Rita has been creating as long as she remembers. Her art took different forms – from poetry and dance choreography she found her way to painting. Rita graduated the Mastery program in 2019 and has been a professional artist since. As a mentor Rita tries to find a unique approach to each student helping them to uncover all the possibilities and abilities each one of them holds. Encouraging and supporting along the way but going to the core of each student’s voice Rita helps students to find unique ideas and ways to execute them.

Heather Bailey is a creative powerhouse. She is a full-time professional artist, a patented inventor, and a mother of three. With an extensive career in surface design and product design since 2000, Heather joined the on-site Mastery Program in 2017 to expand her creative arena into fine-art painting. Heather’s enthusiasm for art is contagious. As a mentor, Heather offers thoughtful, precise feedback and well-grounded, real-world advice for building a thriving career in the arts. She is eager to bolster you with love, moral support, and a clear path forward as you embrace this life-changing program, and achieve your dream.

Tanya is a french-Canadian based artist. From a young age, she was initiated into art and always loved creating. She graduated from the online Mastery Program in December of 2020 and has been a professional artist since then. Tanya's creative process is mainly focused on mixed media techniques. With her work, she wants to make you feel powerful and limitless when it comes to being your true self. As a Mentor, Tanya wants to encourage artists to push their limits and experiment as much as possible to discover their unique voice! She enjoys connecting with people, sharing experiences, and helping them during their life-changing art journey.

Casey Wakefield completed the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program in 2018. While enrolled in the program, she fell in love with the creative process and abstract paintings. During that time, she found her voice and now creates color impressions in abstract form through contemplative transformation of color, drips, and marks onto canvas with mixed media and oil. As a mentor, Casey enjoys sharing her experiences, tips, and encouraging students to accomplish their goals and dreams of becoming a professional artist.

Brie has been exploring the creative arts her whole life. Never wanting to be confined to one thing she kept searching for who she was and what she could show the world. It’s through the Art of Mixed Media that she found her true identity, a place where she can be completely herself and free from any boundaries or limitations. Her art is a mix of abstract realism, urban pop art and a bit of fiery emotions all mixed into one. As a Mentor Brie is determined to help her students find their truest selves and bring their creative passions to life!

From a young age, Bri knew she was born to be an artist. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2021, she became a full-time professional artist and now runs her own gallery. Once a homeless teen who never gave up on her dreams, she channels her story of perseverance into painting symbols of strength and gratitude. As a mentor, Bri is passionate about helping students take their first steps toward an art career, offering feedback, advice, and encouragement to build lasting confidence.

Asia has been creating art since childhood and, after attending the Milan Art Institute on-site in 2017, discovered a new level of creative freedom that fueled her passion to create full-time. Her work blends light and dark, raw and refined, with a striking yet soft aesthetic that invites self-reflection. Using mixed media with mark-making, drips, and brushstrokes before refining with oil paint, she captures atmospheric energy in each piece. As a mentor, Asia empowers artists to find their true voice and confidently share their unique perspective with the world.

Ritika Aurora has always been creative and art was her first love. She found herself through her art and redefined what life meant for her. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2019 she wanted other women to realize the potential/possibilities life can offer if you are brave enough to work for it. She wants her art to make the viewer feel the strength within themselves and inspire them to reach for their dreams. As a mentor, Ritika wants to help her students realize their true potential and pushes them to experiment and find their unique style and themselves through art.

Daree Johnson is a professional artist and 2019 graduate of the Milan Art Institute. Creativity has been a lifelong pursuit for her, but it was painting that ultimately captured her heart and became her career. Her artwork celebrates the beauty of the world through dreamy pastels and radiant rainbow hues. As a mentor, Daree encourages students to stay true to themselves, recognize their worth, and build the confidence to share their art with the world.

