Mentorship
Technical graphite, pastel, and mixed media techniques and art career guidance.
Instruction
My approach to teaching focuses on the individual. This is not a syllabus-based course, but an opportunity for you to identify your own specific goals and for us to work together to help you along the path to reaching them. I work with individuals at all levels, including both professionals and hobbyists.
Together, we can explore technical drawing and painting skills as well as the more nuanced facets of a studio practice in the art world today. This includes but is not limited to:
Foundational drawing skills in graphite
Hyperrealism in graphite
Hyperrealism in my unique mixed media PanPastel and Graphite technique
Concept development and execution
Best practices in photoshoots and working with models
Choosing/editing a strong photo reference
Photoshop editing skills
Presentation of finished artworks (professional artwork capture, framing, and shipping)
Art marketing and professional website building
Exhibiting: Participation in group shows, competitions, and getting gallery representation
Building an artist community and supporting your peers (we’re stronger together!)
Additional insight from my professional art industry experience
The choice is yours regarding how we spend our sessions together!
Format
Sessions are one hour long and are held over Zoom or in person for local Bay Area artists.
Everyone’s needs are different. Because of this, I offer multiple routes of how we can work together. See below for all offerings, and of course, if you have any questions at all, please reach out!
Student Work
“Lady with a Sphynx” by Damon Mahoney
PanPastel and graphite on paper, 28” x 38”, 2026
In my time working with Sara, my artwork has completely evolved. I have been able to hone my technique and take it to levels I never thought possible. She is also a mentor who constantly empowers me in getting my work out into the world – from approaching galleries to developing relationships with collectors and creating clarity around who I am as an artist. Sara’s guidance has been like having a locked door suddenly opened, and a world of possibilities made available.
“Study” by Zach Meyer
PanPastel and graphite on paper, 11” x 14”, 2024
Sara is an outstanding teacher. I gained new insights in every session, and she was patient, encouraging, and motivated me to learn more. I particularly enjoyed her demonstrations; it felt like observing an old master at work.
I learned more from her than I did in six years of art school; it has changed my life.”
- Zach M.
Interested in working with me, but want to be sure before you commit? I completely understand! Meet with me over zoom for a 15-minute consultation call where we can discuss what your goals are, how my mentorship style works, and see if we would be a good fit for one another!
I will reach out to you within 48 hours of securing your consultation to schedule the free call.
$600 $500
Save when you book multiple sessions at once.
Booking four 1-hour private mentorship sessions is right for you if:
You’re an artist at any level - from professional to hobbyist - who is looking to enhance your studio practice
You’re looking to learn the foundation of my technique and hone in on up to three particular challenges you’ve had technically with your drawings.
You’re interested in getting a professional eye on your portfolio for honest, thoughtful critique, conversations about where your work may launch from here, and next steps in establishing yourself in the fine art world.
You’re looking to sharpen concept development, execution of photoshoots, and preparation of photo references in Photoshop
Plus more! I’m here to work for you, so we tailor these sessions based on your particular interests, goals, and needs.
I’ll contact you within 48 hours of purchase with an intake questionnaire, supplies list, and to schedule your first session.
Booking a 1-hour private mentorship session is right for you if:
Would like to get a professional eye on your portfolio for honest, thoughtful critique
Have one very specific technical question about graphite or PanPastel
Have questions regarding concept development and execution
Are seeking guidance on photoshoots and preparing photo references in Photoshop
Are interested in a discussion about the art world as a whole — exhibiting, gallery representation, commissions, pricing, competitions, etc.
Would like to work with me, but want to test it out once before you commit to a larger package (I get it) ;)
I’ll contact you within 48 hours of purchase to send you an intake questionnaire and get your session booked!
$1,800 $1,450
The 12 session option is considered a complete drawing package. This amount of time allows us to work from start to finish on an entire drawing together while answering some of your other art practice questions.
Booking twelve 1-hour private mentorship sessions is right for you if some or most of these apply to you:
You’re an artist who is ready to seriously transform your drawings. (All skill levels from professional to hobbyists welcome!)
You are committed to strengthening your technical skills
You are interested in learning my unique graphite and panpastel mixed media technique
You’ would like a professional eye on your portfolio for honest, thoughtful critique, conversations about where your work may launch from there, and next steps in establishing yourself in the fine art world.
You’re looking to sharpen concept development, execution of photoshoots, and preparation of photo references in Photoshop
Plus more! I’m here to work for you - the sessions are tailored to you based on your interests, goals, and unique needs.
I’ll contact you within 48 hours of purchase with an intake questionnaire, supplies list, and to schedule your first session.
Payment plans available! Please contact me to set one up.
Group Sessions
Sara offers private group sessions online, at her place, or at yours. If you are interested in booking a group session, please fill out the form below with more details.