“The PhD Application Mentoring course at the New Art School gave me the opportunity to reengage myself and my practice with positive critical discussion. In our online video call tutorials my mentor provided objective feedback in a way which was honest, engaging, and which encouraged serious critical reflection on my own work.

The tutorials reminded me of crits or one-to-one sessions with tutors on my BA and MA and during my time at the New Art School my work progressed dramatically.

The process of engaging with a professional tutor offered me insights I may never have considered; opinions I may never have thought of; artists I may never have come across; ways of working I may not have thought to try.”

“I have been a participant on the remote painting mentoring programme of the New Art School now for some months. I would say that at every touchpoint in my interactions with the team they have been very professional, well-mannered and they have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and valued. Their system works well and efficiently, but more to the point the quality of tuition is excellent so far.

My discussions have been very astutely focused on my practice and work, and how it can be improved upon both during my time with their input and in the longer term. You are expected to be ambitious and to put the time in to making work that is situated in context, and equally they not only intend that the people they're assisting will do well, but are also proactive in encouraging them to create the right opportunities.

My tutorials have incorporated a lot of astute artist references to research, and coaching to get me thinking and practicing in the right way from practical tips on preparing surfaces, using the right mediums and applying paint in the most conducive way to get the effects that'll make the work interesting, to how to think in the right way and find a voice that's going to be compelling to an audience.

I think it is also fair to say that, whilst the discussions have not yet been overly academic, the team evidently do have academic expertise to challenge you intellectually to justify your work from this standpoint if it is necessary or desired, and this has become clear when touched upon. So far but my experience has been extremely positive.” 

Having previously been to art college I can attest that the quality of criticism is extremely astute. Our conversations have covered both contemporary and historical art references, culture, and aesthetics. One is encouraged to think critically about the work presented and to bend and stretch one’s practice. Our meetings have also been encouraging and nurturing which assists the creative process. My mentor has a wide breadth of experience in both teaching and exhibiting and I would highly recommend participating in one of the New Art Schools courses. 

If I hadn’t taken this course with you my agility when painting would still be stumped and my brain foggy.  I think you are extremely insightful and kind, that’s worth its weight in gold.