The Creative Visionary Program Gets Results.
Hear from our Alumni about what happened after they said YES to the Creative Visionary Program:
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
BEFORE AND AFTER TRANSFORMATIONS
See what's changed for these artists since taking CVP:
JACQUI FEHL LEARNED TO LOOSEN UP, HAVE FUN AND TRUST THE PROCESS
Jacqui says: "Before CVP I thought that I needed a plan before I started... it was kind of stressful. Creating wasn't so fun - it felt like a lot of pressure.
Now, I just go down and paint. I don't care so much about the final result and it's a lot more fun now.
I'm trusting the process. I'm enjoying the uglier stages... and through watching Nick's demonstrations in CVP, I could see how much fun he was having.
And that's important... because if I'm stressed while I'm making it, the art is going to feel stressed too... Now I trust that I'll get there."
TOM MILLER WENT FROM "BUSINESS GUY" TO SEEING HIMSELF AS AN ARTIST
Tom says: "I had this feeling that there was some part of me that was not quite developed. And when I was painting... I found that.
I hadn't put paint on a brush for 35 years. I just didn't know to begin that transition to creating my own art.
I could have easily continued on the path of being a successful business person... but I wanted to make art, I wanted a richer life... and that process is still unfolding.
With these little steps... just 2 years later, I see myself as an artist. It's pretty amazing considering where I started."
BIBBY GIGNILLIAT DISCOVERED JOY THROUGH HER ART
Bibby says: "I felt like a fake because my heart was elsewhere. I had a fantasy of having a gallery show one day."
So I decided to take the leap and see what I could do.
It was scary to think, "I'm not an artist", taking this class with people who were artists... but there was something in my soul I had to respond to.
So I just kept showing up, and my art just kept getting better and better."
ZANDRA STRATFORD WENT FROM SHOWING AT A FRIEND'S CAFE TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ART
Zandra says: "Before, I felt somewhat apologetic and shy about making things...
Now, my work is stronger... a bit more confident than it was before. It feels more honest.
I had my first solo gallery show in Vancouver this year...
My art was recently accepted by the Royal Academy of Art, out of 12,000 submissions."
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
DEBORAH T. COLTER REIGNITED HER CREATIVE FIRE AND FELL BACK LOVE WITH HER ART
Deborah says: "I was doing the same thing over and over again. I didn't know how to refire and get started again.
I wasn't excited about the work... I needed to step back and ask why I was doing this and what was important to me.
CVP was a leap of faith for me. I felt a renewed desire to get back in studio and I'm thinking about my work all the time.
It's been great to continue to grow and find that renewed confidence in my work."
RAND KRAMER DISCOVERED AN EASIER WAY TO MAKE ART AND A THRIVING NEW COMMUNITY
Rand says: "I was working with oil, pushing paint around timidly... I wanted to learn and get better.
CVP asked me questions I hadn't thought about before that added new relevance and meaning to my work.
Things began to transform for me right away.
I'm learning not to get stuck on things... and I'm having a lot more success because I'm not so worried about the outcome.
JULIE SNIDLE PUT HER ART BACK IN THE "FRONT SEAT" OF HER LIFE AGAIN
Julie says: "My work was more project driven... greeting cards, gifts, travel journalling... I was raising kids and my art wasn't in the front seat with me.
But in 2011, I got a studio space. And all of a sudden I started realizing that I needed to show up and make this a practice.
Now, I'm putting myself out there more. I have the confidence to be proud of my work, my journey and show who I am.
I'm holding solo shows and teaching around the country. When you show up... the universe listens."
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
"Life since CVP has been a whirlwind. When I look back at the vision board I created in the first weeks of the program it is amazing to see what has happened in just a few months time.
I have a new studio. My artwork won cash prizes for 1st and 16th place in a contest of over 5,000 submissions at Minted.com (where I sell prints of my work).
I'm currently working on a large commission, and have installed a dozen paintings that I worked on during and after CVP in my local City Hall, with another local installation planned for November.
What I learned in those 12 weeks was nothing short of life changing. I came into the program lacking direction and confidence...
For the first time in my life I feel like I am making art from a place inside myself.
