I've worked with great teachers at wonderful academic institutions where I gained skills, sensibilities, and an understanding of art history. However, it was not until I worked with Tom Wudl in his studio that I was able to commit to being an artist and find my voice. It started with breaking through fear. Tom uses many techniques to help me move through my stuck points. Even more powerful is his ability to be present and pick up what I like to call “things on the periphery of my consciousness.” He calls attention to my intuitions, which I might otherwise disregard or take lifetimes to recognize. Tom encourages me to push myself out of my comfort zones. And with his extensive and deep knowledge of the arts, Tom provides meaningful context. Working in the Wudl Studio gives me an opportunity to connect with serious and supportive artists. We all work independently, yet there is synergy. It is a quiet space where I can focus and concentrate, and an enclave percolating with energy and ideas of artists who support and inspire each other. Exchange of ideas, visual stimulation, emotional support, and the flow of energy is all part of the mix.

I began working with Tom several years ago after hearing him interviewed on a podcast, and I chose him to be my mentor over a two year period. Although we worked together virtually (I live in Canada and he lives in LA) I feel that nothing was lost in his ability to discern subtleties, connect both intellectually and emotionally, and to suggest insightful (and often surprising) ways forward. Under Tom's guidance, I was able to take my work to an entirely new level, and one that I would never have arrived at on my own. Even after we stopped working together, I would often hear his voice in my mind....am I discovering anything?...am I dialling it in?....and above all - art is sacred. I recently began working with Tom again, knowing that he would provide just the right amount of frank critique, tempered with compassion. This is just the beginning of our new journey, and I'm required to enter unknown, sometimes turbulent waters - but I trust that whatever emerges will be deeply rewarding. Will there be resistance? Of course. Will it all be worthwhile? Absolutely! Tom is like a midwife to one's creativity and I highly recommend working with him.

Tom Wudl is an extraordinary teacher and artist that provides mentorship akin to a continuous Master’s Program. The knowledge I have gained from him is vast as he is an expert in art history, a dedicated teacher and a master artist.

The class consists of one-on-one personalized teaching plus group lectures that cover art history, artists, thinking about art and, spirituality. Through personalized teaching Tom instills the value of artistic freedom by encouraging me to tune out external distractions and do my work honestly. He emphasizes being the best artist I can be by being independent from others’ opinions and cultivating free thought and creativity. Tom has also helped me believe in myself and listen to my intuition. He has a gift to be able to help you in any area of art whether the question is about technical skills or about the creative process; he knows what is best.

Tom cares about you as an artist and teaches you to be the best you can be without following trends and staying true to your art identity. He also really cares about you as a person, believes in you and shows you that anything is possible. Tom’s teaching has allowed me to go beyond what I have ever expected of myself. I am extremely thankful but mostly consider myself lucky to have Tom as a teacher. Without a doubt, Tom is an exceptional teacher, a master artist and an extraordinary person.

Tom Wudl has been an extraordinary teacher and mentor for me. He helped me take the leap to a full-time studio practice, and I’ve never looked back. Tom’s focus is on creativity and helping his students access their innate creativity for themselves with no compromises. I’m grateful I met Tom and all of the other amazing artists that work with him. If you’re ready to take the next step with your artwork, even if you don’t know what that step is, Tom’s teaching is something special and can take you to places you’ve never been.

Wisely guiding, gently pushing, genuinely caring, and knowledgeably teaching, Tom took my hand and lead me along the path of being the creative I already am but didn’t know.

Tom doesn’t believe in classical approaches to teaching art. And I was skeptical at the beginning that an online class would work. But it did. Like a Dalai Lama he worked on my mind and how I think and see. And like a Jung, it was always through my subject, my ideas, and my choice of media. His teachings changed me in two fundamental ways: accepting myself as an artist and understanding what Art is.

Tom Wudl brings to his classes far more than instruction in technique, although he can and does provide that upon request. With an extraordinary breadth and depth of knowledge about art history, practice, and philosophy, Tom gives to each individual student whatever his work requires at any given moment. He is an inspirational teacher, mentor, role model and - sometimes - gadfly. I feel very lucky to have studied with him for the past fifteen-plus years and look forward to what the next fifteen may bring.