Nicolette is an artist living in the Netherlands. After some experiences and lessons about love and herself, she felt exhausted from life. Nicolette started elevating herself, giving up everything that weighs her down. That is where she found her way back to art. Nicolette is passionate about expressing her strength, softness, and healing experiences in her art, to inspire others to see their own potential and strength. As a Mentor, she is just as passionate about guiding students on their journey to unveil their potential and purpose in art and life.

Alannah Anderson is an Australian creative living in California with 25 years of experience in design and branding. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2021, she left her corporate design career to pursue her passion as a full-time professional artist. Deeply connected to the Milan Art community, Alannah is passionate about helping artists achieve success through the program and fostering authentic relationships that inspire growth and creativity.

Elmira Solo is a multi-talented artist and coach with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts, providing a strong foundation for her creative journey. With nearly 19 years in the animation industry, she honed her skills in the intricate art of visual storytelling. Her passion for fine arts led her to the Mastery Program, where she explored personal artistic expression and traditional painting for the first time. Combining technical proficiency with her transformative journey, Elmira is dedicated to guiding aspiring artists toward realizing their full potential and achieving their dreams.

Stephanie comes from a family of artists and artisans, with art remaining a lifelong passion. After a full career as a physician, she felt compelled to pursue her artistic dreams and, following a long hiatus, began showing her work again in 2019. A graduate of the Mastery Program, she now enjoys life as a professional artist, known for her gift with color, light, and the sensitivity she brings to her subjects. Through dreamlike imagery, she reveals the realms of possibility. Stephanie splits her time between her primary studio in Sarasota, FL, and her summer studio in Farmington Hills, MI. As a mentor, she is passionate about guiding artists to discover their unique voice and bring their creative visions to life.

Dafni Milan grew up surrounded by creativity in a family of artists, exploring her passion for art from an early age. A professional artist, she values freedom, individuality, and staying true to oneself, even if it means going against societal norms. This philosophy is reflected in her work, which combines wild, expressive mixed media with refined oil painting to balance peace and chaos. As a mentor, Dafni encourages artists to be their best selves while allowing their growth to unfold naturally.

Nick Gould is a professional artist and coach/mentor for Milan Art Institute. Although he was drawn to sports growing up, a life-changing tattoo inspired him to learn to draw and eventually paint—falling in love with the brush in 2013 and never looking back. His goal as an artist is to remind people of their worth, instilling self-belief and determination while continuing to grow himself. He encourages every artist to remember: your best is always enough.

Ceci is a professional artist, her art studio is located in Guatemala City. She loves the opportunity she has to touch Lives through her art, expressing real feelings, and transparency. Ceci graduated from Milan Art institute in 2019. Being able to support students in their own art journey has been an amazing experience. Ceci enjoys walking alongside students and helping them find their unique voice and style.

Lisa is a Scottish-based professional artist and 2022 graduate of the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. She began painting at a young age under the guidance of her eccentric, creative gran, who taught herself from second-hand art books and old TV shows. Inspired by ancient history, literature, poetry, and nature, Lisa’s curiosity and love of learning drew her to Milan Art’s anti-art-school approach, which resonated with her rebellious spirit. She divides her time between creating large-scale works in her rented studio, teaching workshops across Scotland, and painting in her home studio. As a mentor, Lisa encourages creative exploration and helps artists embrace their individuality while building confidence in their unique voice.

A lifelong art-fanatic, Briana Hume has spent years honing her skills and, after graduating from the Mastery Program in 2020, became a full-time professional artist. Her work blends refined portraiture with abstract elements, rich in symbolic imagery. Passionate about connecting on an emotional level, she inspires others to pursue their visions with courage and dedication. Briana believes anyone with enough passion, diligence, and openness can successfully pursue their dreams.

Eva Bratopoulou is a professional artist living and working on Spetses island in Greece. Her artwork is mysterious, magical, feminine, and dreamy, with a spiritual sense. She believes in continuous learning and seeks new knowledge and skills to share with her students. Eva has participated in numerous exhibitions, and her work is collected both nationally and internationally. As a mentor, Eva inspires artists to discover their inner truth, embrace their destiny, and live a life full of wonder.

