Imagine

Loving the art you create

Join the Creative Circle

What if you finally listened to that voice inside of you and made regular time for your passion? 

What if your skills improved as you practiced regularly?

What if painting was effortless?

What if you had a community of artists to support you and cheer you on as you reach new heights?


What would life look like?

Imagine hearing:

"Oh my gosh, is that yours? It's BEAUTIFUL"

"Your painting makes me so HAPPY"

"I see it everyday and it brings me so much joy!"

Would you create art just for yourself? Would you sell it? Would you gift it to friends and family?

  • Art doesn't take talent, it only takes practice.
  • Follow Shelby's proven step-by-step process to grow your skills.
  • Thrive inside a community of like-minded women who paint together, play together, support and encourage each other.

You just need to make PROGRESS

It’s not about competition, it’s about community

All it takes is the right instruction and some practice. It's never too late to start. 

You deserve to invest in yourself and your art. Learn how to bring your beauty into the world because the world needs your story now more than ever.

Start or continue your journey as an artist with the building blocks, tools, resources and support you need.

Natural "talent" is a myth

Can I tell you a secret?

artists painting together virtually
with guidance from Shelby Dillon

The Creative Circle

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join us - monthly plan

join the creative circle

Introducing:

global art movement

Where can you be in 2 years? The possibilities are Endless...

This year my goal is to alternate painting a tutorial with original paintings. - Gina

2024:

2022:

2023:

My youngest child is about to leave home, so I've been heading into this empty nest stage of life. And so this has been something that I've really enjoy spending time doing and something, a hobby I can see extending, I think it's important to have things that you like to do. - Gina

After 2 years of Growth, Gina is Embracing an Empty Nest:

I started this painting maybe 2 years ago... It's been sitting on the floor, next to my easel, half-done - like an accusation. I finally decided that today was the day. I was very happy to discover that my brush strokes were much looser than they had been back when I began this. I ended up going over the whole painting, so it wouldn't look half and half. Wow - Shelby's instructions are actually sinking in! Thank you, Shelby!! - Phyllis

You deserve this.

You've spent your life giving to others
You put art to the side to do something "more practical"
You're worried it's too late to learn
You are currently creating but feel stagnant in your work
You would love to find YOUR style as an artist
You never have enough time to create

Now is the time to pursue your artistic dreams.

sign up

Join the Creative Circle and get instant access to the learning platform. Log in and learn at your own pace and make sure to join us for our Live group critiques!

How it works:

track your progress

Take a picture of what you paint when you first join, and then as you continue to show up for your art and practice, look at the amazing progress you are making!

start learning

Pause, rewind, speed it up, and take it at your own pace! Videos are available as long as you are an active member of The Creative Circle.

practice

Watch the lessons to see the WHY behind the painting process. Then practice with our extensive library of painting demonstrations to see how it works in action.

join the creative circle

It's easy peasy, we promise

 Discover the secret all our Circle Sisters come to know - art doesn't take talent. Any artist can paint anything… with the right instruction and practice. You’ll learn:

What can I learn in the Creative Circle?

  • Color Mixing
  • Composition
  • Perspective
  • Value
  • Intuitive Color theory
  • Brushstrokes 
  • Getting your own photo references
  • Creating your OWN style
  • Finding inspiration

Fundamentals

  • Transparent techniques
  • Building thick layers
  • Adding texture to your paintings
  • Choosing the right type of paint for your project
  • Varnish
  • How to choose the right canvas
  • How to prep your canvas
  • How much paint to put on your brush

Techniques

Thank you so much Shelby for your constant encouragement. This has to be a bucket list ticking moment. - Esther

2023:

2020:

2021:

Shelby Dillon Studio seriously! You are amazing and I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and teaching. I can not thank you enough!!! Picture 1 was my 2020 pumpkin, before I joined the fantastic circle. Picture 2 is yesterday's. Sometimes it is hard to see progress but it is there if you look. - Esther

After 3 years of Growth, Esther is now an Exhibiting Artist:

I just wanted to let you know that I sold one of my paintings today! It's actually payment for work being done in my bathroom... Good old fashioned bartering!!😁😜😁
He's enthusiasm and giddiness somehow just like validated me and made me feel really good - Christina

Christina Is selling her work!

New lessons added EVERY WEEK

These lessons are already waiting for you inside the Creative Circle!

You will also find these topic based teaching lessons ready for you to watch now!

Here's What You'll Paint

Feel like you're mixing mud? See how to get bright, beautiful color every time by watching close up how Shelby mixes colors.  

Group Critiques

A rising tide lifts all boats, and by helping others we help ourselves. Join us every month for a group critique, where we all learn together how to be better painters and artists.

Color Mixing Demos

Skill builders

Does perspective seem impossible? Do you REALLY want to paint beautiful clouds? Is water your jam? We have a library of skill builders that tackle topics like these!

your guide on this journey 

Hi, I'm Shelby

For years I thought some technique or special (and expensive!) supply would get me where I needed to go.

I too spent far too many years and too much money trying to create beautiful paintings. I didn't realize it came down to lots of practice, a great teacher, and having a community to support you.

Now, after painting professionally for 15 years, teaching thousands of students, and selling my art worldwide, I'm ready to go behind the scenes and show you how to improve your skills to THRIVE as an artist.

