Testimonials

I am honored to have so many very talented and dedicated artists learning with me every week in the mentoring studios, personal coaching, online courses, and workshops. I sincerely believe that I learn as much from my students as they do from me, and I am so very humbled by the kind words that they have written here. I have the best students!

Oil painting of a house, testimonial from student, Paula Smith of RL Caldwell Studio

"Not only does he provide great instruction, but he clearly loves to teach."


I have been taking Robert’s online mentoring class for oil painting since its inception and It seems that in every class, I learn something new. Not only does he provide great instruction, but he clearly loves to teach. He is an accomplished artist in his own right and has the unique ability to teach not only the fundamentals of painting but actually takes the time to explain the importance of why these elements of composition, values, color, and perspective, are so important to your painting. He helps to make my paintings come to life! By incorporating what he has taught me, I feel I have learned so much and I find myself looking forward to each additional class I take!

-Paula Smith

Paints in oils and a student since May 2019.

Watercolor painting of a bird on a log, testimonial from student, Katharina Robinson of RL Caldwell Studio

"Robert has a true talent and passion for creating art and teaching..."


I found Robert Caldwell's studio through an online search in 2018. I had never taken a drawing or painting class, and I consider myself very lucky to have found an instructor who teaches everything from the basic fundamentals of drawing to classical composition that can be applied to any medium. He encourages all of his students to develop their own unique style, offering suggestions to improve skills while allowing each artist to express themselves and their vision through their artwork. 

Since the pandemic severely restricted in-person learning, Robert has reworked his business into a virtual studio using the Zoom platform, providing the ability to continue a group atmosphere and still provide one on one instruction. Multiple screens and the use of Photoshop allow Robert to demonstrate changes in ways that were not available in the classroom, allowing you to really see what a difference a change in value or composition makes in a painting before you commit to the change on paper. Each class has students of different levels of experience as well as working in different mediums, which allows us to learn so much from each other. 

Robert has a true talent and passion for creating art and teaching that makes his classes both educational and a pleasure to attend. I highly recommend joining any of his online classes!

-Katharina Robinson

Watercolor artist since 2018.

Oil painting of a hippo pool, testimonial from student, Nancy Gleason of RL Caldwell Studio
"Amazingly, this has been a better learning experience than the classroom setting"


For years I had planned to take an art class when I retired and finally about 5 years ago, I found myself in one of Robert’s art classes. I wandered in thinking I would just start painting with watercolors. That’s not how Robert teaches, and I now know how lucky I was to find an instructor that required one to learn to draw before learning to paint. Drawing with graphite taught me to pay attention to value, shapes, proportion, and perspective without the further pressure of learning how to mix and apply color.


I have learned so much about what is behind every piece of art before the canvas or paper is touched – learning how to use my camera to capture reference photos, using Photo Elements to compose, combine photos, manipulating the reference to create a more interesting picture, and taking advantage of travel opportunities to photograph wildlife and habitat.


COVID shut down Robert’s studio and I feared that would be the end of his workshops, but he made the investment in the equipment to move our workshops to Zoom and they became mentoring studios. Amazingly, this has been a better learning experience than the classroom setting. I often just watch and listen as he provides advice to others. I have become closer to my fellow classmates with the Zoom classes. It is absolutely amazing how Robert can illustrate what needs to be addressed in my paintings using the Photoshop tool. I am looking forward to using the online courses he has developed to revisit what he has taught me in the past.

-Nancy Gleason

Paints in Oils and a student since 2015

Oil painting of a landscape, testimonial from student, Pam Landreth of RL Caldwell Studio

"...an artist who loves teaching and helping his students reach their artistic goals"


When I moved to Midlothian, I searched for an artist whose work I admired and provided the type of teaching that I wanted.  Robert L. Caldwell was a perfect fit.  Currently, I am enrolled in his weekly mentoring studio where I receive feedback on composition, painting techniques, and how to best reach my artistic goals.  I have a sense of pride in how much I have grown since I began with Robert just two years ago.  That's priceless.

During the COVID pandemic, we moved to an online platform.  I have to say I was skeptical.  It has actually enhanced my learning experience.  Not only have my paintings improved but now I enjoy utilizing an application to assist in the composition process.   Robert's constantly working on providing new classes and materials online so that I can view them at my own pace. Then those resources are always available to me in case I need a refresher. 

I feel truly blessed to have found an artist who loves teaching and helping his students reach their artistic goals.

-Pam Landreth

Paints in oil and has been a student since 2019

Graphite Drawing of bee and a sunflower, testimonial from student, Rich Turney of RL Caldwell Studio

"RLC has provided the structure and discipline I need to develop as an artist."