I am really enjoying both my process and the results.
And I am gaining the courage and confidence to just keep painting and see what happens.
- Jennifer Pierce Daily
Thank you...this is such a FULL program...I am blown away! So many on-line classes are so “lite” and seemingly void of genuine caring, once they have collected the fee, not much context.
It is so obvious how much each of you value one another and each of us! You have set a wonderful “tone” and raised the bar a mile...up over the moon.
- Kayla Kennington
Thank you so much for this class... I love my current work, I am selling nonstop...
It’s because of all of you that my work is at the next level.
– Rochelle Car
Artwork by CVP Alumni Karen Stamper
"On the first weekend of my open studios I was offered a solo show!
Thank you Nick and CVP!"
- Karen Stamper
"This is amazing. This course has taught me so much more than I ever learned in art college.
I really can’t believe I almost didn’t take it. It’s like we’re being given the keys to the treasure chest."
- Jess Brown
I'm so grateful to have found this program and all the wonderful team members and community. A lot has changed since finishing CVP.
I got studio space in a gallery, my first showing, and the owner has been so impressed with my work. I never would have thought these things could happen to me in such a short time, spontaneously and organically, and with such confidence in myself!" - Catherine Parker
"I sold four paintings this week... three of them I started in week 3 of the program!
Within the first few weeks CVP has already made a huge impact on my work...
Scale, confidence, etc etc... Thank you Nick!"
- Sally Hirst
Artwork by CVP Alumni Sally Hirst
"I am so positively blown away by this course. It's unexpectedly informative, juicy, concise, easy to understand, hopeful and encouraging.
It pushes without being pushy, hands out information when it's most impactful. I'm eager to learn and this is feeding my needs!"
- Pamela Reinhardt
This course is simply the very best thing I have ever done for myself, for my creativity, for my life, for my personal pleasure and joy, and for my confidence as an artist (as I am now learning to call myself).
– Liz Welch
Artwork by CVP Alumni Julie Snidle
"Now my art is a practice.
I show up and do it... I have the confidence to put myself out there more.
I’m getting press and solo shows. I have validation and confidence.
I no longer have the pressure to make a perfect painting."
- Julie Snidle
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
MORE PRAISE FOR CVP
How can The Creative Visionary Program impact your art & the way you make it?
Here's what happened for these artists...
Artwork by CVP Alumni Chad Little
"Joining CVP has been a major reorientation for me in my inner life and in my art.
I will spend the rest of my life with a level of joy and contentment that I’ve never manifest before!
I feel I’ve been really pushed, but gently, very gently, past my previous stopping off point!
You really are with us on our creative journey and because of the timescale, the frequent live coaching sessions with your team of approachable and experienced artists...
The professional way your wonderful material is being delivered to us, I sense that my art practice and my life are being transformed, little by little, but truly!
What is happening is deep and expansive!"
- Jaci Dunsford
"This program far exceeded my expectations!!
I am so impressed by the depth of thoughtful, well produced content, and the heart-felt, soulful and generous group of coaches/guides you all are.
I feel like taking this course marks a new beginning for me and I’m so grateful for this opportunity."
- Heidi Marie Faessel
"It's only been a few weeks into this class, and it has taken me deeper into why I want to make art than 10 years of workshops and classes have ever taken me."
– Katie Korotzer
"I could go on but what impresses me over and over again, is that this program is greater than the sum of its parts and has ramifications far beyond the group itself."
- Scott Johnson
Artwork by CVP Alumni Jennifer Pierce Daily
"The course was unbelievably impressive from day one and did not disappoint for the whole 12 weeks.
It was so well organized and thought out and so professionally executed."
- Julie King
"CVP has changed my life on so many levels, put the fire back in my belly and I can see the changes in my day job, the art I am making and my life.
Thank you all so very much for all the wonderful energy and encouragement!
All the info content, and conversations have all been a great catalyst for moving past procrastination.
Such wonderful support, just knowing that it exists is comforting."
- Suzi Gould
Artwork by CVP Alumni Louise Fletcher
"Everything about my life has changed in just 3 months.
After 5 years of stumbling around, feeling lost and lonely, I am making art that feels like me and that I love...
