Mentoring with Martrius ... Emerging Artist mentoring sessions began March 23rd, 2022, but there is still room to join now!
8 person maximum, 2 hours once a month for 6 months ... 4-6pm PT 5-7pm MT 7-9pm ET
I'm now working with the Mastrius group based in Calgary Alberta. Julie, Mike and their terrific team have put together a growing list of very experienced Mastermind mentors from all around the world.
There are currently 3 available mentoring levels to choose from ...
Aspiring Artists: Artists who are early in their Careers. Two hours, once a month for 6 months.
Emerging Artists: Artists who are currently or soon to be showing in commercial galleries. Two hours, once a month for 6 months.
Professional Artists: Artists who are working professionals with 10 years experience. Mark Heine is currently the only Mentor offering this level of mentorship. Three hours, once a month for 6 months.
Sessions are on-line via Zoom meeting and limited to 6-8 participants, one navigator liaison and the mentor. The 2-3 hour sessions (depending on level) occur once a month for 6 months. Visit https://www.mastrius.com for a list of mentors and their specialities.
For a schedule of Mark's sessions visit click here for details
What's in store ...
There are many renowned Mastrius masters to work with. Each has their own take on what it is to be a mentor. I've designed a 6 session program that touch on all aspects of what it takes to be a successful artist. Many of these aspects go far beyond simply a paint brush in hand. This program is applied to any level of experience from Aspiring for beginners to Professional, which dives into greater detail. Personally, I find session planning vital. The plan insures that nothing is missed, as I am mentoring multiple groups at several levels, each at different stages in the 6 month program.
What makes a Mastrius session different from an instructional video? Mastrius sessions are live, interactive and kept to a maximum of 8 participants. There is a great deal of one on one interaction and participants are highly encouraged to interrupt and ask questions. Each session is recorded and accessible for replay for all participants for the following week. Sessions are once every 4 weeks to allow time for homework completion. There are also informal Zoom social group meetings held 2 weeks after each session, where participants can chat, get acquainted and share ideas.
Session One ...
"What's in your soap box?"
1. Introductions including experience, preferred medium, preferred subject and 5 year aspirations. A little of my background.
2. Guidelines ... Working within self imposed parameters.
3. Recognizing your passions ... The path to discovering your unique artistic voice. This may sound daunting, but there is a simple step-by-step process.
4. Art is not a product ... It is an exploration you invite viewers to partake in.
5. Making a mess ... The cathartic process of canvas preparation (demonstration included.)
6. The strategy of approach ... Where to start and why
7. The series ... the deep study of a common subject.
8. Homework Assignment due for next session.
Session two ...
"The Elements of Composition (part 1)"
1. Interactive critique of homework ... Each participant is encouraged to say what they like about each piece as well as given licence to voice a constructive criticism.
2. Mark's Painting Bible ... I've spent the past 35 years compiling a list of the 66 elements of painting. Once understood, these elements are the tools in your toolbox for building a well planned composition and successful painting. We will go carefully through this list, point by point.
3. The application of the Fibonacci curve and rule of thirds. A descriptive slide show.
4. Planning a painting ... A point-by-point slide show describing my thought process when creating a composition.
5. Compositional style ... Developing a signature compositional style.
6. Homework Assignment due for next session.
Session three ...
"The Elements of Composition (part 2), Marketing and Rights (part 1)"
1. Interactive critique of homework.
2. Compositional thinking ... Examples of my experiments in the dynamics of composition.
3. Breaking the rules ... Pushing beyond the norms and your own comfort zone.
4. Stretching the spring ... Risk and reward. Creative growth explained.
5. Value planning, colour planning and compositional studies.
6. Marketing ... Social media, algorithms, public forums, publications, web blogs.
7. Competitions ... The advantages and the pitfalls.
8. Memberships ... Associations, juried designations. The advantages and the pitfalls.
9. Working for a cause ... Charitable donations and your show's theme.
10. Exposure ... Proposing articles for publication (print and on-line). Advatorials and paid advertising. Summarizing your concepts in writing.
11. Reproductions ... Are they right for you? Edition sizes, certificates of authenticity, partnerships.
12. Copyright ... Reference material, model releases, the many options of selling usage, moral rights, contracts and their pitfalls.
13. The study ... reserving your rights to re-visit a composition.
14. Homework Assignment due for next session.
Session Four ...
"Marketing and Rights (part 2)"
1. Interactive critique of homework.
2. Web site ... Content IE: Videos, close-ups, in situ, news feed, direct sales, reproductions, gallery cooperation, contact list, CV, Biography, Mission Statement, awards, publications, etc.
3. Branding professionalism, ... Standardizing your presentation, fonts, graphics, templates, signature, writing.
4. Branding documents ... Biography (multiple versions), CV, Mission Statement.
5. Certificate s of authenticity for originals, finger prints, back labels.
6. Galleries ... How to find, how to approach, vanity galleries, overcrowded stables, expense agreements, contracts, scams, consignment sheets, digital and regional exclusivity, negotiating room, sale prices, damage.
7. Promo images ... Painting proofs at various resolutions, working selfies and videos, sharing works in progress.
8. On-line sales ... The ins and outs (PayPal, wire transfer, e-transfer, credit card.)
9. Email scams ... What to watch for.
10. Tracking inventory
11. Ground texture application ... Demonstration on canvas (in preparation for next session.)
12. Homework ... part 1, write a Mission Statement ... part 2, begin a painting but do not complete (in anticipation of a mid painting critique next session.)
Session Five ...
"Studio Setup"
1. Interactive critique of homework in progress. Read your mission statement out loud.
2. Demonstration of ground colour application and it's purpose.
3. The approach ... Media type, brush selection (mental approach), canvas size, target image.
4. Studio organization ... Lighting, palette systems, maul sticks, painting storage.
5. Surfaces ... Canvas and stretcher options, panels, watercolour paper and stretching.
6. Brush options ... Brands, spine, types, care and repair, usage throughout the day.
7. Textures ... Pro's and con's
8. Mediums ... types, brands, where to buy.
9. Metal foils ... types, longevity.
10. Working Ala Prima ... wet on wet blending, edge control, focal effects.
11. Photoshop demonstration ... preparing working reference.
12. Homework ... complete work in progress. Prepare questions for final session.
Session Six ...
"Finishing Up"
1. Interactive critique of homework
2. Varnish and finishes ... a demonstration of Cold Wax preparation and varnish application. Rational for use. Surface sheen.
4. Copy standing ... slide show of how to photograph your work, lighting set-up, formats, etc.
5. Photoshop demo ... colour adjustment and preparing your digital images for promotion and publication.
6. Varnish buffing ... demonstration on finished painting.
7. Crating ... slide show of ultralight styrofoam and Coroplast crate construction.
8. Shipping ... Carriers, customs brokers, important information on international shipping and waybill completion.
9. Pricing ... Determining your pricing, pitfalls, sales. The concept behind pricing.
10. What's next? ... Where do you go from here?
11. Open discussion time ... What did we miss? Questions?