Working under Robert has opened my eyes to graphite drawing. While I knew a bit about drawing, I didn’t know how to bring true depth to the paper. Robert’s mentoring classes have equipped me with the tools of values, tone, and composition. What I continue to learn is that drawing is seeing and presenting what you see in a way that captures reality. RLC, artist, teacher, and school, have provided the structure and discipline I need to develop as an artist.

-Rich Turney

Works with graphite pencil and has been a student since 2018.

Oil painting of a cloud landscape, testimonial from student, Elizabeth Miller of RL Caldwell Studio
"...there's a continual give and take of dialog and explanation that's invaluable"


Taking online art classes with Robert has been a godsend, especially during the pandemic. Not only is finding an instructor that offers a live class format amazing but he's also taken the time to set up his virtual classroom to facilitate learning and sharing of the artistic process. I've taken several online courses, and this is by far the best. You're not just watching an instructor paint to music, there's a continual give and take of dialog and explanation that's invaluable.

-Elizabeth Miller

Paints in Oils, a student since 2018

Oil painting of a flower, testimonial from student, Demmi Milo of RL Caldwell Studio

"His knowledge, skill, and humor keep me consistently engaged and eager for my next class."


Since the pandemic, I have very happily continued my art classes with Robert on Zoom.

Robert spent a lot of time making sure that this set-up would go smoothly,  and it has.  I look forward to seeing my fellow artists, and their work in progress every week.

We are a very diverse group, in age 17-80's as well the medium we use, Graphite, Colored pencil, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel.

Robert is able to help us compose, map out, see changes we might wish to do, offer suggestions, all on copies of our own work.

I love this!! I can discuss my work, and get feedback from my fellow artists and, of course, Robert. 

I can learn new methods as they discuss their work with him as well.

Our classes are set up so we can work as we wish, during class or between classes.  This is a great way for me to continue working with this wonderful artist.  His knowledge, skill, and humor keep me consistently engaged and eager for my next class.

-Demmi Milo

Paints in oil and a student since 2010.



Oil painting of a flower, testimonial from student, Demmi Milo of RL Caldwell Studio

"This environment gives us new ideas and helps each student bring out the best in us."


As my tween son is a passionate artist, we consider ourselves lucky to have found a phenomenal teacher and mentor like Robert. My son has learned so much in a short two years, and his interest continues to grow under Robert's mentorship.

 Robert helps students establish a strong foundation by starting with his "Drawing Fundamentals" course. With it, I have seen my son gain a deep appreciation and application of technique, which makes his graphite drawings so realistic. Students then proceed to delve deep into the medium and style of their interest under his tutelage.

 In his weekly Zoom Mentoring Studio classes, the students are in the company of an eclectic group of individuals with unique backgrounds, artistic styles, and interests. Robert and the group have created a collegial and constructive setting, allowing students with a wide range of talent and experience to grow, learn and develop together, and from each other. "Every week I learn so much by seeing the work of my fellow mentees, along with the specific feedback and guidance that Mr. Caldwell provides to each of us (that the rest of us learn from too). This environment gives us new ideas and helps each student bring out the best in us. I feel like it is our own creative family.", says my son.

 Being an accomplished artist, and a living master, Robert inspires his students through his own work and passion. His enthusiasm is infectious. His individualized, perceptive, detail-oriented approach to teaching encourages one to challenge their own unique styles and abilities, and discover new possibilities.

 -Sohini Garg, mother of Abhishek Garg

Draws in graphite and a student since 2019.

Acrylic painting of a plate of cherries, testimonial from student, Marie Lynch of RL Caldwell Studio

"I have no doubts about Robert's caliber of knowledge..."


After receiving art instruction from two different instructors in two mediums (oils and watercolors) I enrolled in Robert's painting/acrylics class 10 years ago and I remain hooked! I have no doubts about Robert's caliber of knowledge in his profession. He is constantly broadening his students' art goals, all the while exhibiting his patient manner and professionalism.

Robert's latest endeavor - online classes - offers a great way to experience art instruction at my convenience, all the while in a safe environment.

Marie Lynch

Paints in acrylics and a students since 2010.

Graphite Drawing of locks on a bar, testimonial from student, Iris Toombs of RL Caldwell Studio

"Artist, educator, communicator. "


Robert has taken my lifelong dream of learning to draw and paint and turned it into reality.  I started with drawing classes in 2018 have since moved to oil painting. At each step along the way, Robert clearly articulates the process and demonstrates the skills needed to create a strong foundation for the student.  

