua’s work on our teachers’ art & design page.

Graeme Armour - Fashion Design, Illustration and Textile Portfolio Courses

Graeme Armour is a Designer and International Creative Consultant with over 13 years experience in the fashion industry. 
A Graduate of Central Saint Martins Masters program under Louise Wilson he has previously worked for Brands like Isabel Marant, Adidas and Alexander McQueen.

Click here to see examples of Graeme’s work on our teachers’ art & design page.

Emily Roberts - Painting Course

Emily Roberts was educated at the University of Bristol and Charles Cecil Studios, Florence, where she went on to teach for several years whilst holding key administrative roles. Her work aims to celebrate the movement and flow of light be it in portraiture, still life, landscape or figurative work. A background in History of Art and a commitment to understanding the methods and materials of the old masters are the defining factors of her practice, while her subject matter takes it’s inspiration from the complexities and contradictions of the modern psyche.

She has exhibited at the Royal Academy and Mall Galleries, and has held residences in Europe and Asia.

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Maryam Foroozanfar - Painting Course

Maryon Foroozanfar is an artist with an established background and with an expertise in portrait painting. In particular, she studied in New York where she obtained her BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She now works in London where she has been shortlisted for many prestigious prizes and exhibitions such as The Columbia Threadneedle Prize (2016) and the legendary BP Portrait Award. Moreover, she has regularly exhibited her work at the National Portrait Gallery since 2004. Her continuous presence at this national and international institution is the result of Maryon’s efforts in constantly redefining and pushing the boundaries of contemporary portraiture.

Marilia Stagkouraki - Drawing Course

Born in Greece in 1982, lives and works in London and Athens.

EDUCATION

2012-2013: Chelsea College of Art and Design, MA Fine Arts.

2004-2009: Athens School of Fine Art, BA Painting.

2008-2009: Athens School of Fine Art, Education Diploma in Art.

2007: École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris, ESN.

Click here to check Marilia Stagkouraki’s art work

Catherine Francis - Architecture Course

 

Catherine is an award-winning architecture and interior designer tutor. She holds a BA and MA from University College London (UCL) and has won awards in both London and Oslo, including the 1st prize at the National Museum of Art as well as numerous retail project awards for the Nordic Council of Shopping Centres and other commercial entities both in Oslo and London. Catherine also realised innumerable interior designs projects throughout her career, from concept to final completion and therefore understands all aspects of any design brief.

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Rod Bastable - Painting and Life Drawing

Rodney Bastable was born in 1953 and spent his formative years in a rural environment, which provided the base for his artistic interests. He attended Great Yarmouth College of Art and Design for his Foundation Studies and the Winchester School of Art where he completed a Dip.AD course. Back at home, he proceeded to study landscape and portraiture. The works of Michelangelo and Turner were an inspiration, along with the writings of Vasari and Ruskin. Working in a range of media, the following six years resulted in many solo shows and a wide range of commissions in both portraiture and landscape.

In 1985 he exhibited at the Royal Academy. In his own words:
‘My studies of light, in the engineering and scientific sense, have given me a unique visual resource to use in my manipulation of pigment and result in a different approach to the surface preparations and effects used in my paintings. I believe these treatments affirm a continuation from the classic works which inspired me.
I believe that acrylic, used in the largest part of my collection, is a purer media than oil, despite the old school views. I am certain that Turner and the Impressionists would also have supported my view. My works from 40 years ago are as fresh as the day I made them. On smaller works I prefer to use soft pastel on Ingres faced card, because of the grainy, particle pixelated effect’.

Click here to check Rod Bastable’s art work

Jon Britten - Drawing Course

Since graduating from Art College in 1992 (with a degree in Illustration) Jon has consistently practised and developed his work in both drawing, painting and printmaking. He recently took regular classes (over a three year period) on the public programme at the Royal Drawing School and remains committed to observational study even though his work is at times, non objective. His latest phase sees a return to his roots in illustration and explores themes of fantasy to produce stand alone works given rise to by a graphic novel Jon is currently working on (as both artist and writer). He is an experienced drawing instructor.