Braighlee is a full-time artist based in the Reno/Tahoe area. Her work is deeply rooted in her own journey of embracing divine femininity, personal strength, and the balance between confidence and leadership. She creates feminine abstract-realism portraits and figures in rich, luscious oils, capturing the playful, sensual, and free aspects of being a woman while honoring the grounding strength that fuels boldness in life. A 2022 graduate of the Milan Art Institute, Braighlee also spent a spring semester in Italy studying portraiture. As a mentor, she is passionate about guiding artists to step into their own confidence and power, helping them embrace both their creative freedom and the strength to boldly share their work with the world. 

Flo is an accomplished artist and advocate for creative expression. With a Bachelor's degree in architecture, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist and entered the Mastery Program in 2020. Her journey has been shaped by a deep passion for artistic exploration and self-discovery, from early experiences with art therapy to studies in digital art, illustration, and ceramics. Drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and cinematic storytelling, Flo creates mixed media works that serve as powerful visual narratives, channeling her own experiences into art that inspires others to embrace their authentic selves. As a mentor, she is committed to fostering creativity and empowerment, guiding artists with compassion and insight as they discover their own voice.

Abby is a mixed media artist who graduated from the Mastery Program in 2019. She brings each painting to life with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and rich textures, allowing every piece to evolve naturally as her imagination takes over. Her work seeks to spark transformation within the viewer, inspiring empowerment, confidence, and the courage to be fully oneself. As a mentor, Abby encourages her students to embrace their individuality and express it fearlessly through their art. She loves offering that extra push when needed, along with practical tips, feedback, and unwavering support.

Casey Wakefield completed the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program in 2018. While enrolled in the program, she fell in love with the creative process and abstract paintings. During that time, she found her voice and now creates color impressions in abstract form through contemplative transformation of color, drips, and marks onto canvas with mixed media and oil. As a mentor, Casey enjoys sharing her experiences, tips, and encouraging students to accomplish their goals and dreams of becoming a professional artist.

Brie has been exploring the creative arts her whole life. Never wanting to be confined to one thing she kept searching for who she was and what she could show the world. It’s through the Art of Mixed Media that she found her true identity, a place where she can be completely herself and free from any boundaries or limitations. Her art is a mix of abstract realism, urban pop art and a bit of fiery emotions all mixed into one. As a Mentor Brie is determined to help her students find their truest selves and bring their creative passions to life!

From a young age, Bri knew she was born to be an artist. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2021, she became a full-time professional artist and now runs her own gallery. Once a homeless teen who never gave up on her dreams, she channels her story of perseverance into painting symbols of strength and gratitude. As a mentor, Bri is passionate about helping students take their first steps toward an art career, offering feedback, advice, and encouragement to build lasting confidence.

Asia has been creating art since childhood and, after attending the Milan Art Institute on-site in 2017, discovered a new level of creative freedom that fueled her passion to create full-time. Her work blends light and dark, raw and refined, with a striking yet soft aesthetic that invites self-reflection. Using mixed media with mark-making, drips, and brushstrokes before refining with oil paint, she captures atmospheric energy in each piece. As a mentor, Asia empowers artists to find their true voice and confidently share their unique perspective with the world.

Ritika Aurora has always been creative and art was her first love. She found herself through her art and redefined what life meant for her. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2019 she wanted other women to realize the potential/possibilities life can offer if you are brave enough to work for it. She wants her art to make the viewer feel the strength within themselves and inspire them to reach for their dreams. As a mentor, Ritika wants to help her students realize their true potential and pushes them to experiment and find their unique style and themselves through art.

Daree Johnson is a professional artist and 2019 graduate of the Milan Art Institute. Creativity has been a lifelong pursuit for her, but it was painting that ultimately captured her heart and became her career. Her artwork celebrates the beauty of the world through dreamy pastels and radiant rainbow hues. As a mentor, Daree encourages students to stay true to themselves, recognize their worth, and build the confidence to share their art with the world.

