Abigail Ryan, Abbey Ryan, Painting, Painting a Day, Daily Painting, Daily Painting Blog, Drawing, Ink, Works on paper, MFA, Hunter college, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA
I love painting, and I started doing 'a painting a day' in 2007. I paint to learn: about painting, about myself, about life, about nature, about connection... I was fortunate to study with David A. Leffel at the Art Students League of New York, and this experience, along with my painting travels in Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, South Korea, and Cuba, have all had a great influence on my work.
As a teacher, I hope to share what I have learned and to learn from those I work with. Instructional painting videos are valuable, but in Private Painting Mentoring I will study your paintings and work one-on-one with you to help you achieve your goals.
I
love teaching painting and the long-lasting creative connection it fosters between us. I believe we all learn from each other all the time. The psychology of painting is complex; just as I do in my workshops, I will share with you my painting perspective, knowledge, and experience. Through this one-on-one instruction, I meet you where you are, answer your questions, and help move you forward with your own personal method of painting.
Why Online Instruction?
I have been providing Private Painting Mentoring online since 2012. Online instruction provides motivation, focus, and quality in-depth conversation all in the comfort of your own home/studio.
This is for you if you enjoy having a teacher's full attention. Choosing to invest in yourself and your painting work is a big decision, and I want you to know that I'm fully committed to helping you achieve the results you want.
For those who seek to watch me paint in person, are able to travel, and enjoy group environments—I have several workshop venues:
Sedona Arts Center in Sedona, AZ
Falmouth Art Center in Falmouth, MA
Peto Museum in Island Heights, NJ
Artists of Yardley in Yardley, PA
About my Teaching Philosophy
About My Paintings
Here's what a few of my collectors say about my work:
"So simple, yet profound."
"Gorgeous. Human. Wonderful."
"Gad, your use of color and depth in this painting really shows off your inherent artistic genius. I hesitated only a moment on use of the term genius; but I'm thinking that's not an improper word for your work."
"If I were a curator, I wouldn't hesitate to hang your painting next to a Chardin. It would definitely hold its own."
"Oh, Abbey, you've outdone yourself here. I love this one. One of my new favorites. The atmospheric difference in the figs and the texture of the ceramic are fine indeed...."
"The simplicity of the composition is so pleasing to the eye, and the colors you use are just perfect. I can tell that you put your heart and soul into your paintings!"
"Treasures like your paintings make people want to go to museums."
Find my work in:
Painters who work with me see results.
Wondering if working with me is right for you?Read these reviews from my Private Mentoring participants, and below are some recent comments from painters who have completed the process:
"Private Painting Mentoring might be the best thing I've spent my hard-earned cash on in a long time. I just don't feel lost like I did before. It's such a personal, customized look at what I'm trying to do; and to have someone like Abbey take the time, as well as share her thoughtful, caring attitude to help guide me is a benefit beyond measure." —CT
"I liked that Abbey gave concrete detail to improve my work immediately. Also, she gave long term goals, and a very detailed Advancement Plan after the mentoring session." —SM
"I loved the face to face Skype session, and seeing Abbey's Studio behind her made me feel like I was a friend. She is such an approachable person and no question is too silly. I would love to do Mentoring every month! Seeing Abbey's paintings have always inspired me so to literally have the opportunity to sit across from her and hear her evaluate my work was priceless! The fact that she is so approachable, kind and funny was unexpected and quite wonderful. " —NC
"I love talking to Abbey She is positive, bright, insightful, and just knows how to get good information out there with out being judgmental, competitive, or overbearing. So, the best part was having a candid conversation about my work from someone I respect. " —JCW
"I'm not sure I have met another teacher who is so willing to give and share, and put in so much effort to finding out the needs of her students. Abbey is a gem. I took Abbey's Sodona workshop, so my hesitations about signing up for Private Painting Mentoring were quickly dispelled after I met her and experienced the quality and depth of her teaching. " —MH
"Abbey is FABULOUS! I am so happy that I finally got the opportunity to experience Abbey's wonderful gifts! I liked that she took the time to understand my work and what I would like to do as well. I loved Abbey's Painting Assessment Worksheet that she gave me to fill out in advance; it made me think of things I had forgotten about. It was such an easy process." —YW
"Abbey is a wonderful teacher and being able to speak with her directly and listen to her insights were a great help. She has a gift for noticing where you are having difficulties and is very practical in her suggestions. There are good artists that are not good teachers, there are art teachers that are not good artists. Abbey is good at both." -S.AR
"I loved Abbey's thorough organization and personalized approach. ...I am moved by Abbey's ability to create profound connection with the people she speaks to. Every part of her approach to Mentoring demonstrates that she feels invested in helping others to grow on their creative paths." — CF
"I was so amazed at the time and effort that Abbey put into my Mentoring session. I have attended many in person retreats and classes in which I later was not able to integrate what I learned into my personal process, and I had the complete opposite experience with this! " —BML
"I felt a great connection between Abbey and me, in particular during our discussions about the creative process. I feel these are invaluable for an artist -- we need to bounce ideas around and validate thoughts that occur during the creative process." —JK
"Abbey really has a gift for teaching." —CP
"Abbey has this genuine eye for beauty, and the clear vision of how to accompany whomever opens to her -- a very rare teaching gift to help each and everyone grow at one's own specific pace and in one's own direction." — DL
Together we will find the best ways for you to move forward in your work.
