Classical Atelier Training
Online 1-1 mentorship
Train in the methods of the great European Ateliers through personalised one-to-one mentorship with internationally recognised artist Nichola Eddery
1-1 Private Online Mentorship
Train in the classical atelier tradition through direct, one-to-one mentorship with Nichola Eddery, an established and exhibiting British portrait and sporting artist.
Unlike online atelier programmes built around recorded content or written critique, this mentorship is centered on direct, live teaching - where every decision, correction, and refinement happens in real time.
Each programme is individually tailored, allowing for a structured approach to drawing and painting, adapted to your level, pace, and long-term goals.
Why study with Nichola
-
Train with a classically trained artist with over twenty years of professional practice and more than a decade of teaching experience
-
Private, one-to-one mentorship, fully tailored to the individual
-
A step-by-step approach rooted in nineteenth-century atelier training and its Renaissance foundations
-
The flexibility to pursue focused study — portraiture, figure, equine, canine, or the development of a personal body of work
-
The ability to train from anywhere in the world, working from your own studio with direct, ongoing weekly guidance
-
A limited number of students accepted at any one time to ensure a high level of individual attention
About Nichola
Nichola is a classically trained professional artist, educated at leading ateliers in Italy, France, and the United States.
She is a principal artist at Osborne Studio Gallery, Belgravia, London, and was Artist in Residence at the National Horse Racing Museum (2024–2026), where her work forms part of the permanent collection. Her work has been exhibited widely in the UK and internationally, recognised by the Art Renewal Center, and is held in private collections worldwide.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Nichola has mentored students in-person and online internationally, including students in the UK, Ireland, USA, Japan, Australia and the Middle East. She has led workshops at the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Museum, National Gallery, and the National Horse Racing Museum. Previously, she spent over three years leading and designing classical training programmes at a private London art school that incorporated Chinese Academy training.
“I understand the expense and commitment required to study for several years within the atelier system. For this reason, I have designed programmes that enable students to train from home, anywhere in the world, while balancing personal and professional commitments, without compromising the depth or quality of instruction. I believe the one-to-one format and alternating weekly lessons and critiques also offers an exceptional level of focus and clarity, allowing students to excel in their progress,” Nichola
To view Nichola's work please visit her Gallery
a rare opportunity
It is rare to find a classical atelier training from a teacher who has learnt multiple approaches and offers equal depth across the human figure, the horse, the dog, and broader sporting subjects. Nichola's background as both a classically trained artist and specialist in these fields offers a unique opportunity to study traditional principles within these disciplines.
You can choose to focus on one or multiple subjects:
-
Portraiture and the human figure
-
The horse and canine form
-
Sporting and equestrian subjects
"To be able to undertake high quality training in classical realism with an exceptional artist such as Nichola through the ease of an online platform has been a dream come true. " Clare, UK, current student
Atelier Mentorship
Foundation | Core | Development
Mentorship is offered across three levels, each designed to suit your individual commitment, goals, and pace of study. Together, the programmes form part of a structured progression within long-term classical atelier training.
Nichola strongly recommends beginning with the fundamentals of drawing, as drawing is the foundation of all artistic disciplines and underpins the success of a painting. From there, students may progress into a core drawing programme, refine their focus within a chosen genre, and later advance into oil painting. Students may choose to specialise in one discipline or develop confidence across several.
Drawing Fundamentals
Classical Atelier Training in Painting
Painting Fundamentals
Traditional Study of the Horse and/or Dog
Classical Atelier Training in Drawing
Development
Choose your Bespoke study plan
Foundation Programmes
-
Fundamentals in Drawing (graphite)
Develop fundamental observational skills through traditional drawing exercises and still life studies, including perspective, proportion, light theory, value, planes, and form modelling. -
Fundamentals in Oil Painting
Learn the foundations of classical oil painting through still life and traditional exercises, covering value, colour theory, colour mixing, form painting, edge control, and an introduction to indirect painting methods.
Core Programmes
-
Classical Atelier Training - Drawing (graphite, charcoal, chalk and sanguine)
A structured drawing programme rooted in the historic methods of the great European ateliers. Training includes Bargue studies, cast drawing, anatomy, Old Master copies, and portrait and figure work from photographic reference. Students are also guided in setting up casts and still life arrangements at home to support observational study and assignments. -
Classical Atelier Training - Oil Painting
A structured painting programme based on traditional atelier methods, focused on portraiture and the figure. Study includes cast painting, Old Master copies, monochromatic and colour studies, limited and extended palette techniques, direct and indirect painting methods, and compositional development using photographic reference. -
Equine & Canine Study
A classical approach to drawing and painting the horse and dog, grounded in structure, anatomy, movement, colour, texture, and form. Suitable for students wishing to specialise in equine, canine, and sporting subjects within a traditional atelier framework.
Development Programmes
-
Sporting & Figurative Art
Composition, movement, and narrative within a classical framework -
Professional Development
Portfolio development, presentation, and guidance toward a professional practice
Selected Lesson examples
Casts | Figure | Old Master studies | Development pieces
Why this mentorship is different
"Built on direct, live teaching - not recorded critique or delayed feedback", Nichola
Three Mentorship Programmes
Traditional atelier training typically requires three to four years of full-time study, with fees often beginning at £3000 per term.
Nichola’s mentorship programmes offer a more flexible pathway into this tradition — without compromising on depth or rigour.
