Tom Marsh ROI RSMA
Testimonials
"I attended two of Tom’s workshops, each with a different subject (countryside and seaside) - they are just super in every sense of the word: Tom is generous with his advice, doing two demos during the day and then giving the participants freedom to explore and paint the subject of their choice but also being supportive and encouraging throughout. At the end of the day there is a constructive observation of works produced during the day in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.
And that not to mention a delicious lunch provided by Tom’s family! You feel welcomed and encouraged in every way.
Highly recommended!"
Nellie Katchinska
"I came to Tom’s workshop with a clear intention to explore abstracting the landscape, and his work is truly exceptional in that area.
Tom is an incredibly generous teacher, openly sharing detailed insights into both his process and the way he thinks about painting. It genuinely felt like a “no stupid questions” environment, and I was completely comfortable asking for guidance throughout the workshop.
I left feeling energised and inspired, having gained a new way of thinking about plein air landscape painting. Most amazingly, I can clearly see the difference in my landscape work before and after the workshop"
Stephanie Man
"I took part in a plein air oil painting workshop with Tom Marsh last summer in beautiful Battle, East Sussex. Tom is a very warm, encouraging teacher, and his demonstrations were clear, generous, and informative. It was fascinating to watch his process unfold and to see how he approaches a painting from start to finish. The day itself was relaxed and thoughtfully paced, making it both enjoyable and inspiring. It was a truly lovely and memorable day overall, and I’m very much looking forward to going back this year. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in painting outside"
Ali Hodgkinson
"A long admirer of Tom's work, I was thrilled to be able to do a workshop with him last Autumn, to have the opportunity to understand his approach to plein air painting, and to gain more insight into how he works with a limited palette and simplifies the essence of what he is painting to create such atmospheric work. Tom was refreshingly honest about the challenges of working with oil, supportive about my work on the day, and easy, friendly company. A really inspiring day"
'Julie Dubery'
"I have taken part in two of Tom’s work shops and enjoyed every minute of them.
Watching Tom’s demos, seeing how he chooses his subject, and then simplifies the landscape in his unique way is inspiring!
The workshops have definitely helped me question my composition choices as well as build my confidence to paint outside.
Tom is so very generous with his advice and encouragement.
Simplifying what you see and knowing when to stop were my key takeaways!"
Louise Lambert
"Tom took us to two different locations during his one-day workshop— first to a beautiful countryside viewpoint, and then into a nearby village for a street scene (wanting to challenge myself and take myself out of my comfort zone, I had asked to paint buildings, and Tom kindly accommodated this request).
The day was thoroughly enjoyable. Tom spent time with each participant individually, offering guidance and plenty of advice throughout. A delicious lunch was an added bonus!
Tom has an exceptional understanding of light and perspective and was wonderfully generous in sharing his knowledge. Combined with his friendly, easy-going nature, the workshop was a really fun day out. I fully recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their plein-air painting skills"
Heidi Laughton
"I found the workshop I did with you last year in Rye so helpful. I learnt so much, and it really made me look at my process differently. I’d love to do another one soon. Thanks!"
James Smith
Artist Mentoring
One-to-one mentoring for artists
An opportunity to develop your artistic practice through individual guidance, conversation, practical exploration and a deeper understanding of how you see and interpret the world around you.
I offer one-to-one mentoring at £50 per hour, either at my studio in Sussex or via video call. For those looking for a more sustained period of development, I also offer a structured six-week mentoring programme, combining practical studio days, discussion, gallery visits and ongoing online support.
My mentoring is tailored to each artist, their interests, motivations and ambitions. Whether you are looking to develop your existing practice, explore new directions, strengthen your painting skills or make the transition from one medium to another, we will work together to identify and nurture the ideas that are important to you.
observation and in the landscape.
How I can help
A strong focus of my mentoring is on drawing, composition and the development of an individual visual language.
We will explore how the mind filters and interprets the world we see, and how we can develop the visual and painting tools to translate these perceptions into strong, considered compositions.
We can work specifically on developing your understanding and handling of oil paint, exploring its qualities, possibilities and techniques. For those already working in other mediums, this can be an opportunity to discover a new way of approaching painting.
We can also explore the transition from the studio to working directly from observation and location. Learning to respond to the changing world around you, make decisions in front of your subject and translate what you see into a painting.
We will look at materials, techniques and practical approaches, but always with the inner artist at the forefront of our learning.
The aim is not to impose a particular way of working, but to help you recognise, develop and strengthen your own artistic language.
Six-week mentoring programme
A concentrated programme of one-to-one mentoring, combining studio sessions, practical painting, conversation and ongoing online support.
Week 1 — Meeting and exploring
London day
-
Portfolio sharing and discussion.
-
Exploring your motivations, interests and current practice.
-
Sharing thoughts, ideas and possible future directions.
-
A gallery visit to look at and discuss artists and approaches that may inform your work.
Week 2 — Reflection and development
1-hour video call + online support
-
Reviewing thoughts and ideas from our first meeting.
-
Discussing work in progress and emerging directions.
-
Ongoing sharing and feedback online.
Week 3 — Practical exploration
6-hour studio day or outdoor painting session
A full day dedicated to practical painting and drawing, exploring composition, observation, materials and ways of working.
This can take place in my studio or at an outdoor location, depending on your interests and the direction of your work.
Week 4 — Reflection and development
1-hour video call + online support
-
Reviewing practical work and discoveries.
-
Discussing challenges and new possibilities.
-
Continuing to develop ideas through shared images and conversation.
Week 5 — Practical exploration
6-hour studio day or outdoor painting session
A second practical day, building on the previous sessions and allowing space for experimentation, deeper exploration and the development of your individual approach.
Week 6 — Consolidation and future direction
2-hour studio session or video call
A final session to reflect on your progress, identify the most important discoveries and consider how to take your practice forward.
We will focus on artistic direction, further exploration and establishing a sense of momentum beyond the mentoring programme.
Investment
Six-week mentoring programme: £850
The programme includes:
-
One initial London meeting and gallery visit.
-
Two six-hour practical studio or outdoor painting days.
-
Two one-hour video calls.
-
One final two-hour session.
-
Ongoing online sharing and support throughout the programme.
The programme is designed to take place over six weeks, but the same block of sessions can be condensed into a shorter period where preferred and practical.
Enquiries
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of working together through a mentoring programme, please get in touch in the first instance by email:
I would be very happy to hear from you and learn a little about your practice and what you hope to explore.
T&Cs
If the weather is too severe for our planned plainair painting workshop or in the unlikely event that I am unable to host the workshop, in the first
instance I will make every effort to reschedule a date that the entire group can make. If this is not possible I will run the workshops individually or in smaller groups.
If no alternative date can be found then a full refund will be made.
If after booking you can no longer make the planned date I will give you the option
to choose another date.