Naiya Ellis

I am an artist, educator and workshop facilitator for galleries and arts charities including Modern Art Oxford, and the Ruskin School of Art. My work has been selected for the Platform Graduate Award (MAO), and the ORB Art Prize (selected by a panel of judges from the Hayward Gallery, Serpentine Galleries & the Royal Academy). I trained at the University of Oxford, Ruskin School of Art (First Class, Honours) and Foundation in Art & Design, Trowbridge (distinction).

My studio practice and History & Theory of Art lessons are tailored for students aiming to achieve their best at GCSE, A Level and IB Diploma, as well as those preparing for university or Art Foundation applications and building portfolios. With several years of tutoring experience, I understand the different expectations and opportunities across these pathways.

I have previously taught sculpture, drawing and CAD for A-Level students at University of Oxford, delivered creative workshops with schools and supported prospective students with an extensive knowledge of assessment criteria, and what makes a successful portfolio. I am currently developing an artist residency programme and developing my own artistic practice, so I am still actively engaged in contemporary art and research myself.

My contemporary art lessons help you understand what artists are doing today and why:

• GCSE, A-Level and IB Art: Developing coursework, exploring project themes, strengthening sketchbooks, improving practical skills and preparing for assessments or final exhibition.
• Foundation and university applications: Developing and refining portfolios, selecting work, preparing for open days and interviews, and understanding different application processes.
• Choosing your creative direction: Exploring different pathways, including Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Sculpture and Digital Art, to help you identify the disciplines and approaches that best suit your interests.
• Portfolio development: Building a cohesive body of work that demonstrates experimentation, independent thinking, technical ability and your individual creative interests.
• Practical skills: Drawing, life drawing, anatomy, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, mixed media and experimental approaches to making.
• Artist research and critical thinking: Key movements since the 1960s, contemporary artists and exhibitions, analysing artworks and connecting research to your own creative practice with confidence.

My lessons are relaxed, practical and tailored to your goals, including those who are just starting to find their confidence and those aiming for the highest grades. We might work through a challenging drawing technique, develop ideas for a coursework project, experiment with unfamiliar materials or review your portfolio for an upcoming application.

I particularly enjoy helping students who feel stuck or unsure how to move their work forward. Art education can feel intimidating when you are expected to generate original ideas, especially when you are unsure of the pathway you want to choose. Having experienced different educational pathways myself, I can help you explore your options, understand what different courses involve and develop work that reflects your interests and ambitions.

My aim isn't to tell you what your art should look like, but to help you build technical skills, think critically about your decisions and develop confidence in your own creative voice.
Whether you're aiming for a higher grade, preparing for an art-school application or exploring which creative discipline is right for you, I'd love to help you take the next step.

Based in North East London. Get in touch to discuss your goals and arrange lessons, or view my portfolio.