Nicolette is an artist living in the Netherlands. After some experiences and lessons about love and herself, she felt exhausted from life. Nicolette started elevating herself, giving up everything that weighs her down. That is where she found her way back to art. Nicolette is passionate about expressing her strength, softness, and healing experiences in her art, to inspire others to see their own potential and strength. As a Mentor, she is just as passionate about guiding students on their journey to unveil their potential and purpose in art and life.

Alannah Anderson is an Australian creative living in California with 25 years of experience in design and branding. After graduating from the Mastery Program in 2021, she left her corporate design career to pursue her passion as a full-time professional artist. Deeply connected to the Milan Art community, Alannah is passionate about helping artists achieve success through the program and fostering authentic relationships that inspire growth and creativity.

Elmira Solo is a multi-talented artist and coach with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts, providing a strong foundation for her creative journey. With nearly 19 years in the animation industry, she honed her skills in the intricate art of visual storytelling. Her passion for fine arts led her to the Mastery Program, where she explored personal artistic expression and traditional painting for the first time. Combining technical proficiency with her transformative journey, Elmira is dedicated to guiding aspiring artists toward realizing their full potential and achieving their dreams.

Stephanie comes from a family of artists and artisans, with art remaining a lifelong passion. After a full career as a physician, she felt compelled to pursue her artistic dreams and, following a long hiatus, began showing her work again in 2019. A graduate of the Mastery Program, she now enjoys life as a professional artist, known for her gift with color, light, and the sensitivity she brings to her subjects. Through dreamlike imagery, she reveals the realms of possibility. Stephanie splits her time between her primary studio in Sarasota, FL, and her summer studio in Farmington Hills, MI. As a mentor, she is passionate about guiding artists to discover their unique voice and bring their creative visions to life.

Dafni Milan grew up surrounded by creativity in a family of artists, exploring her passion for art from an early age. A professional artist, she values freedom, individuality, and staying true to oneself, even if it means going against societal norms. This philosophy is reflected in her work, which combines wild, expressive mixed media with refined oil painting to balance peace and chaos. As a mentor, Dafni encourages artists to be their best selves while allowing their growth to unfold naturally.

Nick Gould is a professional artist and coach/mentor for Milan Art Institute. Although he was drawn to sports growing up, a life-changing tattoo inspired him to learn to draw and eventually paint—falling in love with the brush in 2013 and never looking back. His goal as an artist is to remind people of their worth, instilling self-belief and determination while continuing to grow himself. He encourages every artist to remember: your best is always enough.

Ceci is a professional artist, her art studio is located in Guatemala City. She loves the opportunity she has to touch Lives through her art, expressing real feelings, and transparency. Ceci graduated from Milan Art institute in 2019. Being able to support students in their own art journey has been an amazing experience. Ceci enjoys walking alongside students and helping them find their unique voice and style.

Lisa is a Scottish-based professional artist and 2022 graduate of the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. She began painting at a young age under the guidance of her eccentric, creative gran, who taught herself from second-hand art books and old TV shows. Inspired by ancient history, literature, poetry, and nature, Lisa’s curiosity and love of learning drew her to Milan Art’s anti-art-school approach, which resonated with her rebellious spirit. She divides her time between creating large-scale works in her rented studio, teaching workshops across Scotland, and painting in her home studio. As a mentor, Lisa encourages creative exploration and helps artists embrace their individuality while building confidence in their unique voice.

A lifelong art-fanatic, Briana Hume has spent years honing her skills and, after graduating from the Mastery Program in 2020, became a full-time professional artist. Her work blends refined portraiture with abstract elements, rich in symbolic imagery. Passionate about connecting on an emotional level, she inspires others to pursue their visions with courage and dedication. Briana believes anyone with enough passion, diligence, and openness can successfully pursue their dreams.

