Student Testimonials
I have been working with Yana one to one over zoom for four years! She has a unique blend of skills as a painter and proficiency in technology and organization. She is also an empathetic but demanding mentor, who requires a commitment to the work.
Yana is able to critique and trouble-shoot areas of my paintings I am having difficulty with and in the blink of an eye she can show me compositional and value options with photoshop tools. Her meticulous instruction in Photoshop not only aids in referencing for commissions and submitting to open calls for shows and publications, but also enhances my ability to visualize upcoming exhibits.
Beyond our professional alignment, our connection thrives through shared spiritual practices. Yana's mentorship became a transformative journey, including meditation for inner growth and healing my self-doubt, and my need for stronger boundaries, which was coming up with each commission.
Her consistent support and wisdom have empowered me to navigate challenges with newfound confidence and I am seeing results in the quality of my work and how I present myself. Under her guidance, I've not only honed my skills but discovered a deeper purpose and authenticity in my artistic pursuits.
Yana's influence extends beyond the canvas; she motivates me to work steadily, unlocking self-expression. As a successful artist on the rise, Yana inspires and lights the way. Grateful for her invaluable lessons, I consider Yana a person I hope to have in my life forever, a bright light guiding both my artistic journey and the more difficult journey to uncover myself and my limiting beliefs.
I consider working with Yana to be one of the most significant gifts I’ve given myself to support my full journey as an artist.
I found Yana through one of her classes, and immediately connected to her vision, her approach, and her style. I began working with her since July 2023, and I can honestly say that I’ve grown more as an artist during this time than I have after years of instruction with other teachers.
Yana was able to immediately identify the areas in which I needed to grow, and she provided me with targeted exercises to help me develop those skills. With a keen eye, critiques both honest and insightful, and Yana is able to help me understand how to make my paintings stronger and more dynamic, almost in a heartbeat. She can somehow instantaneously identify exactly what is not working in a painting, and not only makes suggestions on how to improve them, but also, gives me exercises to build the skill.
Given Yana’s extraordinary talent and vast knowledge, I expected the amazing instruction that I’m receiving, so that was not a surprise. What I did not expect was the power of the spirit building part of her mentorship. As I am still working full time in my career, my life had become a jumble of meetings, over commitments and mounting responsibilities that left little room to fully realize my desire to create art. Yana’s practice is not just an artistic one, but it also embodies a spiritual journey as an artist as well. Including meditation into my practice has been life changing, not just as it relates to my art, but in the rest of my life as well. She has helped me to find, honor and begin to develop my voice as an artist. I find myself developing more confidence and more peace each day. I don’t think it’s a stretch in the least to say I have grown as an artist….and as a human, since working with her.
And then there is Yana’s authenticity and spirit which she embodies in every interaction. She is a gracious and generous instructor who shares resources, suggestions and feedback freely, all with the sincere desire for my personal and artistic growth. More than any other instructor with whom I’ve worked, Yana puts such a strong focus on my growth that she is not afraid to be honest with me when something is not working. That feedback, always given with such care and encouragement, is a lesson and a gift unto itself.
I may be a newer student of hers, but I know I will work with Yana for years to come. If you are ready to truly explore who you can become as an artist, Yana is the instructor to help you on your journey.
– Donna Stevens, Student
“Working with Yana has been an invaluable journey for me. She has pushed me to improve my painting skills through engaging exercises and insightful critiques. Also, what sets Yana apart is her ability to tailor assignments to my specific situation, skills, and interests, fostering a strong sense of accountability.
Yana's approach is distinctive in its holistic perspective on the artist's life. Beyond the studio, she encourages cultivating a regular meditation practice, maintaining good nutrition, ensuring quality sleep, and trusting one's intuition. These aspects, seamlessly integrated into her teaching, help infuse mindfulness into the act of painting, resulting in the creation of high-quality work. Yana also provides valuable insights into art marketing and strategies for developing a successful art career.
I wholeheartedly recommend working with Yana if you are passionate about elevating your artistic capabilities and building your art career. Her multifaceted approach and wealth of knowledge make her an exceptional mentor for anyone seeking a comprehensive and transformative artist's journey.”