...One of the greatest teachers ever. Marvin Mattelson changes the lives of anyone paying attention. I know I wouldn't be half the painter I am without his guidance.
I've studied with Pietro Annigoni and Nerina Simi. In my opinion Marvin Mattelson is the greatest teacher. When he demonstrates it's like traveling back in time to watch Anthony van Dyck at his easel.
To be a great artist, first you need to think like one. Marvin's teaching is based on his first hand analysis of classical paintings in both museums and auction houses. He discovered that the artists he most admired all employed the same exact strategic thinking, thus enabling them to bring their art to life. As Michelangelo noted, “An artist paints with his brain; not with his hand.” This emphasis is what makes Marvin Mattelson's teaching so unique – it’s a deep dive into the time-honored principles which have informed history's greatest realist and classical painters.
Notice: Due to complications surrounding my recent move to a new home/sudio space (my studio flooded when it rained) I was forced to revamp my entire schedule. Now, first up is the exciting new innovative and groundbreaking course: Classical Portrait Painting: As Best I Can - The Ultimate Learning Experience - From Inception to Perfection. which will begin on Saturday, June 10th, 2023. My portrait drawing class is now set for the fall of 2023, followed by my regular portrait painting class in the winter of 2023-24. Lastly, I'll be teaching my Alla Prima painting class in the spring of 2024. I apologize for any inconvenience and confusion this may have caused, but thankfully all issues have been resolved and it's full steam ahead. - Marvin Mattelson
You can read more about his teaching philosophy, as well as feedback and comments from numerous past students. Forced, by the global pandemic, to switch his teaching from traditional in-class to online learning, he quickly discovered that this new technology, enabled him, to not only replicate his innovative approach to educating artists of all levels, but it actually enhanced his ability to present the information far more effectively. You can learn about his hi-tech state of the art digital learning classroom here. Now, artists from around the globe can benefit from his teaching with a front row seat.
In order to best accommodate his students' needs, Marvin offers his content in both once-a-week classes as well as individual mentoring sessions. Weekly classes give you time to fully digest and apply what you've learned during the intervening days. You also get the benefit of experiencing other students feedback and critiques, as well as the opportunity to review each class recording for 30 days.
For artists of all levels who wish to keep expanding the scope and quality of their work, Marvin Mattelson also offers the opportunity to share in his expertise and analytical insights through one-to-one coaching and mentoring sessions. Here he can address specific problematic issues you may be having, or conversely, he can take a broader view and suggest how to enhance and expand upon both your portfolio and direction.
During several recent class sessions, under the pressure of an impending deadline, I spent the entire time painting a commissioned portrait. The students loved watching me paint and felt it offered them even greater insight into my process, so I decided to offer students the opportunity to experience my approach, from start to finished painting. I think that artists of any level would find great value here.
Marvin is now available for mentoring, coaching and portfolio evaluation. To arrange for a one-to-one session, please fill out the contact page form and he'll get back to you ASAP with the details.