Eva Bratopoulou is a professional artist living and working on Spetses island in Greece. Her artwork is mysterious, magical, feminine, and dreamy, with a spiritual sense. She believes in continuous learning and seeks new knowledge and skills to share with her students. Eva has participated in numerous exhibitions, and her work is collected both nationally and internationally. As a mentor, Eva inspires artists to discover their inner truth, embrace their destiny, and live a life full of wonder.

Braighlee is a full-time artist based in the Reno/Tahoe area. Her work is deeply rooted in her own journey of embracing divine femininity, personal strength, and the balance between confidence and leadership. She creates feminine abstract-realism portraits and figures in rich, luscious oils, capturing the playful, sensual, and free aspects of being a woman while honoring the grounding strength that fuels boldness in life. A 2022 graduate of the Milan Art Institute, Braighlee also spent a spring semester in Italy studying portraiture. As a mentor, she is passionate about guiding artists to step into their own confidence and power, helping them embrace both their creative freedom and the strength to boldly share their work with the world. 

Flo is an accomplished artist and advocate for creative expression. With a Bachelor's degree in architecture, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist and entered the Mastery Program in 2020. Her journey has been shaped by a deep passion for artistic exploration and self-discovery, from early experiences with art therapy to studies in digital art, illustration, and ceramics. Drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and cinematic storytelling, Flo creates mixed media works that serve as powerful visual narratives, channeling her own experiences into art that inspires others to embrace their authentic selves. As a mentor, she is committed to fostering creativity and empowerment, guiding artists with compassion and insight as they discover their own voice.

Abby is a mixed media artist who graduated from the Mastery Program in 2019. She brings each painting to life with bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and rich textures, allowing every piece to evolve naturally as her imagination takes over. Her work seeks to spark transformation within the viewer, inspiring empowerment, confidence, and the courage to be fully oneself. As a mentor, Abby encourages her students to embrace their individuality and express it fearlessly through their art. She loves offering that extra push when needed, along with practical tips, feedback, and unwavering support.

Rita has been creating as long as she remembers. Her art took different forms – from poetry and dance choreography she found her way to painting. Rita graduated the Mastery program in 2019 and has been a professional artist since. As a mentor Rita tries to find a unique approach to each student helping them to uncover all the possibilities and abilities each one of them holds. Encouraging and supporting along the way but going to the core of each student’s voice Rita helps students to find unique ideas and ways to execute them.

Heather Bailey is a creative powerhouse. She is a full-time professional artist, a patented inventor, and a mother of three. With an extensive career in surface design and product design since 2000, Heather joined the on-site Mastery Program in 2017 to expand her creative arena into fine-art painting. Heather’s enthusiasm for art is contagious. As a mentor, Heather offers thoughtful, precise feedback and well-grounded, real-world advice for building a thriving career in the arts. She is eager to bolster you with love, moral support, and a clear path forward as you embrace this life-changing program, and achieve your dream.

Tanya is a french-Canadian based artist. From a young age, she was initiated into art and always loved creating. She graduated from the online Mastery Program in December of 2020 and has been a professional artist since then. Tanya's creative process is mainly focused on mixed media techniques. With her work, she wants to make you feel powerful and limitless when it comes to being your true self. As a Mentor, Tanya wants to encourage artists to push their limits and experiment as much as possible to discover their unique voice! She enjoys connecting with people, sharing experiences, and helping them during their life-changing art journey.

By age 16, Dimitra sold $1,000,000 in artwork while working with a publishing company, thanks to the painting skills that she gained while studying with her parents at Milan Art Institute. With 400,000+ social media followers, she's a leading artist influencer, pioneering a new era for artists online and inspiring them to change the world with their art.

As the founding owner of Milan Art Institute, Elli has been a professional artist for three decades. Elli sold more than 10,000 pieces of art throughout her thriving career. She has transformed the lives of thousands of artists from around the world—helping them find their voice and turn their passion for art into a profession. With her online drawing and painting classes, Elli is a leading voice of the current Art Renaissance.