painting is
a meditation
on attention. life. mark-making. self-awareness. love. creativity. time. spirit. space. inspiration. devotion. passion. self-expression. a moment. your heart. patience. humanity. risk. the soul. love.
Words FROM ABBEY:
Thanks for your interest in working one-on-one with me. Apply now to secure your spot.
I love painting. In 2007, I began my daily painting practice as a way to learn—about painting, about myself, about life, about nature, and about connection. I was fortunate to study with David A. Leffel at the Art Students League of New York, and that experience, along with painting travels in Italy, Greece, Spain, Brazil, South Korea, and Cuba, continues to influence my work.
As a teacher, I hope not only to share what I have learned, but also to learn from those I work with. Instructional videos can be valuable, but Private Painting Mentoring offers something different: the opportunity for me to study your paintings, understand your goals, and work closely with you to help you move forward.
I love teaching painting and the long-lasting creative connections it fosters. I believe we are all learning from one another all the time. The practice of painting is both technical and deeply personal. Just as I do in my workshops, I share my perspective, knowledge, and experience while meeting you where you are, answering your questions, and helping you develop a painting practice and approach that is uniquely your own.
Why Online Instruction?
I have been providing Private Painting Mentoring online since 2012. Working together one-on-one provides motivation, focus, and the opportunity for thoughtful, in-depth conversation—all from the comfort of your own home or studio. This program is for painters who enjoy having a teacher's full attention. Choosing to invest in yourself and your painting practice is a big decision, and I want you to know that I take that trust seriously. I'm fully committed to helping you grow, overcome obstacles, and move forward in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Read case studies & reviews from past/current participants
For those who seek to watch me paint in person, are able to travel, and enjoy group environments—I have several workshop venues:
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Sedona Arts Center in Sedona, AZ
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Falmouth Art Center in Falmouth, MA
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Peto Museum in Island Heights, NJ
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Academy of Realist Art, Boston
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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:
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"So simple, yet profound."
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"Gorgeous. Human. Wonderful."
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"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."
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"If I were a curator, I wouldn't hesitate to hang your painting next to a Chardin. It would definitely hold its own."
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"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...."
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"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!"
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"Treasures like your paintings make people want to go to museums."
Find my work in:
Painters who work with me see results.
Wondering whether Private Painting Mentoring is right for you?
Read the reviews from my Private Mentoring participants
The best way to get a sense of the experience is to hear directly from the painters who have participated. Below are comments and reflections from recent mentoring participants.:
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"Abbey really has a gift for teaching." —CP
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"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
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Read the reviews from my Private Mentoring participants
Let’s Talk Painting!
Whether you're just beginning or have been painting for years, Private Painting Mentoring is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and questions. I will work with you one-on-one to help you move forward in the areas that matter most to you. Together, we can focus on:
- identify painting roadblocks and develop strategies for overcoming them
- critique your work and offer constructive feedback
- determine the most meaningful next steps for your artistic growth
- discover subjects, themes, and approaches that encourage a "spark" or idea
- refine and strengthen your unique "painting voice"
- discuss the business side of art, including blogging, galleries, exhibitions, marketing, and sales
- help bring paintings closer to your intentions and goals
- improve your studio setup, including lighting and workspace considerations
- select brushes, materials, and tools that support your way of working
- prepare canvases and surfaces for a more satisfying painting experience
- develop a color palette that aligns with your artistic goals
- explore paint brands, pigments, and oil painting mediums
- discuss what it means to build a sustainable professional art practice
- reflect on the role painting plays in your life and creative journey
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Most importantly, we'll talk about what painting means to you and how it can become a richer, more fulfilling part of your life (more on this below).
What Does Painting Mean To Me?
Ready to work together?
Curious about what it's like to work with me?
What We'll Do Together: I'll study your paintings. I'll answer all your questions.
Together, we'll identify the most meaningful ways for you to move forward in your work.
Before our session, I'll review samples of your paintings and come prepared to share my perspective on your work, along with ideas, strategies, techniques, and resources that may help you grow as a painter.
If you're new to painting, we can focus on foundational topics such as getting started, setting up your workspace, choosing paints and brushes, understanding light and gesture, and learning to mix color with confidence.
If you're a more experienced painter, we can explore topics such as refining your painting voice, developing greater presence in your work, understanding when a painting is finished, navigating creative roadblocks, building a sustainable studio practice, working with galleries, exhibiting your work, marketing and selling your paintings, and the role art plays in your life.
My goal is simple: to help you move forward on your unique painting journey.
Never painted before? Feel like you're a beginner?
First, I believe we are all beginners, all the time.
Learning to paint is possible for anyone, but I know how intimidating it can feel to begin—and how difficult it can be to keep going. I offer a completely supportive, nonjudgmental approach to teaching. Together, we'll build a strong foundation step by step and develop a path that feels manageable, enjoyable, and meaningful.
I welcome painters at every level of experience.
Already an experienced painter?
Painting is remarkable. It challenges us, surprises us, and often mirrors the deeper questions we face in life.
Sometimes a thoughtful conversation about your work can provide the clarity needed to move through a difficult problem or uncover a new direction. Through studying your paintings and discussing your goals, challenges, and aspirations, I aim to help you find practical next steps and renewed momentum in the studio.
Having completed thousands of paintings and maintained a daily painting practice since 2007, I've developed strategies for staying engaged, overcoming obstacles, and continuing to grow as an artist. I'm happy to share what I've learned in service of your own creative journey. Invest in yourself.
My students describe me as "present, committed, and generous."
