Acting is all about embodying a different character. Be that someone you relate to or a person that is the antithesis of yourself, being able to portray that difference is the core of performance. I believe in the importance of utilising the strengths a person has as an individual to further propel their acting. In this class, I will give you persoanlised feedback and performance direction for whatever role you're playing. This can be used for self tape help, monologue/duologue work, theory, etc. The end result will be a stronger performance that you are able to feel more fluid in performing.

Teaching for me is about personal connection and facilitating a safe environment with your students and interacting with them on their level rather than simply infusing knowledge. The idea of teaching someone something to copy from influence is one thing, however to teach the learner to be comfortable to explore themselves artistically and at the same time have self discipline takes patience and understanding the individual. Personally I think a learner should be taught from the ground upwards and to slowly neglect bad habits from the past, this relating to technical stumbling blocks or the inability to think outside of the box artistically. I believe students with more insight into their own ability can then become truly versatile and more importantly 'satisfied' with their work and practice. I teach a range of techniques in my art lessons such as palette knife, paint brush techniques and technical sketching methods. I also instruct with a diverse variety of mediums such as pastel, charcoal, pencil, acrylic and oil paint as well as mixed media. With my background in hyper-realism portraiture, the subject matter I specialise in is realist portraiture, also with considerable experience in landscape and still life tutoring. I do encourage my students to venture into abstraction and mixed media aswell, which I feel can loosen up students to learn to relax and have fun also while making artwork. Whether studying for GCSEs, A Levels, University or just your own enjoyment, I teach at a level best suited for the learner and the goals in which they pursue. I would obviously encourage students studying for grades to follow certain assessment checkpoints which would be revolved around contextual and method referencing, self reflection, experimentation and consolidation. This will vary for different learners at different stages and obviously with different interests. I do stress though at the heart of my teaching is technical skills and learning to explore personal artistic growth. These are skills which are easily transferable to whatever stage you’re at with your art practice.

Online University Art and Design Portfolio Preparation. Are you applying to university for a creative subject? I offer personalised one-to-one online portfolio mentoring for students applying to art and design courses in the UK and internationally. I am an experienced art educator, graphic designer and researcher with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Most recently, I taught international students at EF Academy Oxford, supporting learners from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds. I am based in Oxford and can support students in university portfolio preparation to study Art, Graphic Design, Graphic Communication Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Illustration, Photography, Textile Design, Product Design, Animation, Foundation Art and Design, and other creative programmes. My guidance may include: 1- Developing original ideas and personal themes. 2- Strengthening sketchbooks and creative processes. 3- Developing creative ideas and experimenting with materials and techniques. 4- Strengthening drawing, painting, design and visual communication skills. 5- Selecting, refining and presenting work for university portfolios. 6- Personal-statement and interview preparation. 7- Understanding the expectations of UK art and design courses. My approach is supportive, honest and individually tailored. I help students recognise what is already strong in their work and understand how to develop it further. Portfolio preparation requires regular effort, so I work best with motivated students who are prepared to engage seriously with the creative process. Online lessons are available internationally.