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Ve Tippetts - Painting Course

Ve is currently living in London and has completed her Masters in Painting at the Royal College of Art, having previously gained a degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths University of London. She attended the Charles. H. Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy and it was here that she learnt painting methods and techniques that had been passed down from the Renaissance period, where the subject is painted exclusively from life without any technological aid. She depicts her subjects in broad impressions, incorporating the abstract and representational, engaging with the fleeting sense of light and movement from life’s observation. Using this crucial classical training with a contemporary twist, Ve can create poetic yet accurate representational portraits of her subjects, either from life sittings or an assemblage of photographs. She can also accommodate site-specific commissioned portraiture and can work from sittings arranged at the clients home or chosen location. Ve has twice received the Elizabeth Greenshields award for Excellence in Painting, and currently live and work in London.

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Olivia Crane - Drawing Course

Olivia spent two years studying traditional atelier methods at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy before moving to France to work as a painter’s assistant for the Parisian based artist Nick Devereux. After a year in France, Olivia returned to London to pursue her own professional practice.
 

CV: 2012 to 2014, the Florence Academy of Art, Italy. 2012, the London Atelier of Representational Art (LARA). 2008 to 2012, the University of Newcastle Combined BA (Hons) in History of Art and Classical World Culture (2 years Fine Art BA discontinued 2010) Grade 2:1. 2007 to 2008, Chelsea College of Art, London Foundation Diploma.

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Lucy Crabtree - Drawing Course

Classically trained professional artist Lucy Crabtree’s work performs within a large variety of media.

Having undertaken a foundation year at Wimbledon College of Art, she continues her studies in Technical Arts for film and theatre.

She went on to further her knowledge in Florence studying at the Russian Academy of Art, where she gained a real insight into aesthetics and took inspiration from the great masters.

Working within some of Europe’s great museums and galleries increased her artistic insight. It was there that she found her true perception of the world as an artist and that inspiration stays with her to this day.

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Shishi Du - Fashion Design

Education
2010 – 2012: London College Of Fashion BA FDT
Major: BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear

2007– 2009: Northumbria University

Major: BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear Western history, technique drawing,pattern making and design

2006-2007: Tsinghua University

Major: Art And Design, Business English, Chinese, History, Engrave and IT

Click here to check Shishi Du’s artworks

Judy Pilarczyk - Drawing Course

Specialising in oil painting and works in pencil, Judy Pilarczyk has received an MA from The Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Poland. Since graduating she has exhibited internationally as part of group displays. As a member of the polish Plein-Air Painting society, she takes part in group exhibitions every year. Judy’s work can be described as narrative realism. The people in her paintings are particular persons that represent themselves. She always looks for unique personalities with interesting faces. Being in London, and working in the fashion department at Central Saint Martins, has had a significant impact on Judy’s art, and has contributed to her style and the concept of the beauty that she endeavours to represent. Judy also specialises in fashion illustration, using colour pencils as her primary medium. Judy currently works and resides in London.

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Liuqing Yang - Visual Communications

Liuqing Yang studied Visual Communications at the Royal College of Art. Her expertise focuses on the moving image and graphic design. Her experience in packaging, web, and VI design for companies and studios gave her an insight on contemporary corporate design. Moreover, she has worked for the International Art Institutes Association as a designer to help students throughout their portfolio preparation. She assists people with the whole process including research, development and interview simulations. The development of her portfolio preparation targets each student’s application for subject such as graphic, branding, spatial, textile and fashion graphic design. Liuqing is an invaluable resource for those that need help to develop their works as well as assistance in displaying their work in a digital format.

Click here to check Liuqing Yang’s artworks

Annalisa Saviano Wilkinson - Drawing Course

As a painter born in the beautiful surroundings  of  Lake Como Italy ,she studied Art at “Liceo Artistico G.Terragni”and at  the acclaimed Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan. It was here she learned classical drawing and painting techniques alongside other subjects such as History of Art ,painting restoration, conservation and photography. Her passion for  Art was inherited from her grandfather (a philanthropist & patron). It was his appreciation of her natural ability to portray  the beauty of nature that inspired her journey into the arts. She paints in the traditional style, predominantly oil paint, favouring methods developed by the old masters but still appreciating more modern techniques such as abstract and digital mediums. Annalisa works mostly on commission and has also exhibited in Italy and London. EXHIBITIONS Award: “Brianza’s young Artists Exhibition”, Palazzo Broletto, Como, Italy Group Exhibition. Entered two Oil landscapes, won the young artist prize and a covering article in the local press. – Degree Show at the Academy of Fine Art of Brera, Milan. – Solo exhibition at the “Castello di Pomerio” Como, Italy – Entered London Royal Academy of Art “Summer Exhibition” Submitted an Oil Painting and a drawing. –  Art Gallery/studio “Il Naviglio”, Milan. – Exhibition at the Accademia Italiana in London – Exhibited at the Anglo Italian Academy of Art,. Gagliardi Gallery London.