I am connected to other artists, and I am even able to help people who are a little bit further back on the road than me.
I am so excited about my future.
I came into CVP tired of myself and of my work. Now everything is different. I am excited. I see nothing but possibility ahead."
-Louise Fletcher
"Before CVP, I had lost so much momentum that I feared that I was losing interest in painting, or making any art at all. I felt so lost.
My last ditch effort to rekindle my creativity was to sign up for CVP. Boy am I glad I did.
It forced me to make a space in my office and in my life to make art.
And I can hardly wait to get in there every day.
Thanks to CVP, the artist in me is reignited big time.”
- Paula Sugarman
"Nick has an awesome team and the condensation of the art principles into a succinct, easily understandable form with a common vocabulary is brilliant!
After 20+ years of painting and workshops this consolidated all of it for me... "
- Bruce
"In CVP, all profound and practical art secrets are revealed.
The patience and respect we are accorded and the obvious deep affection and respect the team has for one another…. generosity and abundance everywhere you turn.
No hoarding of special knowledge. No snootiness.
It’s so refreshing to be here! And so the community just keeps getting better and better."
- Rachel Davis
Artwork by CVP Alumni Janet Jaffke
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
"At the very beginning of the course, I was afraid that an on-line course couldn’t possibly touch in for people on a really personal and really deep level. WRONG!
I was involved in an in-person year and a half professional painting group class and, at the end of that time, I don’t think that the instructor even knew everyone’s name. There were about 21 people in the group...
And then there’s Art2Life, CVP, on the opposite end of the people to people, heart to heart spectrum. As artists we DESERVE and need to be contacted on all levels of our being. The Art2Life approach and team are outstanding, remarkable and SOULFUL in every way.
They not only share their own art journeys in real and vulnerable ways but make it a safe and accepting environment for all participants to do the same."
- Terrell S Minton
Artwork by CVP Alumni Amy Brakeman Livezey
"Pure and simple gratitude on so many levels…. this was a huge stretch for me and I feel like the growth and benefits will keep unveiling themselves over the weeks and months and years ahead.
You all practice the art of abundance rather than scarcity thinking and the gifts from that mindset keep on giving.
My art practice has evolved but more importantly my journey of life has been profoundly blessed. Each of you has inspired and been a mentor for me in many ways."
- Terri Beck-Engel
Thank you so much for this class...
I love my current work, I am selling nonstop...
It’s because of all of you that my work is at the next level.
– Rochelle Car
Artwork by CVP Alumni Janet Smedley
"I am honored that Nick once again nudged me out of my comfort zone.
I am forever grateful for this program and the renewed fire it has kindled in my work and my life."
- Deborah T Colter
"As a beginning artist, I’ve only attended a few workshops and it seemed to me that EVERYONE in the class but me walked out with a finished painting at the end of the day.
I thought I was the only one who got ’stuck in the mud’ with no idea what to do next.
What this course has provided for me in only 6 weeks is the recognition that getting ’stuck’ is something that all artists experience.
AND, more importantly, I’m learning how and where to place the stepping stones to cross the ‘mud puddle’ without fear, and continue painting until I’m satisfied."
- Becky
"I can see how my style is slowly emerging, almost from day to day now.
I was so stuck with a limited way of painting and it all ended up the boring same.
You show us a variety of tools and there’s a whole new world opening up.
You expanded my horizon and gave me the permission to be so much more of myself, even explore sides I didn’t know I had.
And whole process is being even more powerful because of the incredibly variety of our group.
I have never learnt so much in just a few weeks!"
- Lisbeth Lingas
"I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t tell all of you how life changing this course has been.
I almost didn’t do the course because of cost but I was afraid NOT to do it.
I felt like I was at a place where I just needed this in order to move forward in my art, otherwise I was thinking about giving up because of frustration and it just wasn’t fun.
Thank you for giving me the gift of continuing my art and taking the principles to my life as well."
- Tara
Artwork by CVP Alumni Buddy LaHood
"Do it! Trust me. Just do it! Sell your first born. Donate blood. Do whatever you’ve gotta do...but, make it happen! (A bit dramatic but...you get the idea. It’s just fantastic).