 Robert’s gift lies in creating a bridge from a talented artist to a patient, thoughtful educator with a keen eye for detail and the ability to assess what the individual student needs to be successful. I highly recommend any class Robert is willing to teach.

 -Jackie McQuitty

Draws in graphite, paints in oils, and a student since 2018.

Oil painting of beer and crabs, testimonial from student, Christie Jones of RL Caldwell Studio

"Robert's guidance has been, in a word, invaluable..."


I have known Robert Caldwell for about four years and came to him originally for coaching on composition, having learned that his focus was to teach the fundamentals of the master painters.  As a watercolor painter, I was confident in my use of my medium but wanted to re-address what made a good painting great.  Robert helped me apply the basic mathematical rules of the masters.  Through his coaching, I began to see again how to direct the viewer's eye and to use color values to balance my work and move the viewer through each piece. His guidance has changed how I fundamentally approach every new painting from sketch to color application.   As a result, I have begun to receive recognition from my peers in the watercolor profession.  Robert's guidance has been, in a word, invaluable, and I would recommend him to all levels of students, in all mediums.

Christie Jones

Paints in watercolor and has been a student since September 2017.

Graphite drawing of a young girl, testimonial from student, Susan Westfall of RL Caldwell Studio

"...his instruction is precise with genuine enthusiasm and encouragement..."


In 2019, I was drawn to Robert Caldwell's art classes by his work. I remember thinking, “ what do you mean this is not a photograph, it's a painting! Robert listened to my goals and then helped me to develop the foundation to achieve them. He is respected in the art world as a living master as well as by his students. There is no false praise in his studio, his instruction is precise with genuine enthusiasm and encouragement to help you grow to your next level. I am proud of the work I do with Robert Caldwell and grateful for his guidance. 

-Susan Westfall

Works with graphite pencil and has been a student since January 2019.

Oil painting of an Osprey, testimonial from student, Mary Lee Wetzel of RL Caldwell Studio

"...using his wonderful grasp of technology with his obvious love of teaching has made the classes even better "


I came to Robert in 2014 shortly after I retired and decided to try drawing and painting.  Robert started me from the very beginning with shapes and their values.  I still use these basic concepts as I have grown as an artist and love both drawing and painting.  The pandemic threw all of us into limbo...but not for long.  Robert, using his wonderful grasp of technology with his obvious love of teaching has made the classes even better as we ZOOM along.  To be able to send a photo of a piece I'm working on each week for help on compositing, composing, and value makes each week a wonderful learning experience for me.  He will draw on my photo in Photoshop and pinpoint exactly where I need to work next.  I also love the camaraderie we students have in our class.   I think we have become even closer to each other through zooming than we were painting in his studio where it was easy to concentrate only on what I was doing.  Now I can learn as he helps each student in the class.  I can find a nugget that I hadn't thought of before.  In addition, since I take all my own reference photos he has helped me combine various photos to make a better composition.  I plan to take lessons for years.

-Mary Lee Wetzel

Paints in Oils and has been a student since 2014

Oil painting of fall landscape, testimonial from student, Karen Knorr of RL Caldwell Studio

"I walk into a class (and now “ZOOM” in) and know I will come out with a new piece of knowledge..."


I have been a student of Robert’s for almost 2 years.  Even though I had taken art classes for a number of years before, I have learned so much in these years.   I walk into a class (and now “ZOOM” in) and know I will come out with a new piece of knowledge about color, value, light and/or composition!  Robert’s use of Photoshop during class is a fantastic tool in our new virtual environment.  The whole class feels invested in everyone’s artwork as we trade input.  Robert is a mentor to each student no matter your experience, medium, or style. 

-Karen Knorr

Painting in oil and has been a student since July 2018.

Oil Painting of mushrooms, testimonial from student, Lewis Stoneburner of RL Caldwell Studio

"...Robert is an exceedingly talented painter and is always super-prepared to share his expertise"


I look forward to my Oil Painting class with Robert Caldwell and my talented “classmates “ each week.

Robert is an exceedingly talented painter and is always super-prepared to share his expertise with us. Robert takes the time to review our “works in progress “ and to offer individual guidance.

Personally, I have sketched and painted with acrylics for years, but painting with oil has been a very different challenge. But, Robert has taken us step by step from mixing paints, underpainting, and eventually finishing the painting. I enjoy this challenge!

I highly recommend Robert!

-Lewis Stoneburner

Works with graphite pencil and has been a student since September 2019.

Acrylic Painting of picnic, testimonial from student, Terry Harver of RL Caldwell Studio

"His love of Art is so apparent and genuine..... he demonstrates this throughout every class."


