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Unearth, Gather, Create /// Click to Learn More

Drawn to Expression /// Click to Learn More

Portraits - Your Art, Your Way /// Click to Learn More

Gillian Lee Smith Workshop, Random Arts, North Carolina

About Gillian

Welcome! I am a professional artist and teacher. I paint from the heart and I believe in the life changing power of art and creativity. I exhibit my work and teach internationally. I truly enjoy teaching and I am delighted to bring to you this collection of online art courses and resources to support you in your own journey of creating art.

All of my current courses are available as self study courses, but I am always available to answer any questions you may have. My goal as a teacher is not to teach you how I paint, but instead to lead you through a journey of self discovery, a journey that will ultimately lead to you creating your art, your way.

Take a moment, look around and make yourself at home. I’m so glad you’re here!

Learn More About Gillian

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What Students are Saying

“There is something about Gillian’s classes that just draws the best out of me. My work is so improved even from the last class that I took with her. Besides for great content in video’s her written portion of the class has to connect to everyone no matter what level they are at when they start. Gillian, thank you so much and I can’t wait for your next class.”

Alyse Sanders

“I was highly impressed by the amount of content in the course, it was like a college semester worth of information!”

Amber Walker

“I have LOVED the class and will enjoy continuing my study as I slowly work my way through. You are not only a gifted artist, but a generous and kind person. I thank you for your giving spirit which shone through each and every video. I hope to someday take a class from you in person!”

Beth Cole

“I would recommend your course without reservation and wish you every success in the future.”

Dalene Robertson

“I was in art school as of last year and everything I learn from you is just as valuable if not more than art school. What you are teaching and how you teach is one of the greatest gifts to give someone who has never been to art school and/or can’t afford it. It’s my dream to create an online school teaching art to kids and adults because of those reasons I mentioned. So I admire you and you have been an inspiration.“

Jennifer Perry

“I have been taking classes for the last year or so pretty regularly. Gillian’s class is totally different. I feel like I am in art school! The first week was more info then a lot of month long classes. Gillian comments on every piece shown on the page and is there daily encouraging and prompting us. I would recommend it to everyone.”

Sandy Belt

“I have adored Gillian Cox’s work for several years now. When I found out she was teaching an online workshop, there was no hesitation. I signed up. Now I have taken many classes and not always, but sometimes my expectations are much higher than what the class actually is. Not so with Gillian. I just wanted to watch her work because her work is so deep and thought provoking and unbelievably beautiful. She is an excellent teacher. She is talking as she is creating and able to really explain what she is doing in such exquisite detail.”

Kate Thompson

“Watching you paint and draw is immensely useful. I learn so much. And I love the way you write about artistic expression.“

Sharyle Doherty

“Gillian is an amazing artist and an equally amazing teacher. What a comprehensive, professional, creative, responsive, beautiful presentation with superb videos and art instruction, gorgeous images and written materials to enhance learning, and creative inspiration to enable students to unearth their own inner vision for their art. Every day I come to the online classroom with so much renewed passion for art. And proof that the best teachers are also always learning themselves, Gillian frequently asks if we have any feedback for her as an instructor. The environment she has created is supportive and welcoming of everyone at every stage in their own creative exploration. This is so much more than an online art course. It is art school with a group of friends that includes the brilliant, generous instructor.”

Joanne Rose

“I love everything about her style – her teaching – just everything!!!!!“

Suzanne O’Mullan

“She teaches the foundation of drawing the portrait which is so important to all levels, for beginners to learn and for more experienced artist to revisit. She then demonstrates expressively her creations which gives the students the ability to take from foundational work into a more expressive and personal direction. Absolutely the best class I have ever taken.”

Kate Thompson

“Wonderful content, superb teacher, fine art instruction without any the worry of my skill level, but thorough & comprehensive…Artfully & Thoughtfully Done!“

Lynne O’Neal

A Whisper or a Shout…

The Language of Drawing

Every mark tells a story. Every line is an expression – an unearthing of you as an artist.

I would love to work alongside you, helping you to discover how to create art that represents your own unique character, personal narrative and imaginations. I teach a wealth of art techniques that will enable you to draw and paint in your own unique style and create a personal language through creating art.

If we unearth what is inside, gather what we know and use our own unique imaginations, we can bring a richness and a depth to our work that goes beyond a simple image. Our art becomes something more, it has resonance with our own spirit and connects us with others.

I believe that we each have our own unique story to tell.

What’s your story?

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