Teaching is delivered through direct, one-to-one sessions, allowing for immediate guidance, correction, and clarity — accelerating both understanding and progress.
The three and six-month programmes are complemented by dedicated critique sessions, providing time for independent study while maintaining focused, ongoing feedback.
Sessions are conducted via Zoom, with work reviewed and refined in real time. For the one-month programme weekly lessons are recommended and for the longer courses alternating weekly between lessons and critiques is recommended to support consistent progress.
Each Mentorship has a differnt time allowance, designed to suit your level of commitment and pace of study.
Monthly Atelier Mentorship - 4 weeks
4 Private Lessons (1.5 hrs per Session) | Bespoke Study Plan | Assignments
A focused introduction to classical training, ideal as starting point or ongoing flexible study.
Three-Month Development Programme - 12 weeks (Most Popular)
Six-Month Atelier Programme - 24 weeks (Best value for serious study)
6 Private Lessons (2 hrs per Session) | 6 x 20 minute Zoom Critique | Bespoke Study Plan | Assignments
A structured and progressive programme designed to build strong foundations and confidence within your chosen area.
Ideal for core and development courses.
12 Private Lessons (2 hrs per Session) | 12 x 20 minute Zoom Critique | Bespoke Study Plan | Assignments | Additional two weeks offered to complete your course.
The atelier experience
An immersive period of study, allowing for deeper understanding, refinement, and the development of a strong cohesive body of work.
Ideal for core and development courses.
Atelier Philosophy
"A process of directing, correcting and accelerating - guiding each student towards faster, more confident progress", Nichola
"I have utterly enjoyed my live online lessons with Nichola over the last few months. Nichola is highly knowledgeable and provides thorough guidance throughout the lessons. Her advice on drawing and painting has been invaluable." Michaela, Abu Dhabi, former student
How online Mentorship works
-
Initial consultation and tailored programme
-
Live, one-to-one Zoom sessions with direct feedback
-
Ongoing guidance and structured assignments
-
Flexible scheduling
Preparing for Your Online Lesson
Preparing for Your Online Lesson
-
A simple and well-organised workspace will allow you to get the most from your mentorship. The setup does not need to be elaborate—only considered and practical.
Studio Setup
-
Easel (a lightweight, portable tripod easel is perfectly suitable)
-
Chair and small side table
-
Drawing board (wood or foam board) with two clips
-
A well-lit space, ideally with natural north-facing light or a consistent artificial light source
Devices & Setup
-
A laptop or tablet for communication, reference material, and screen sharing
-
A smartphone positioned to clearly show your work during the lesson
-
For the best experience, your phone should be mounted on an extension arm clamped to a stand or table, angled directly towards your drawing or painting surface. This allows Nichola to observe your process and provide precise, real-time guidance
-
You may join Zoom using both devices; however, please ensure audio is enabled on only one device to avoid echo.
-
Please join WhatsApp to share images during the lesson
Nichola will provide specific material lists as required.
Additional Guidance
Please view studio setup example image for reference.
Nichola offers guidance on creating an effective home studio environment and welcomes you to share images of your setup for personalised advice.
What You Will Receive
-
A private consultation to establish your direction and objectives
-
Tailored one-to-one mentorship aligned to your level and ambitions
-
A bespoke programme rooted in classical atelier training
-
Live, in-depth critique and correction within each session
-
Structured assignments designed to accelerate progress
-
Demonstrations and refined visual guidance where required
-
Continued support between lessons via 20-minute Zoom critiques
-
Portfolio review and strategic development planning
-
Professional insight for those pursuing a career in art
-
The confidence, clarity, and refinement to develop your individual artistic voice
FAQ
1. “Am I good enough and do I need prior experience?"
No. Beginners are welcome. Training begins with fundamental drawing principles and progresses at your pace. Also great for more advanced artists too.
2. “How do the lessons actually work online?”
Lessons are held privately online via Zoom, allowing for direct observation, feedback, and demonstration in real time.
3. “Will this actually help me improve?”
Progress depends on commitment, but students benefit from immediate correction and structured guidance—advancing more efficiently than in group settings.
4. “Is this worth the investment?”
Traditional atelier study typically requires full-time commitment over several years. These programmes offer the same principles in a flexible, tailored format.
5. “How long should I study for?”
It depends on the individual and what they wish to accomplish. Anywhere from three months to four years.
WHO THIS IS FOR
-
Adult students seeking classical training online
-
Artists looking for structure, clarity, and meaningful progress
-
Those aiming toward a professional standard
-
Aspiring portrait, figurative, equine or sporting artists
-
Beginners with commitment
-
Dedicated and talented young students (16+) may be considered
Enquiries
Apply for online Mentorship
Nichola offers a limited number of places each year for private mentorship, allowing for a highly focused, supportive, and personalised learning experience alongside her studio practice.
She warmly welcomes applications from dedicated students at all levels who are seeking to develop their skills through classical training.
To apply, please include:
-
A brief introduction
-
Current level and any prior training
-
Artistic goals
-
Area of focus
-
Examples of work
-
Preferred start timeframe
Please send your application to Nichola at:
"I very much look forward to hearing from you and supporting your development", Nichola
Availability
Lessons and critiques are scheduled according to UK Time
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10 - 6 pm
Wednesday: 4 pm - 8 pm
Saturday: 10 - 4pm (limited availability)
