Academic Art Mentorship

All levels of experience are welcome!

I offer private mentorship in academic drawing and painting hosted in my own studio in Florence. Grounded in classical training, we will combine the sight-size and constructive drawing methods to build a strong foundation for efficiently working from life.

The focus can range from portraits, to still life, and figure. Lessons are tailored to your goals and pace.

Students may opt for focused short-term sessions or commit to a longer program.

Course details, materials, payment options, and more below.

For plein-air lessons, see Landscape Painting

Reserve Your Spot Now!

Please send me an email with any inquiries (date availability, pricing, custom scheduling, etc).

For reserving lessons, payments are securely processed through PayPal.

€120

2 Session Pack

6 hours tuition, live demonstrations and guided drawing/painting practice

Materials list sent through email or WhatsApp

Discounted art supplies at Zecchi Colori Belle Arti


€270

5 Session Pack (10% discount)

15 hours tuition, live demonstrations and guided drawing/painting practice

Materials list sent through email or WhatsApp

Discounted art supplies at Zecchi Colori Belle Arti


Custom

Reserve Your Own Hours

Please send me an email to organize custom hours and pricing.

For lessons involving groups or more than one person, hourly rates may vary.

For long-term studying commitments, further discounted rates may apply.


    • Tuition, including hours of live demonstration and guided painting practice

    • A detailed materials list sent via WhatsApp or email

      Not Included:

    • Model fees. If students wish to work from a live model, they must cover the modelling fee in addition to their tuition.

    • Travel expenses, art supplies, meals, and accommodation. Students can receive discounted art supplies from Zecchi Colori Belle Arti.

    • Instruction is tailored for beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level students.

    • Materials and Composition: Students develop a comprehensive understanding of materials, techniques, and composition, preparing them for various artistic pursuits, including still life, portraiture, figure drawing, and landscapes.

    • Assessment and Feedback: Regular assessments and constructive feedback.

    • Flexibility and Collaboration: Adaptable lessons to individual learning styles, creating an environment where students can freely express ideas.

    • Sight-Size Method: This classical technique, popularized in the 19th century in Europe, allows artists to achieve accurate proportions and tonal values by working from a fixed distance. Renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and Anders Zorn utilized this method to enhance observational skills. It promotes a direct relationship between the artwork and the subject, encouraging precision in detail and representation.

    • Constructive Drawing Method: Emphasized by Ilya Repin, artists of the St. Petersburg Academy, and Charles Bargue, this method deconstructs complex forms into simpler shapes, fostering a deeper understanding of structure and form. Bargue's courses and Repin's realist approach have profoundly influenced artistic training, emphasizing accuracy and observational skills.

    • Complementary Approach: When used together, these methods create a comprehensive artistic training program. The sight-size method hones visual accuracy, while the constructive method provides essential understanding of form and structure. This combination encourages the artist to balance keen observation with conceptual thinking, allowing for greater versatility in artistic practice. By adapting techniques based on the subject, the artist can achieve both technical proficiency and creative interpretation.

  • The material list will be sent to you via email or WhatsApp after signing up for the course.

    Students can expect to work with oil paints, charcoal, or graphite depending upon the project or program.

    Materials are not included in the price of tuition.

  • Accommodation, travel expenses, and meals are not included with tuition.

    Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), Pisa Airport (PSA) or Bologna Airport (BLQ) are well connected to Florence via shuttle bus or the train.

    Florence is a small and very walkable city, though I recommend you book accommodation anywhere at or near the historical center to arrive at the studio easily.

    Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding transportation via email or WhatsApp!

    • The studio is located in the heart of Florence, a 20-minute walk from the Duomo, and easily accessible through public transportation.

About the Course

  • "Ms. Tosheva is a teacher extraordinaire. She is patient and kind about her criticism, and extremely educated in her craft. I spent a week learning from her and have taken her instruction to heart. I recommend her workshops and classes to anyone who wants to be an artist."

    K. Mosbacher

  • Definitely would recommend! I’m incredibly satisfied with Kalina’s teaching method. Her approach is both kind and deeply inspiring. Her own artistic work is a source of inspiration to me, and being in her studio feels like a truly enriching experience. Kalina creates a safe, nurturing space where I feel genuinely encouraged to take on new challenges in my artistic journey. Her gentle guidance has made a lasting impact on both my skills and my confidence.

    R. Kehayova

  • "An amazing teacher in figurative realism for drawing and traditional oil painting. I learnt so much from her and greatly improved in only a couple of weeks. She’s a very dedicated and caring teacher who tailors her approach to the individual, able to articulate their strengths, weaknesses, give explanations, demonstrations and guide students through the process of making a painting from start to finish. Most importantly she gives her knowledge and attention generously, which empowers her students and brings out their full potential."

    P. Milenkovic