I joined Robert’s class about 2 years ago because he had come so highly recommended by other artists and my printer.  Painting, drawing, and creativity have always been a fun part of my life and after retiring decided to get more serious about it.  He has taught me so much about composition and perspective.  Has made me see so much clearer, the possibilities of my ideas.  Helps me with all aspects of my art.  With the pandemic upon us, Robert has gone to virtual classes.  Getting on board was quite easy with Zoom.  And Robert continues to give equal time to each student.  His love of Art is so apparent and genuine..... he demonstrates this throughout every class.  I have become friends with other students and learn so much from them as well.  It is a wonderful and rewarding time to paint with such an awesome teacher and fellow artists.      

-Terry Harver

Painting in acrylic and has been a student since January 2019.

Soft Pastel painting of a woman, testimonial from student, Sonya Richeson of RL Caldwell Studio

"...he pushes me to the next level. I especially value his input into my compositions"


I thoroughly enjoy my lessons from Robert and look forward to them every week.  In the beginning of class, he takes time with each student to see where they are at on their piece and to guide them to the next steps.  My habit is to make a cup of tea, and just watch the beginning of class as I sip my tea, as I learn so much from his advice to the other students!  And with our new Zoom format, I can see each piece that he is referring to which is really nice- I see what he is seeing.

For my work, he pushes me to the next level.  I especially value his input into my compositions in the planning stage, and then also when I think I am “done” he always has some tips/advice that make my paintings even better than I thought I could do- e.g. it is amazing what a value shift here or there can do to the finished piece.  And of course, there is all the advice and guidance in between…

-Sonya Richeson

Paints in soft pastels and a student since 2020.

Oil painting of a building, testimonial from student, Jazmin Davidson of RL Caldwell Studio

"Robert is a wonderful teacher, a mentor to every student, with a cheerful personality."


I have been part of Robert’s Studio for about five years now. I have had this love for painting since I was a kid; I have been painting for over 45 years on and off and never had the chance to take any art classes until recently. 

I met Robert through a friend that was taking art classes with him, she highly recommended me to join his classes. And I am so glad I did; with Robert, I have learned so much from composition, color, design, value…He helped me see where I needed to improve the most and believed in my abilities which gave me the confidence to continue with my passion for art.

With COVID-19, Robert was forced to close his doors but never gave up on his students and his passion for teaching, he found ways to continue mentoring and guiding us through ZOOM classes. Something new to all of us; we still get the one-to-one coaching and learning experience by seeing other students work and learning from his critiques and recommendations.

I am retired now, moved from Richmond to Boynton Bch Florida, and still taking his classes every Thursday night!

Robert is a wonderful teacher, a mentor to every student, with a cheerful personality. I highly recommend joining his classes online!

-Jazmin Davidson

Painting in oils and student since August 2016

Graphite drawing of a bottle of wine, testimonial from student, Fran Hines of RL Caldwell Studio

"...positive critiques, honest remarks that really allow the student to learn with confidence"


Robert Caldwell is known and respected in the art world and holds many honors and awards. Prior to taking instruction for several years from Robert, I had been painting in oils since I was 9. However, I was never taught the basics of painting, composition, hue, brush strokes, and learning to paint in values. What I also didn't realize was that I didn't know how to draw. Under Robert’s individual instruction, I truly began to understand the process of drawing, how much pressure to put on the pencil, how to hold it, how to use drop lines or a grid, getting the values right in the drawing.

Robert has so much patience with his students. He has nothing but positive critiques, honest remarks that really allow the student to learn with confidence. His online classes began during COVID and frankly, I feel that the class is even more engaged, learning through Zoom. We can see each others' works as he goes from student to student discussing her /his project. His various classes are easy to move through and the videos can be stopped and started any time, to work along with him. Just to watch him demonstrate a technique like a brushstroke is so worth the experience. He has a wonderful disposition and has been a joy to work with.

-Fran Hines

Paints in oil, draws with graphite pencils and has been a student since 2018

Oil painting of a old woman sewing, testimonial from student, Iris Toombs of RL Caldwell Studio

"His approach to design, color and composition in a painting have been a true asset for me."


Robert’s ability to share, demonstrate and guide me through the process from start to finish on an oil painting has made me approach a canvas in ways that I had not thought about since I started this hobby 10 yrs ago. I truly believe it is rather evident in what appears on my canvas since attending his studio for the last year. His approach to design, color and composition in a painting have been a true asset for me. But I’m sure if you’ve seen his artwork that is without a question one of his many talents.

-Iris Toombs

Painting in oil and has been a student since January 2018.