I’m Ruby Mitcham. I’m 18 and I’m seeking support to undertake professional classical art training at a traditional atelier — ideally at the world-renowned Florence Academy of Art (FAA), or at an atelier in Scotland if full funding for Florence isn’t possible.

I came to art only a couple of years ago, but since then I’ve been selected for Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, the XV Florence Biennale, and exhibited at the Scottish Portrait Awards, the Royal Scottish Academy, and the Society of Scottish Artists Annual Exhibition, where I became the youngest artist ever to show.

You can see me paint on television by streaming Episode 5 of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.

I want to build a serious career in painting and continue developing the skills of the Old Masters through structured atelier training. Institutions like the Florence Academy of Art offer rigorous, full-time training in drawing and painting from life — but as they are privately run, UK student loans are not available for tuition or living costs.

I am selling my work and saving as much as I can, but I can’t reach this goal alone.

If I’m fortunate enough to raise the full amount, I will train in Florence. If not, the funds will go toward atelier training in Scotland so that I can continue developing at the highest level available to me.

You can see my work and read more about my achievements here:

Website:

https://rubymitcham.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ruby_mitcham/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566498838486

Google me to find recent press articles.

My long-term goal is to pursue portraiture professionally and one day join the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. I also want to help demonstrate that art is a viable and serious career path for young people — particularly for young women.

If you’re able to support me, I would be deeply grateful. And if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ruby