The Figurative Core™
Online Mentorship Program

Creative online training for artists of any level of experience

AVAILABLE MONTHLY

A complete online program, designed to make you a better artist.
If you have something to say with your art, we can help you say it.

The Teaching Studios of Art® introduces the Figurative Core™ Online, an online program designed to develop an artist’s original and creative vision. This program is intended for artists who are trying to discover that to say and how to say it, in their own unique way. It is led by Rob Zeller, author of The Figurative Artist’s Handbook and the Director of the Teaching Studios of Art, who acts as both mentor and consultant to artists as they develop their original concepts. He encourages creativity on the part of each artist by assigning creative projects from the very beginning.

Depending on the needs of the artist, Zeller will assist with figuring out a direction/theme for original compositions and in the use of intuition to tell the stories. In terms of making original art—it has to come from the inside and radiate outwards. The attractive attributes of the academic methods, its legible surface form and formal compositonal design, will not work for every individual because it relies almost entirely on visual perception. No one else can see what you see, so developing the ability to communicate that is the key—knowing what you see, and then figuring out how to reveal it to the world.

Robert Zeller, The Yellow Dress, 2021, oil on linen, 36 x 36 in,

Learn to tell stories with images.
 Your stories.

  A step by step proccess.

Monochrome compositional value study of “The Yellow Dress”

Initial compositional sketch of “The Yellow Dress”

The Figurative Core™ Program

Creative and technical skills training for serious artists.

The philosophy behind The Figurative Core is while one is studying technique one should also be developing creativity as something equally as important to learn and master. That is, unless one’s career goal is to be a teacher of technique, in which case one should double down and focus entirely on craft.

The reverse is true as well. We do get artists who are quite accomplished come to us to help them refine their technique in order, to make their creative work better. The two are not at odds with each other. Either way, we are discreet about it. We will never post your work or use you name to advertise the class unless you agree to do so.

Creativity and technique are muscles that need to be developed to be a great artist. It sounds like you are in good hands with the technical aspect.

If you like Zeller’s work and would trust him for some creative advice, then The Figurative Core could work well for you for the creative aspect.

We generally take it by the month, starting with an interview process to see what the goals of the individual are, and we set a strategy to get rid of the creative blockage and begin creating some original concepts. The amount of time this takes varies by the individual, but usually ends up quite rewarding. We are also very discreet about publishing work from this program, as many of the artists who do it are professional and wish to do this type of work in private, outside of the public eye.

Without being too specific, we generally try to help people achieve focus, so that they can understand what stories they need to tell. Then to do the research necessary to make cohesive statements.

Zeller will also consult with each student on a weekly basis, through either a pre-recorded video, tailored to the individual student, or a private, live , online, one-on-one session via Zoom. The content and focus of these sessions will vary by the individual needs of the artist. It is important that students develop independent voices as they learn to put their training to use.

Base package: Tailored Pre-Recorded Monthly
$240 a month for 4 sessions.
Students communicate via email with the instructor, and he/she records a tailor made tutorial that they can access and view privately, on demand. This package includes four sessions in this format, at $60 per.

Mixed Package: A mix of Tailored Pre-Recorded Monthly and Private Live Zoom Session.
Starting at $280 an month, and up
This option affords a more customized blend of live and pre-recorded classes. Students can communicate via email with the instructor, and he/she records a tailor-made tutorial that they can access and view privately, on demand. In addition, students can augment these sessions, or even replace them with, private, online sessions (via Zoom) with the instructor. The private sessions cost a bit more, $80 for 30 minutes. The mix of the two formats is determined by the student’s needs.

Deluxe Package: Private Live Zoom Monthly
Starting at $320
The student and instructor meet for private, live online sessions. Four times a month, or greater frequency if needed.

More customized programs can be tailored to an individual’s needs.

To register or to Learn more , Click here

Some work from artists in the program

We are careful to say: This is not student work, but rather some work done by artists who have consulted with this program.