For your private one-on-one session, I will preview samples of your work and share my perspective and philosophy on painting, along with hints, techniques, and methods that I think will help you move ahead. If you're new to painting, we'll address foundation topics such as: how to begin, lighting, gesture, choosing your paints and brushes, and color mixing. If you're more experienced, we'll go deeper into topics such as: the role of art in your life, refining your 'painting voice,' the power of 'presence' in your paintings, when a painting is 'finished,' classical still life painting today, blogging, working with galleries, strategies to show, market, and sell your work, and much more. My goal is to help you along your painting journey.
Never painted before? Feel like you're a beginner?
First, I believe we are all beginners, all the time. Learning how to paint is possible for everyone, but I know how hard it can be to get started (and keep going!). I offer a 100% non-judgemental, open-minded approach to teaching painting. We discuss, step-by-step, how to go about building a strong foundation in painting. I invite you to work with me regardless of your painting level. (Or perhaps you'd like to apply what I have learned to another area of study, such as writing, business, or other creative explorations....)
Are you an experienced painter?
Painting is remarkable. It mirrors life and challenges us all to the core. Talking with me about your painting journey and struggles can provide clarity that can lead to actionable solutions. Having painted hundreds of daily paintings, I've developed clear strategies to keep myself moving in the studio. By looking at your work and through our conversation about the role of art in your life, I aim to help you move forward in your creative pursuits. Invest in yourself.
My students describe me as "present, committed, and generous."
Below is what a few of my workshop students have to say about studying with me:
"Having studied with Abbey, my painting process has improved; I have less inhibition about starting a piece. Now my work is less muddied and has a more direct feel. Abbey was completely present and committed to helping me become a better painter. Her suggestions were concrete and actionable. I appreciated her constructive feedback and at the same time felt supported and taken "seriously" at my level. I feel Abbey helped me get through a long plateau in my work, and see forward to the next level." —RP, Peto Museum, NJ
"Abbey is an excellent instructor. She is more than a 10." — EP, Yardley, PA
"Abbey's teaching was beyond what I expected and have experienced with other workshops. She was not only thoroughly prepared and a consummate professional, but Abbey really seemed to enjoy teaching." —CO, Morristown, NJ
"Abbey's self effacing demeanor combined with her passion for painting makes her endearing indeed. I have always been her fan but now that I know what a lovely person she is, I have an even greater appreciation for her work... so much of her personality is in each painting." —CO, Morristown, NJ
"Abbey is so generous with her knowledge and feedback. I have to say my favorite part was the look on her face when she saw my asparagus and garlic painting! I appreciate that Abbey has a quiet energy that allows us to absorb everything she was telling us." —RB, Shady Side, MD
"Abbey is a terrific teacher. Her students are lucky." — PD, Sedona, AZ
"Abbey's teaching lived up to my expectations and more. I also enjoyed her lecture on how to market yourself and get to know who your audience is." — DM, Yardley, PA
You'll receive an email from me with instructions regarding payment for your one hour 1-on-1 Painting Mentoring session. We'll set up a time to meet via Skype (or phone, if you prefer).