In comparison to an art degree, it’s pennies! In comparison to a “workshop”, it’s up there in price!
Trust me when I say...it’s no workshop! This is a 12 week intensive!
The material you learn in the 12 weeks...multiple group calls, art critiques, pages and pages of valuable online information, more videos than you can imagine, connections made with artists across the globe...is available to you for an entire YEAR!!!
It’s so great! I am a nurse working 5 days a week! Even if you miss the “live” group calls, everything is recorded!"
- Aaron Buttram
"This November was my best art sales ever and last year in total quadrupled on the previous year.”
– Alice Sheridan
Artwork by CVP Alumni Louise Savoie
"My paintings were accepted into 24th Annual Juried National Collage Society Exhibition!
I now feel more connected to my work than I ever have, and that my work is truly expressing me.
My work is changing and evolving now from the inside out. Thanks to CVP, I am now at a place with my work that I only dreamed about, but was not sure I could attain.
I am trusting the process and willing to take a leap over the edge and I look forward to continual growth."
-Susan Hart
"This has been (and will continue to be) a joyful, challenging, stimulating, super educational, profoundly deep and life changing / enhancing experience!!
I am eternally grateful for the program that you all have created for us here, it has brought artmaking back to my life and given me the tools and perspective to have a healthy, thriving, joyful practice and lifestyle.
I had some long years of not making art, working in a toxic environment and suppressing myself...now that I'm making art again, and with the wonderful soulful guidance of you and the CVP team, I see myself changing..I feel more like my old self...
Making art again within the dynamic teachings of CVP has enlivened me so much, it is taking me back to my soul. This course has truly been a catalyst for so much re-awakening. I'm thrilled."
– Marca Cameron
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE CREATIVE VISIONARY PROGRAM
Hear what our alumni have to say...
"Will CVP help me find my personal style?"
Danyelle says: "Nick is a vault of knowledge and his way of sharing with people was so welcome.
Of all the Art2Life principles, the one that made it for me was Risk.
CVP did more for me than my university degree. Everything is there... and the community is amazing."
"Can CVP be the art school I never had?"
Glenda says: "Prior to taking CVP I had never painted. It was like magic... like going to art school in 12 weeks. The value is phenomenal.
Now, my art is progressing. I'm painting almost everyday, I'm entering shows, and I'm promoting my art."
"Is CVP better than a traditional school?"
Chad says: "I'm not a fan of traditional schooling because so much of it isn't as practical... I like to dive in, empty the box out and start putting things together.
Nick's a good teacher and a great artist... it was well worth it overall."
"Can CVP help me turn my art passion into a career?"
Since joining CVP, Alice Sherdian has seen her strongest sales yet. Her following is growing, galleries are showing her work, and her sales have quadrupled over the previous year!
Alice says: I" knew that what I was making wasn't what I was capable of. It didn't feel like me and I didn't know where to find the answers.
Following the principles in CVP gave me something to check in against and make it mine. It's revolutionized things for me."
"What if I'm a total beginner?"
Janet says: "Before I took this course, I was on my own floundering. I didn't know anything about the materials or technical aspects. I didn't know where to start.
I knew what I was producing was not what I wanted it to be, and that was intimidating... but the support from the CVP team and the community was great.
Now, I feel like I'm in the swing of it. I have enough tools now to keep expanding, growing and learning... I know how to find answers within myself now."
"What if I'm not a painter?"
Margaret says: "CVP broke it all down into specific chunks and principles... the way it was presented and the way they all connected was so clear.
I was able to apply these principles to my installation work and photography. It was like night and day."
"What if I'm a little afraid to share my art?"
Janet says: "There's so much positive feedback in the group. It's such a supportive environment that it just raises you up to a different level.
Many artists hold back, but it's not like that in CVP. I trust everybody in the program. It's a safe place to do art."
"Is CVP worth it if I'm already a successful artist?"
Shirley says: "People can enter it at any level. There's a broad base of artists from experienced people to beginners... and that opened me up to a whole new way of thinking.
CVP has given me a community I never had.
There's nothing out there like this... not as comprehensive, both in terms of technique and how to think about your work as well. It's extraordinary."
