Join
Sophie's Art School
Get The Right Tools To Find Your Own Artistic Voice
Online courses, tutorials and a private online community to help you become a more confident painter
What You'll Get When You Join
01
Painting Courses
A variety of courses, workshops and tutorials, focussed on oils and pastel (other materials are welcome!).
02
A Library Full of Resources
A large library of tutorials, video lessons, articles, interviews, guest articles from renowned artists and so much more!
03
A Community of Friends
A completely private and safe environment to ask questions, post assignments, ask for feedback or simply 'hang out'. Our online forum is the place to be!
04
A Solid Painting Method
Learn the 5-step painting method which applies to all subject matter and all materials. You'll never get stuck again and you will know how to help yourself improve.
Your Host
Sophie
I am a professional artist and experienced art tutor. My paintings have featured in prestigious exhibitions such as at the BP Portrait Award and the Pastel Society. I am self-taught and believe in a practical and down-to-earth approach to painting and that is how I teach. I have over 30 years of experience in painting with pastel and over 15 years of oil painting under my belt. I love teaching online; it is amazing to be able to help someone on the other side of the world as well as someone just a few miles away.
what students say
Reviews
"This is the most unique online art course I have taken. The setup is unique and the contents takes a pastel newbie from pastel and paper types through mark making and beyond. Also Sophie is there every step of the way and I think that she is the most valuable resource in the course."
"Sophie's Pastel Place is an amazing place! It was just what I was looking for when I discovered soft pastels and wanted to know what to do with them. I learned so much and my work grew with every lesson and every comment Sophie gave on my work. She is so helpful! If there is anything you don't understand, she keeps explaining and giving examples until you do. I wouldn't have wanted to miss out on this!"
"I really feel I am learning and improving all the time. I used to worry about never having been to art school but now it doesn't seem so important. I feel that I'm getting superb teaching and also getting support from others who are also keen to improve."
"The Lessons are very clear and easily applied, so you can practice over and over. The way the techniques builds is very useful. And I loved that we can draw "with you"."
"What you've created is awesome! You are a very good teacher and always give helpful, constructive feedback. Thanks Sophie :)"
"I have taken several classes on painting portraits, but I learned far more by following this course. It is an extremely comprehensive and detailed guide to creating a realistic portrait. It covers topics I had scarcely given a thought to before, such as how to take a good reference photo, how to position your model, choose clothing, backgrounds etc. The step by step technique created order out of, what was before, my rather muddled and chaotic method in which I tried to tackle everything at once. I have learned to slow down, pay far more attention to detail, and to work methodically. To be able to paint along with a skilled artist, and watch over her shoulder, so to speak, was invaluable, and I really feel that I have made tremendous progress by doing so."
More info and enrol:
Check out
Sophie's Art School's website
©2023 Sophie Ploeg