Mijn ervaring met het Mastery Program van Milan Art Institute

My Experience with the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program

June 16, 2026

My experience with the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program

Are you looking for experiences with the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program? Or are you wondering if the program is worth the investment?

When I was considering signing up myself, I had exactly the same questions. The program cost about €3600 at the time, which I thought was a considerable amount. So I did a lot of research, read reviews, and contacted people who were already following the program.

Now, I'm several years further along. I've completed the theoretical part of the program, am working on my portfolio, and have made significant progress as an artist thanks to the program.

In this blog, I share my honest experience with the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program, including the things I found valuable and the points I think you should know beforehand.

Why I started

About two or three years ago, I decided to pick up drawing again. Besides my family and work, I wanted to do something for myself. As a child, I always enjoyed drawing, and I quickly noticed that I found a lot of joy, satisfaction, and relaxation in it again.

I started with free YouTube videos and followed various online courses, including some through Domestika. Through YouTube, I then discovered the Milan Art Institute.

What immediately appealed to me was their teaching style. The videos are clear, practical, and well-structured. Even though everything is in English, I found the lessons easy to follow.

Through their free content, I also discovered painting. I had never done that before, but I quickly realized I enjoyed it immensely. After that, I bought several individual masterclasses.

Those were valuable, but I kept feeling like I was collecting individual puzzle pieces. I didn't just want to learn techniques; I wanted to truly understand how painting works, how artists think, and how I could develop myself further.

Then I discovered the Mastery Program.

My initial doubts

Before I signed up, I did extensive research. I looked for reviews, watched videos, and contacted people who were already following the program.

These were my biggest doubts.

Do I have enough time?

I worked full-time, had a family, and wondered how I would find time for this.

The people I spoke to indicated that the program is easy to break down into small steps. The lessons consist of relatively short videos, after which you start working yourself. Moreover, you can follow the program completely at your own pace.

That turned out to be true for me as well. I didn't complete the program within a year, but that's not necessary. I appreciated the flexibility.

Is the program worth the money?

This was probably my biggest doubt.

It's a significant investment, and I wanted to be sure I wouldn't regret it.

Almost everyone I spoke to said the program was worth the money. In hindsight, I understand why. It is much more extensive than a single course and covers not only technique but also personal development, style development, portfolio building, and entrepreneurship.

Do I have enough talent?

I recognize this question as well.

The program is suitable for both beginners and those with prior experience in drawing or painting. The basics are explained step-by-step, and then you build upon that.

My experience is that drawing and painting are much more about learned skills than innate talent. Good guidance and plenty of practice make an enormous difference.

Is online instruction sufficient?

For me, yes.

You can choose from different forms of guidance, including group coaching, Zoom sessions, and feedback on submitted work.

In addition, there is an active community where students help and inspire each other.

Can I follow it in English?

My English is certainly not perfect, but I've had few problems with it.

Nowadays, many lessons also have Dutch subtitles, which makes them even more accessible.

What materials do you need?

When you register for the non-committal information, you will already receive a materials list.

Because many techniques are used, you will eventually need quite a few materials. However, you don't have to purchase everything immediately. Many students first buy what they need for the initial modules and expand later.

Additionally, Milan Art Institute also sells complete kits and individual materials.

How is the program structured?

I started with the original Mastery Program. The program has now been completely renewed.

A major advantage is that existing students retain access to both the old and new programs.

The original program

The old program consisted of five parts.

Introduction

In the introduction, you learn, among other things:

- what materials you need

- how to set up a workspace

- how to maintain your materials

- how to make time for creativity

- how to approach the program

Part 1: Drawing and Painting Techniques

Here you learn the basics of drawing and painting.

In my version of the program, the focus was mainly on oil paint. What surprised me was how much you learn in a short time. As a beginner, you quickly produce work that you didn't think you could do beforehand.

Part 2: Finding your own artistic voice

I found this part perhaps the most valuable.

You explore:

- what subjects appeal to you

- what materials suit you

- what artists inspire you

- what style feels natural to you

In addition, you learn about art history, composition, abstraction, and developing your own ideas.

In this phase, you create a lot of work and truly discover what you want to convey as an artist.

Part 3: Building a portfolio

Here, the focus shifts to creating a cohesive portfolio.

