Classical Atelier Training
Online 1-1 mentorship
Train in the methods of the great European ateliers, from your own studio anywhere in the world.
Mentorship programmes tailored for those seeking a classical approach to the human figure, or specialising in equine, canine, and sporting subjects.
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.
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
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Train with a classically trained artist with over twenty years of professional practice and more than a decade of teaching experience
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Private, one-to-one mentorship, fully tailored to the individual
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A step-by-step approach rooted in nineteenth-century atelier training and its Renaissance foundations
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The flexibility to pursue focused study — portraiture, figure, equine, canine, or the development of a personal body of work
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The ability to train from anywhere in the world, working from your own studio with direct, ongoing weekly guidance
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A limited number of students accepted at any one time to ensure a high level of individual attention
About Nichola
Education
2001-2003 Charles H. Cecil Studios, Florence, Italy
2009-2010 Studio Escalier, Paris and Argenton, Loire Valley, France
2010 L' Ecole Albert Defois, Les Cerqeux-Sous-Passavant, Loire Vallery, France
2011 Ryan Wurmser, Westlake, California, USA
2014 JSS, Civita, Italy
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 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
Its 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:
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Portraiture and the human figure
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The horse and canine form
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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 Programmes
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.
Foundation Programmes
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Fundamentals in Drawing (graphite)
Observation, proportion, perspective, light theory, value, planes, form modelling, developed through traditional exercises and still life -
Fundamentals in Oil Painting
Value, colour theory, colour mixing and form painting, edge control and an introduction to the indirect method developed through traditional exercises and still life
Core Programmes
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Classical Atelier Training - Drawing (graphite, charcoal, chalk and sanguine)
Development of skills in portraiture and figure drawing through Bargue plates, casts, anatomy, Old Master studies and working from photographic reference. You will also be taught how to set-up a cast and still life at home, so you can work from life as assignments. -
Classical Atelier Training - Oil Painting
Learning traditional methods in portraiture and the figure painting through cast studies, making Old Master copies and learning how to use the photograph as reference. Exploring limited and extended palette techniques and learning monochromatic and colour studies, direct and indirect painting methods plus compositional development. -
Equine & Canine Study
A classical approach to drawing and oil painting the horse and dog, grounded in structure, anatomy, colour, texture and form. Similar content to classical atelier training.
Development Programmes
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Sporting & Figurative Art
Composition, movement, and narrative within a classical framework -
Professional Development
Portfolio development, presentation, and guidance toward a professional practice
Atelier Philosophy
" A process of directing, correcting and accelerting - guiding each student towards faster, more confident progress"
Programme Structure
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.
Lessons 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. Alternating weekly between lessons and critiques is recommended to support consistent progress.
1. Monthly Atelier Mentorship
2 Private Lessons (2 hrs per Session) | 2 x 20 minute Zoom Critique | Bespoke Study Plan | Assignments
A focused introduction to classical training, ideal as starting point or ongoing flexible study.
2. Three-Month Development Programme (Most Popular)
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.
3. Six-Month Atelier Programme (Best value for serious study)
12 Private Lessons (2 hrs per Session) | 12 x 20 minute Zoom Critique | Bespoke Study Plan | Assignments
The atelier experience
An immersive period of study, allowing for deeper understanding, refinement, and the development of a strong cohesive body of work.
Please see below how to enrol, pricing and more information.
"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
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Initial consultation and tailored programme
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Live, one-to-one Zoom sessions with direct feedback
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Ongoing guidance and structured assignments
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Flexible scheduling
Preparing for Your Online Lesson
Preparing for Your Online Lesson
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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
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Easel (a lightweight, portable tripod easel is perfectly suitable)
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Chair and small side table
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Drawing board (wood or foam board) with two clips
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A well-lit space, ideally with natural north-facing light or a consistent artificial light source
Devices & Setup
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A laptop or tablet for communication, reference material, and screen sharing
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A smartphone positioned to clearly show your work during the lesson
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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
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You may join Zoom using both devices; however, please ensure audio is enabled on only one device to avoid echo.
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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
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A private consultation to establish your direction and objectives
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Tailored one-to-one mentorship aligned to your level and ambitions
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A bespoke programme rooted in classical atelier training
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Live, in-depth critique and correction within each session
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Structured assignments designed to accelerate progress
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Demonstrations and refined visual guidance where required
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Continued support between lessons via 20-minute Zoom critiques
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Portfolio review and strategic development planning
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Professional insight for those pursuing a career in art
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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
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Adult students seeking classical training
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Artists looking for structure, clarity, and meaningful progress
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Those aiming toward a professional standard
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Beginners with commitment
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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:
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A brief introduction
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Current level and any prior training
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Artistic goals
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Area of focus
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Examples of work
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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: 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Price List
120 British pounds
230 British pounds
650 British pounds
Read MoreAn In-Depth Atelier Training Period | 12 Lessons (2hrs Each) | 12 x 20-minute Zoom Critiques & More
1,200 British pounds