FAQ's

Julia went from a complete beginner to finding her voice and selling her paintings!

“I used oil paints for the first time in a workshop with Kristy in 2016. I was greatly inspired by her work and teachings, where I learned how to incorporate imaginative elements in the style of realism and portraiture. Kristy has always encouraged me to use my intuition and creativity in addition to the technical skills while painting. In doing so, I’ve explored creative ideas in my work, for example the idea to create a woman holding a glowing sun in a painting went viral on Instagram and got over 5 million views, which lead to commissions and great business! I thank Kristy for being an amazing mentor that has helped me improve technically as well as find my own creative voice.”

~ Julia Jenkins, Alumni

Today, Miriam earns a full-time income from her paintings!

“When I first started painting at the beginning of the pandemic I was clueless but eager to learn. Kristy changed my whole outlook on painting. She taught me to look at painting holistically- explaining the foundations of composition, color, and about the many elements beyond the paint and paintbrush that make up an engaging and effective portrait. She has a wonderful way of instilling confidence and in short time, I was able to go from beginner to full time artist. My path here would have been a lot longer and a lot more complicated had it not been for Kristy’s guidance.”

~ Miriam Hoffman, Alumni

Lexi is getting ready for her first solo exhibition!

"Having spent years creating commissioned work for others, I found myself struggling to unearth my unique artistic voice and convey the meaningful messages I desired for my work. Thanks to Kristy's program, I've experienced a profound transformation- I now feel deeply inspired and aligned with my authentic vision! Immersing myself in the program has empowered me to paint with unwavering intention and purpose, bringing a newfound sense of fulfillment to my art. Kristy's generosity of spirit and insightful guidance are unparalleled! She's a true gem of a mentor, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her."

~Lexi Hannah, Alumni

Nouhaïla went from having no ideas to being flooded with ideas!

"I first started painting with oils in June. I was very hesitant to join in because I thought it was too soon for me to focus on finding my voice while I didn't develop my skills yet. I was lost, but so eager to learn. Starting studying under Kristy's encouraging guidance I started to gain more confidence in myself, and my skills just followed growing since I began to understand so many things like composition, colour, portraiture. When you start, everything can be so overwhelming, but Kristy always has the words to calm my mind and I found it much easier to follow my intuition now and I’m flooding with new ideas. Kristy has not only changed my view on painting, but also on the art world, and ultimately on my overall approach to life. For that, I'm super grateful for Kristy's guidance, patience and encouragements."

~ Nouhaïla Zayane, Alumni

Susie reconnected with her art and found a community of like-minded artists!

"I’m really interested in the connection we have with the people, animals and nature around us. I love to intentionally explore how raising my vibration can lead to random joyful encounters, which I then paint. Earlier this year I was faced with a daunting move from my studio of 17 years. I found myself losing connection to my own practice, when I encountered Kristy. She was just the breath of fresh air I needed, I felt compelled to join her course. In it, I found a magical way to reconnect with my art and a beautiful community of like-minded souls. Through her section on play and intuitive painting, I found myself returning to a practice I had lost, painting minis by the water. I have come to realize my goals and results are the same with my minis, and all of my paintings. A state of bliss, awe and gratitude. Through Kristy’s teachings, I found a deep peace with myself and my work. "

~Susie Love, Alumni

Sara found her voice both in art and in life!

"Kristy’s VAMP course is a breath of fresh air! Kristy has all the know-how you need to learn how to get into galleries and sell your art, but if you are still building your skills or are just not ready to sell VAMP is still for you because there is so much more to being an artist. Finding your artistic voice is as much a journey in confidence and spirit as it is in producing art. Kristy encouraged me to trust the course work and myself while also offering constructive direction on how I could improve my work. Kristy and my VAMP group of fellow artists helped me through one of my biggest artistic blocks, or fears, of all—public speaking. For many artists, putting your work out there and talking about your art at the same time can generate a lot of anxiety, sometimes to the point of avoiding the process entirely—and this common fear can cause you to hide as an artist. The VAMP course culminates with a show (in our case in Manhattan!!), during which all VAMP students talk briefly about their work. I didn’t think I could do it, but there was no way I was going to miss this show, even if I were to go blank or panic when it was my turn to talk about my painting. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath and….my fears melted away and I was able to talk confidently about my work. How did this happen? Kristy and most of the VAMP group were not only at the show but had been there throughout the course providing support and encouragement to one another and helping me work through my fear and gain a newfound confidence in myself. We had practiced our talks during some of the VAMP online meetings, and by supporting one another, along with Kristy’s guidance and know-how and the VAMP structure and materials, we all took big steps forward in finding our artistic voices—and in some cases in finding our actual voices as well!"

~ Sara Maddox, Alumni

Lissette now sees herself as a true artist

“I first started taking portrait painting classes with Kristy and then joined her Mentoring program. Even though I’d been painting for several years I couldn’t bring myself to say that I was an artist or even where I painted was my studio. Working with Kristy has made me more confident in my work and in seeing myself as an artist. I’ve since showed in several solo and group art exhibitions. I thank Kristy for her patience and positivity in working with me.”

~ Lissette Resnick, Alumni

Tanya is getting commissions and showing in exhibitions!

"I have been working with Kristy Gordon for the past 6 years, starting with a portrait class with her at the New York Academy of Art and continuing with the Mentoring Program. I feel that in the last few years I have made a lot of progress on my technique, thanks to the monthly critique sessions and helpful guidance from Kristy. In the past 6 years, I have been accepted into numerous group exhibitions, published in multiple artmagazines and have completed at least a couple of painting commissions each year. My improved painting technique has made it easier for me to move forward in my art career and Kristy has played a large part in my improvement. I very much recommend her program to any artist who is looking to bring their paintings to the next level!"

~ Tanya Levina, Alumni

Mary went from artistically blocked to renewed passion!

“I found myself at the proverbial 'fork-in-the-road' - watching all my friends retire and wondering if I had made a wrong decision concentrating on an art career all these years. I had lost my passion! Fortunately I had enough good sense left to join Kristy's Art Mentoring Program - a series of interesting, thorough, and fun assignments with live zoom discussions and gentle critiques. My passion is back! And with that comes a new energy which brings consistent commissions as well as many exhibitions! Thank you Kristy, for finding me at that fork and offering a helping hand, gently whispering 'this way!' and inviting me to walk alongside you, guiding me on the road less traveled."

~ Mary Rose, Alumni