Click here to check Annalisa Saviano Wilkinson’s artworks

Robert Obrien - Painting Course

Robert is a well-established artist in the UK and have had work shown in the National Portrait Gallery in London on several occasions. In 2008 he was awarded 3rd prize in the prestigious BP Portrait Award.

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Chung Desmond - Chinese Calligraphy Course

Born in Hong Kong, Desmond studied Chinese calligraphy and painting from a young age under the late Lingnan master Chiu Sai-Kwong. The Lingnan style of art developed in Guangdong during the early 1900s, a time of revolution in China. As such, works from this period often had Western and Japanese influences. In fact, a lot of the Lingnan masters studied abroad and subsequently brought a fresh outlook to the more traditional form of Chinese art. Desmond came to the UK in 2002. While studying the sciences, he continued practising Chinese calligraphy and painting. Moreover, he started studies in Western drawing and painting, as he believes such skills would bring an additional element to and thus improve his works. Desmond has been participating in annual group exhibitions and is a member of the Hong Kong Art Research Association. In 2013, he demonstrated calligraphy at one of the city law firms as part of their Chinese New Year celebrations. Desmond currently lives and work in London.

Click here to check Chung Desmond’s artworks

Shu-wen Kang (Sharon) - Chinese Painting Course

Shu-wen Kang (Sharon) was born in Taiwan and is now living and working in London. She holds a Master degree from University of the Arts London and Bachelor degree from Taipei Municipal University of Education in Taiwan. She was major in Chinese Painting and arts education. Sharon’s interest and talent of Arts has been discovered since she was young. She received high scores in all the art subjects in schools, and she was also the president of the Comic Book Drawing Clubs in both secondary and high school. Sharon has the specific interest in Chinese painting, and had received formal Chinese painting training since she was 14. In 2004, she attended the Taiwan University Art Exam and won the 1st prize in the Chinese Painting subject. In her earlier art works, Sharon has done several traditional/academic style Chinese Paintings of mountains and rivers, flowers, birds and fish. Being a big fan of Post-Modernism, she later on became fascinated with mixing elements in contrast (western and eastern; traditional and modern) in her paintings to create a visually fun impact, and to interact with her audiences.

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Zhang Qian - Chinese Painting (Gongbi) / Calligraphy Course

1999 Graduated from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art, BA Traditional Chinese Painting.

2009 Graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, MA Fine Art.

Born into a traditional Chinese family, Zhang Qian became interested in Chinese classical literature, painting and calligraphy. She acquired a Bachelor of Chinese traditional painting from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art in 1999 and an MA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in 2009.

As a contemporary artist, her work deals with the unknown and the challenges which develop from this. She takes her knowledge and understanding of the world and communicates this through the visual language of painting. She specialises in Chinese ink techniques, especially on rice paper.

She has established herself within the fields of art research and art education. In 2011 she began working at the Arts College of Jinan University where she joined the Studies of Chinese Art Lecturing Team. Her teaching programs are vividly comprehensive as she utilises her knowledge of Chinese culture woven with Western artistic traditions.

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Yuet Yean Teo - Chinese Painting Course

Yuet Yean Teo was born in Malaysia. Her interests in painting and drawing has been cultivated since young. Therefore, she chose art as her major in Chong Hwa High School Malaysia when she was 16. After obtaining a diploma major in Western Painting and sub-specializing in Chinese Painting at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, she further extended her BA in Painting with University of the Arts London Camberwell College of Arts. During her studies in London, she participated in several group exhibitions. She is also the member of Singapore Society of Chinese Artists. She currently lives and works in London. In 2014, Yuet has been commissioned by HSBC. to create some art works for their Chinese new year event, and her works have been displayed in all branches throughout UK. In 2015, 2015 Yuet has been commissioned by Selfridges&Co. to create a few art pieces to be used on their gift cards.

Click here to check Yuet Yean Teo’s art work