Expert Art Tutor for Creative Home-Educated, Adult & School Students | Coursework, Portfolio & Exam Support | Technique, Confidence & Bespoke Artistic Development

Find out more about Lucy

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I began tutoring around fifteen years ago alongside my full-time jobs in museums, galleries and art shipping. I was really drawn to working one to one with students and helping them to reach their goals. I definitely came at it from a place of empathy, having fairly recently completed my own academic and creative studies. I also enjoyed the challenges of supporting students, and it motivated me to keep up to date with my knowledge.

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  My first studies in Art History focused on the Modern period, so I'll always have a special interest in early 20th Century art. That said, I love to look at any artist's work that has qualities that intrigue me; this could be contemporary, modern, historic or ancient. I'm a curious person and crave the visual and intellectual stimulation that this provides. I also read a lot - fiction and non-fiction - which inspires both my teaching and my creative work.

• What are the qualities and skills required to succeed in this area?

  I already mentioned empathy, but it bears repeating because it is so fundamental to the student/tutor relationship. A good tutor also needs to be pragmatic, positive and enthusiastic. In addition, students often benefit from help with organisation and looking at the bigger picture. Perhaps most important of all is the ability to facilitate independent, confident learning so that the student may take responsibility for their own development.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  Don't let perfectionism hold you back. There's a lot to be said for just getting things done and not overthinking it. Break projects down into manageable chunks and find a system to organise yourself that is realistic and effective for you. Take breaks, be critical and trust your instincts rather than being swayed by the opinion or expectation of others. Vary your tasks so you can be productive, but also give yourself enough breathing space to let your work develop naturally.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  It's my life. I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't drawing, writing, reading, discussing, thinking... When your work is so integral to who you are and how you experience the world, the greatest possible satisfaction comes from doing and sharing it. Creativity is sometimes joyful and easy, sometimes painful and frustrating, but either way, I believe it's a key part of what makes us human and what makes life worth living.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I've never given up. There have been so many different phases of my creative life so far and at times I've had setbacks that made me feel like it would be easier not to make art at all. There is always a way, though, and it might not be the most obvious; that's the beautifully surprising thing about it. I've adapted to my circumstances and never stopped working on my projects and studies. I'm proud to say that I love my work and I've created a space where I can express myself freely.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  I have really high expectations and strong belief in all my students, so I'm not surprised when they do great work; I just get them to do more of it! That said, sometimes a student will go through a period of low energy or confidence and then get a huge unexpected boost of inspiration or productivity. It's especially satisfying to see this happen because I know what it means to them, and I can see how much it will benefit them. Of course, many of the people I work with have special aptitudes; regardless of ability or level, though, I find it very rewarding to be part of their journey.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  I treat every student and every session with the utmost care and respect, and I put everything I have into my work.