You not only learn to paint, but also:

- set goals

- work productively

- develop studio habits

- find time alongside work and family

- work in series

A well-known component is the production week, where you create multiple works simultaneously. That was challenging, but also incredibly instructive.

Part 4: Branding and entrepreneurship

This section focuses on the business side of being an artist.

Topics include:

- creating a website

- using social media

- selling work

- shipping and presenting

- collaborating with galleries

- the difference between fine art and decorative art

By the end, you'll have a portfolio of approximately 30 works.

The renewed Mastery Program

The new program feels more modern and comprehensive.

The structure is slightly different, but the core remains the same.

You start with:

- materials

- color mixing

- brush techniques

- basic techniques

After that, you again follow modules on drawing, painting, and developing your own artistic voice.

What I find strong about the new program is that lessons from guest artists have also been added. This gives you different perspectives and techniques.

Topics such as creating series, intuitive painting, and various directions within the art world also receive more attention.

At the time of writing, not all parts of the renewed program are yet available, but what I have seen so far feels like a beautiful evolution of the original program.

What has the program brought me?

When I started, I mainly wanted to learn to paint better.

I had no ambition whatsoever to become a professional artist. I was mainly looking for something I enjoyed doing alongside my work and family.

In hindsight, the program has brought me much more than just technical skills.

I have learned:

- to draw and paint better

- to develop my own working method

- to build series

- to present my work

- to compile a portfolio

- to build a website

- to sell my work

- to recognize my own artistic voice

But perhaps even more importantly: I found my passion.

When I started, I never expected art to take such an important place in my life. Now I notice how much energy and satisfaction I get from it. It has become something I consciously make time for and that truly makes me happy.

Even with a full-time job and a family, I kept coming back to painting. Eventually, I even chose to work less, so I could dedicate more time to my art.

Additionally, the program has given me a lot of self-confidence.

What I find strong about Elli Milan is that she constantly emphasizes that everyone has something unique to say. That idea has helped me to work more from within myself instead of constantly comparing myself to others.

Beforehand, I never thought I would be where I am now. What started as a desire to learn to paint better, ultimately led to a passion that has become an important part of my life.

The community

One aspect I barely considered beforehand, but which ultimately added a lot, is the community.

There are students from all over the world. Additionally, there is an active Dutch group where experiences, questions, and tips are shared.

Regional meet-ups are also organized.

Recently, I went away for a painting weekend with several other Dutch students. That was incredibly fun to experience. Everyone is in a similar process and shares the same passion for art.

For me, that added a lot of extra value to the program.

What I find less strong

Although I am very enthusiastic about the program, I also think it is not the right choice for everyone.

The biggest disadvantage of an online program is that you ultimately have to get to work yourself.

No one is going to make you paint. The lessons are available, the guidance is there, and the community is active, but the responsibility ultimately lies with you.

In addition, the program requires time.

If you want to make serious progress, you will need to practice regularly. It is precisely by putting in many hours of practice that you develop your skills.

The program also eventually requires some space. I started at the kitchen table myself, and that worked fine. As I progressed, I noticed that a dedicated workspace became more pleasant. I now have my own painting space.

That doesn't have to be a full studio. A fixed corner in the house can also work perfectly well. However, it is useful if you can leave your materials somewhere.

Finally, the program is very extensive.

I personally see that as an advantage, but if you only want to learn a technique occasionally or paint a few times a month, then the individual masterclasses are probably a better fit.

My final verdict

If someone asked me today if I would choose the Milan Art Institute's Mastery Program again, the answer would undoubtedly be: yes.

The program not only taught me how to draw and paint better, but also helped me develop my own style, build a portfolio, and take my art more seriously.

It is a comprehensive education that goes beyond technique alone. You also learn about creativity, personal development, branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship as an artist.

At the same time, the program demands commitment. You must be willing to make time, practice, and persevere.

For people who seriously want to learn to draw and paint, develop their own style, and actively get started with it, I find it worth every penny.

More information

Affiliate links are available below. With them, you can view more information about the Mastery Program and the individual masterclasses of Milan Art Institute.

If you have any questions about my personal experience with the program, feel free to send me a message. I am happy to share my experiences with other artists who are considering taking this step.

Mastery program:

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Masterclass Acrylics Remastered:

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