Here's what a few of my workshop participants have to say about their experience studying with me:
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"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
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"Abbey is an excellent instructor. She is more than a 10." — EP, Yardley, PA
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"Abbey is a terrific teacher. Her students are lucky." — PD, Sedona, AZ
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"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
How Private Painting Mentoring Works
1. Introduce Yourself
Begin by filling out the application form and sharing a little about yourself and your painting practice.
2. Schedule Your Session
Once I receive your application, I'll contact you with payment instructions and we'll schedule a one 90-minute Private Painting Mentoring session via Zoom.
3. Prepare for Our Conversation
About a week before we meet, you'll complete my Painting Assessment Worksheet. This reflective exercise explores important aspects of your painting practice and helps me prepare for our conversation. At this time, you'll also have the opportunity to send images of your paintings for a preliminary Painting Image Review.
4. Meet One-on-One
During our 90-minute session, we'll discuss your work, goals, questions, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Together, we'll identify practical next steps that can help move your painting practice forward.
5. Receive Your Personalized Advancement Plan
Within a week or so of our meeting, you'll receive a personalized Advancement Plan summarizing key insights from our conversation, along with private access to selected unpublished painting resources tailored to your interests and goals.
Ongoing Mentoring
Many artists choose to continue working together beyond a single session. Ongoing Private Painting Mentoring is available upon request. If you're interested in developing a longer-term mentoring relationship, I'd be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Every mentoring session is tailored to the individual. Together, we may discuss:
Topics may include:
- the role of art in our lives
- my perspective and philosophy on alla prima painting
- daily painting and the creative practice of showing up consistently
- being (or becoming) a professional artist
- the ideas, techniques, and methods that shape my painting practice
- your own paintings and artistic goals (I review your work in advance)
- developing greater presence in your paintings and refining your painting voice
- how to begin a painting, understand light, and harness the power of gesture
- paint application, color mixing, and materials
- classical still life painting in a contemporary context
- blogging, websites, and building an online presence
- working with galleries and managing the day-to-day realities of an art career
- exhibiting, marketing, and selling your work online
- any questions specific to your work, interests, and goals
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My goal is to help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose in your painting practice.
I want to help you along your painting journey. Introduce yourself & secure your spot.
Invest in Yourself and Your Painting Practice.
Private Painting Mentoring is much more than a 90 minute session with me. Each mentoring experience involves several hours of work for me: I carefully review your paintings, portfolio, and Assessment Worksheet before we meet; we spend dedicated time together discussing your work and goals; and afterward I create a personalized Advancement Plan with notes, recommendations, resources, and actionable next steps tailored specifically to you. My goal is to provide guidance that helps you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and independence in your painting practice—not just during our conversation, but long after it ends. Our conversation doesn't necessarily end when the session does—I'm available by email for follow-up questions, and some artists choose to continue their journey through ongoing mentoring.
The investment for one Private Painting Mentoring experience (2025–26) is either:
- Three payments of $190 over two months, or
- One payment of $470 (a savings of $100)
I regularly award scholarships through my Mindful Studio Practice Scholarship Fund. You can learn more about applying for or supporting scholarships here.
Please note: this investment includes one comprehensive mentoring experience, consisting of a preliminary review process, a 90 minute private Zoom session, a personalized Advancement Plan, and follow-up support. Ongoing mentoring sessions are available after the initial session at a significantly reduced rate.
Private Painting Mentoring Is More Than a one 90-minute session
A great deal of preparation goes into every mentoring session. Here's what you can expect:
- You complete my Painting Assessment Worksheet so I can learn as much as possible about you, your work, and your goals.
- You send images of your paintings for review.
- I carefully study your paintings and prepare notes, observations, and questions.
- I thoughtfully read and reflect on your Assessment Worksheet responses.
- I prepare a personalized plan for our session.
- We meet for one 90-minute Private Painting Mentoring session via Zoom.
- Within a few days, you receive a personalized Advancement Plan that includes key insights from our conversation, recommended resources, and specific, actionable suggestions for moving forward in both the short and long term.
- You're welcome to email follow-up questions after our session.
- If desired, ongoing mentoring is available to support your continued growth and development as a painter.
Introduce yourself and apply today. I'd be honored to be part of your painting journey.
You will come away with specific, actionable insights and strategies tailored to your unique goals, challenges, and aspirations as a painter. Whether you're just beginning or have been painting for years, we'll develop a clear path forward that supports where you are now and where you'd like to go.
I look forward to sharing what I've learned through my own painting journey and helping you deepen your relationship with this remarkable practice we share as artists.
Enter your details to secure your spot. I look forward to meeting you.
Happy painting,
Abbey
P.S. Choosing to invest in yourself and your painting practice is a significant decision, and I take that trust seriously. If you're still deciding whether Private Painting Mentoring is right for you, I encourage you to read the reviews and case studies from past and current participants.
Thank you for your interest in working one-on-one with me..
Complete this form to secure your spot.
Biography
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.
About Abbey
Abbey Ryan is a contemporary realist painter, educator, and mentor based in Philadelphia. Since 2007, she has maintained a daily painting practice centered on observation, mindfulness, and the transformative power of sustained creative work. Her paintings are in more than 1,900 private and institutional collections across six continents, and her writing and artwork have reached readers in more than 100 countries.
For over a decade, Abbey has helped painters at all stages of their journey develop their skills, refine their artistic voice, overcome creative roadblocks, and build a more meaningful relationship with their work. She brings to her mentoring a unique blend of professional experience, thoughtful observation, and a deep belief in the lifelong practice of learning through painting.
Abbey lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read more here.
Find my work in:
Live Painting Demonstration 2015 (time lapse)
Live Painting Demonstration 2014 (time lapse)
Watch Me Paint (time lapse)
Real-time Video
Live Painting Demonstration (time lapse)
Ready to invest in yourself and your painting practice?
Enter your details to secure your spot.
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