One week before our session, you will submit by email my preliminary Painting Assessment Worksheet, which takes you through important aspects of the painting process and enables me to prepare for our conversation. At this time, you can also send me images of your paintings so I can complete a Painting Image Review.
We will have a one-hour in-depth Private Mentoring Session. Within a few days, you will receive a personalized Advancement Plan, complete with Private Access to my Unpublished Painting Resources. Ongoing Private Mentoring sessions will be a separate offering available upon request, so please contact me if you're interested.
A one-on-one Painting Mentoring session may include our conversation about:
the role of art in our lives
my perspective and philosophy on alla prima painting
my thoughts on 'daily painting' and being a 'daily painter'
being (or becoming) a professional artist
hints, techniques, and methods that make up my painting practice
your paintings (I review your paintings in advance)
the 'presence' in your paintings and your painting voice
how to begin a painting,
the language of light, and the power of gesture
paint application and color mixing
classical still life ideas in contemporary art
the ins and outs of blogging and websites
working with galleries and day-to-day administrative tasks
The investment for one 1-on-1 Private Painting Mentoring is 3 payments of $180 over two months, or make a one-time payment of $460 (and save $80). There are pyment plans and I hold scholarship contests frequently.
Private Painting Mentoring is more than a conversation. Here's how it works:
1. You complete my official Painting Assessment Worksheet (approx. 20 pages) so I can learn as much as possible about you;
2. I study your images and prepare notes with my responses to your work;
3. I thoughtfully read and absorb your Painting Assessment Worksheet answers;
4. I prepare a plan of action for your session;
5. We meet face-to-face for a 1-hour in-depth Private Mentoring Session via Skype/Facetime/telephone;
6. I write an Advancement Plan for you, including synthesized notes of our conversation, additional resources, plus specific, actionable feedback personalized for you regarding how to move forward in your work in the short- and long-term;
7. You can email me follow-up questions;
8. You gain special access to my Painting Resources, including full-length demo videos.
Ongoing Private Mentoring sessions are available upon request.
You will come away with specific, actionable methods and tips tailored to you to help you move forward in painting. Regardless of your skill level, and no matter what your goals for painting are, we will work out a plan to help you move towards where you aspire to be. I can't wait to share with you what I know and love about painting and this journey we share as artists.
My Biography My paintings have been featured
inO, The Oprah Magazine's "Live Your Best Life—Women Who Make Beautiful Things," Seth Godin's bestseller, Linchpin: Are You Indispensible?, and FOX's Good Day Philadelphia, among many others. Inspired by the "A Painting a Day" movement, I started making daily paintings for my blog on 9/23/07.
Since 2007, my blog has had over a million visitors from over 100 countries. More importantly, though, painting has become my meditative time and the best part of my day. Attempting to paint every day speaks to my interest in ritual, practice, classical still life and trompe l'oeil painting, and the complexities of internet globalization. My paintings are usually sold by eBay auctions, and are in over eight hundred private and public collections around the globe.
I studied with David A. Leffel at the Art Students League of New York, and this experience had a great impact on my work. I also completed undergraduate work in both science and art at Arcadia University and post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hunter College/CUNY. I was born and raised in New Jersey, USA.
I teach painting workshops and offer private painting mentoring online one-on-one instruction. Read reviews here.
For direct access to my paintings, along with my subscriber-only commentary, experiences, stories, painting detail views, and special offers, subscribe here.
I'll study your paintings.
My paintings have been featured
in O, The Oprah Magazine's "Live Your Best Life—Women Who Make Beautiful Things," Seth Godin's bestseller, Linchpin: Are You Indispensible?, and FOX's Good Day Philadelphia, among many others. Inspired by the "A Painting a Day" movement, I started making daily paintings for my blog on 9/23/07. 
I love painting, and I started doing 'a painting a day' in 2007. I paint to learn: about painting, about myself, about life, about nature, about connection... I was fortunate to study with David A. Leffel at the Art Students League of New York, and this experience, along with my painting travels in Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, South Korea, and Cuba, have all had a great influence on my work.
I have been providing Private Painting Mentoring online since 2012. Online instruction provides motivation, focus, and quality in-depth conversation all in the comfort of your own home/studio. 