Each November, over 30 of our members gather in person in sunny Saint Petersburg, FL for a members-only retreat featuring wine, fellowship, fun and plenty of painting. The 2024 retreat is currently scheduled for Nov 1-3, 2023.

It's not just Lessons, it's a Global Art Movement

Let's face it - the studio can get lonely. But we get by with a little help from our friends.

Patt is Gaining Confidence!

Join the creative circle

Looking forward to this years progress. I actually think my growth as an artist has come with just sitting down and listening and trying and arriving today with confidence to give most things “a go”. I couldn’t have done this without the instructions and knowledge that Shelby Dillion so generously shares. - Patt

And More!

Each

Our weekly lessons are delivered on Wednesdays and if they are live, they are available within 24 hours on the learning dashboard. (Subject to change depending on schedules)

Something different every week to help you make PROGRESS

1 Full Original painting

live Q&A and group critique

1 Teaching lesson

Month You Get:

1 Small LIVE Demo

Here are some of the project demonstrations you can expect each month:

Painting Lessons

With new videos each month, expect to learn new skills and apply them toward different subject matter to expand your practice. We cover a wide range of subjects so that you can try all kinds of different techniques!

Carlotta is painting for Benefit Fundraisers

Join the creative circle

Carlotta joined us just over a year ago, and she had never picked up a paintbrush before. Now look at the impact she is making for causes she holds dear.

What impact could you make?

If painting were effortless...

Learn, Grow, and Thrive

You can join with a monthly or yearly enrollment.
Cancel at any time.
(But we think you'll like it here!)

Join a supportive group of creatives to strengthen your skills and find community

Join for the year. Spend less. Paint more!

Monthly

Annual

ALL of the monthly benefits PLUS:

SEVEN of our Members Only PAST workshops
($600 Value!)

Save $120 per year over monthly!

*there are no refunds on annual memberships

INSTANT Access to over 150 Painting demos
($1,400 value!)
 A new Lesson each week
Private FB Group
Access to the VAULT of Lunchtime Demos ($300 value!)

$45 monthly subscription

$450 annual subscription

join monthly plan

join annual plan

Membership is automatically billed either monthly or annually

Our students are just Plain Having fun:

Frequently Asked Questions

join us now!

who can join?

The short answer: ANYONE! The Creative Circle is a monthly membership for curious souls looking to enrich their lives and explore the possibilities and gratification of a lifelong artistic practice. 

Whether you are a true beginner just starting out in your creative practice, someone who has painted before but may be a little rusty, or an artist who is looking to level-up in their skills and find your artistic style, the Creative Circle has resources to support you.

Is there a schedule for monthly content?

The Creative Circle has a monthly theme that we will explore over four (4) weeks. You can view the syllabus here:

  • Week 1: Skill Builder - an exercise to develop or revisit a fundamental piece of your creative practice
  • Week 2: Small Painting Demonstration - Shelby shows you how to apply the month’s skills in a small tutorial meant to be done in less than an hour!
  • Week 3: Full Length Painting Demonstration - A pre-recorded start to finish of a full  painting that usually runs 1-2 hours
  • Week 4: Live Q&A/Group Critique - chat with Shelby and your fellow Circle members via Zoom

Can I cancel at any time?

Membership is month-to-month, so you may cancel at any time. Should you have to cancel, we can discontinue membership but are unable to refund any months already paid. You will have access to the course materials through the end of the month paid.

There are no refunds on annual memberships.

Do I have to have Facebook to join?

Facebook is not required to join the reactive Circle, but will serve as the central meeting place where you can share your progress, seek feedback from your fellow creatives, and participate in our Live Q&A sessions. All of the Live videos will be recorded so don’t fret if you can’t make it!

When can I join?

There will be periodic enrollment periods when you can join the Creative Circle. The next time it will be available is late 2023. Be sure to sign up for our waitlist so you don’t miss the next opportunity!

How is the content delivered?

We have a beautifully designed, dedicated website with course content, including video demonstrations, instruction packets, and resources to help you learn and thrive. The Creative Circle (private) Facebook group is your place to share your progress, seek feedback from your fellow creatives, and participate in our Live Q&A sessions. Your participation is self-paced, so don’t worry about missing out - it will all be there when you are ready.

May I purchase this membership as a gift?

Yes! Please contact us to purchase a gift membership.

Is there a live class each week?

This will be a self-paced class with a combination of recorded video demonstrations, PDF instruction packets, and live sessions to answer your questions.

Is the live chat available only during the class?

The Live chats are your opportunity to work with me and your peers through your individual painting challenges. There is still plenty of learning and feedback available if you miss them though - we will have a Facebook community where everyone can support each other and we will be checking in regularly to answer questions and provide guidance. Each module will have a comment section as well, where specific questions are addressed.

What if I am already a member of The Painting of the month Club?

Awesome! The Painting of the Month club (POM) is an added bonus to being a member of the Creative Circle. When you join, you will ALSO get access to all of the past POM paintings in our vault! 

No need to cancel POM. We'll take care of it!

$45 ($450/yr) will be drafted at checkout and all future monthly payments will reflect your upgrade to the Creative Circle.

If you would like to make sure your POM membership has been cancelled email: hello@shelbydillonstudio.com and we confirm that for you.