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
"Can CVP help me go from nowhere... to somewhere?"
Jamie says: "CVP gave me a structure.
It provided the foundation I needed to from nowhere to somewhere."
I work on my art every single day now."
"Can CVP help me find my own style?"
Buddy says: "Before I took the course I was concerned about things not looking good, that I wasn't good...
But the course helped me see that I do have my own style.
I am my own style. I play around now. And I don't worry about trying to look like anybody else now."
"Can CVP help me discover my inner artist?"
Katherine says: "Investing in CVP was more than I'd ever spent on a course...
But I was so impressed with what Nick provided. It was a total revelation.
Now, I feel more in control. I see a path forward."
"What if I only have a small amount of time each week?"
Stacy says: "An obstacle was that I don't spend a lot of time on the computer.
But I decided to commit. I chose to participate online and in the group in a way that worked for me.
I'd watch the videos with a glass of wine in the evenings... it was on my time. I could watch the recordings, download them, go back to it again...
It's so refreshing... to get all this information and interaction is a huge value. I still reference it today and I think I will for years to come."
"Are the artists and coaches in the CVP community really going to support me?"
Mary says: "In the program, you know that you're not alone. We all have the same fears.
There's a comradery and support. And that's huge for me. I didn't have that before.
It's just as important as getting feedback on your art. Being there with other people... you grow from that. I can't say enough about being in this group."
"What is the overall feeling of the community?"
Judy says: "It really is a brilliant approach. The mix of the team, and Nick... eveyone brings so much. There's such a comfortable ease to the classes, the support and the safety net that we all have in the group...
It's a brilliant thing."
"How will the community in CVP help me grow?"
Jennifer says: "I signed up because Nicholas is a geniune, nice, funny mentor... but the community in CVP turned out to be way more than I expected.
There was always someone around to answer questions about materials, technique, or problems in the studio."
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com
BUT... IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?
Hear these artists weigh on whether the invesment in CVP was worth it:
Since joining CVP, Kate has taken her art from a part-time hobby to a thriving business that has generated 6 figures in income in just 2 years.
Kate says: "When I first heard about CVP, I just knew it was going to be good for me. I could structure it with my work and family life.
When I see all the things that we were taught in CVP, and how it was sadly lacking in my university degree... I see that this is what I needed.
If I had to sum it up, it's that I gave myself to permission to paint without judgement."
"This course was worth every penny and then some.
I thought I was buying information and instruction and I definitely got those, but I also got so much more.
It was Maya Angelou who said people never forget how you made them feel...
Nick has the ability to make people feel cared for... his sincere desire to help each person in this program shone through."
- Dale Sheppard
"When I first decided to take this class, I wondered how much i would really get out of it....
But the accumulation of info finally started to impact me.
I can honestly say today it was worth it.
Giving me back my joy was priceless."
- Margarett Stott
"It will change you, for sure. You're not going to see your work the same way as before... you'll grow as a person and as an artist."
- Louise Savoie
"This was the most that I've spent on myself in a long time... but every penny was money well spent. You just have to say yes and do it."
- Jennifer Daily
"Now that I'm showing myself more in my art, and it feels so good... I believe that it's showing up in all my relationships too. People see more of who I am now."
- Janet Smedley
"Nick, the Art2Life Coaches and the entire team are so awesome and organized.
The teaching style is so caring, helpful and challenging - it's the best online program that I know of and I've done quite a few!
It's a WOW and HELL YES experience!"
- Sandy Berry
"I saw that every time I was painting I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
But moving into being an artist is somewhat daunting.
With CVP I could feel the learning curve and the acceleration of learning more than any other educational thing I’ve ever done.
The program took me back to my roots when I was young as a kid. I identify myself as a fine artist now."
- Gordon Studer
"This class has been unlike anything else. Never have I had a team of coaches and instructor who have been so generous and authentic.
The amount of information in this program is profound, with nothing left unturned.
The love and respect that Nick and the team add to their work is bar none."
- Anne Gaffney
Painting by Amy Torgenson
A final word from Nicholas...
Enrollment closes in:
Need help or have questions? Contact us at cvp@art2life.com