Self guided allows you to complete the practice on your own. That would be fine to start with as you can always upgrade your membership to instructor feedback and get access to the support and critique forums. Getting feedback on your progress greatly increases your success.

If you can, Instructor Feedback is the recommended path for learning with Artist's Course.  With instructor feedback you upload pics of your artwork to the forum and I will be able to help you like I was there with you. 

Online learning with Artist's Course is self paced so you wont feel pressured or rushed to complete anything you aren't ready for. If you want to put in more time devoted to reaching your full potential, you aren't limited by a time bound class. You decide how much you want to accomplish based on your own schedule and desire. 

Drawing is the foundation for all other mediums. With this system you need to master drawing before you can consider mastering another medium. That being absolutely true, it doesn't mean you can't learn drawing and painting at the same time. I recommend you start learning the watercolor and oil painting mediums as soon as you feel comfortable with it.  As your drawing improves you will be able to radically improve your painting. 

Creating artwork is a lifelong practice. You will continually get better as long as you keep learning and growing. You can expect to see improvements in the first couple of months and then at 6 months your painting will radically improve because we start with drawing and that is the foundation for all other mediums. 

Atelier (pronounced “ah-TEL-ee-yay”) is a french word that simply means studio. In modern times you might learn about art in a classroom. In contrast, during the 19th century art was taught in the studio by an experienced artist and this was considered academic training at the time. This has become more popular in recent times because of the effectiveness of this type of training. Artist's Course is an atelier or "in-studio" style of teaching system with the addition of modern luxury of technology.  Atelier 2.0 I guess. 

Artist's Course focuses on classical realism first. With a strong foundation in realistic drawing and painting techniques you can have a full spectrum of ability when you decide to become more expressive. Most artists do eventually want to find their own signature style.

Many students that work hard at achieving high realism have a hard time unlearning it to become more creative and abstract. Contemporary art is predominately abstracted and it's very important to learn both.  

Artist's Course teaches this creative approach to finding your own style from the beginning as a foundation so that no time is wasted.  This is done through artistic exploration and curiosity.

Mentorship offers one on one time with the instructor. You will get private and personalized undivided attention. You can upgrade or downgrade from mentorship based on where you are at in your progress throughout the course.

Beginners find it useful to get started out on the right path. Experienced artists find it helpful for breaking through barriers with hyper focus on a certain area of improvement.

Zoom meetings are a good way to meet and talk about your art you want to discuss for support and critique. You can also meet in person at the studio with the select available dates on the calendar. In person meeting is a completely optional bonus to mentorship. 

Private mentorship is extremely limited. There are only 15 spots available.  If there is no availability, you can get on the wait list and get notified when there is an opening. Usually about 3-6 months. 

Artist's Course offers two types of certifications. The first type of Artist's Course Mastery Certification confirms that you have reached proficiency with both the classical and expressive techniques taught and lead by Joel Wright. 

There is a 250 and 750 hour certification.  1000 total hours of art time logged but not just time logged, ability and skill must be achieved as well. This could take less than a year but could also take as long as 5 years or longer depending on the student.  

I have younger students that take the art courses all through middle school and high school. Adult level students putting in more time may progress more quickly. 

In order for me to sign off on your certification that you have successfully completed the Artist's Course you will have reached a high level of ability.

It's similar to signing a painting. You never put your signature on a painting until you fully approve of and appreciate it.  Getting this certification means you have worked really hard.

Not everyone wants to or can achieve certification with Joel Wright at Artist's Course. And it's completely optional.  You can learn as much or as little as you want from the Artist's Course.

The second type of certification is for artists that have successfully instructed students for 200 hours in both drawing and painting under supervision.  This certifies that you teach Artist's Course method with knowledge, compassion and proficiency with high quality feedback for art students.

After completing this certification you are eligible to become a paid instructor with Artist's Course!